Zambia Bucket List: Epic Things to Do in Zambia/Activities
The best things to do in Zambia should guide your trip planning.
Zambia is the best spot to see authentic, unspoiled Africa. From the breathtaking Victoria Falls to the thrilling safaris in the country’s national parks, visitors may enjoy a wide variety of activities. One of the most popular things to do in the nation is white-water rafting down the powerful Zambezi River, which is a major tourist destination.
The historic city of Livingstone and the vibrant capital city of Lusaka are two of the most visited cities in Zambia.
Our destination specialists are here to answer any questions you may have about Zambia, including the ideal time to visit, how to organize your trip to Africa, and which safari to choose. You must include this list of the best things to do in Zambia, compiled by the experts at Enchanting Travels, in your Zambia travel guide.
Awesome Things to Do in Zambia
Things to Do in Zambia
Zambia is an extraordinary country, famous for its beautiful scenery and kind people. An fantastic vacation spot, the nation is home to the untamed Zambezi River, the majestic Victoria Falls, and other stunning natural wonders. Zambia offers a wide array of activities! The country offers a wide range of activities and attractions for everyone. Some of the top activities in Zambia are listed here.
1. Rafting in the Zambezi River
Among the world’s top white water rafting destinations is the Zambezi River. Two or three whitewater falls and stunning vistas concealed by towering black cliffs await thrill seekers on this extreme roller coaster.
Big rubber rafts are launched from beneath Victoria Falls and can transport you across the falls.
Seasonal changes cause the Zambezi River’s water level to fluctuate dramatically. Typically, the best time to go low water rafting is between the middle of August and the beginning of January. But things can change if the water level rises or falls. In warmer months, the 200 meters of hiking that the rafters must do could be challenging.
From the second week of January until the first week of August, you can go high water rafting. The months of April and May could see rafting suspended due to dangerously high water levels.
2. Bungee Jumping in Victoria Falls
Among bungee jumps in the world, the one at Victoria Falls is among the most picturesque. An opportunity to free-fall for four seconds and eleven meters will present itself to you. The stunning natural beauty here more than makes up for the exhilarating bungee jump.
Indulge in the spectacular views of the rapids of Victoria Falls as you get ready to leap. Your attention will be captivated by the rapid Zambezi River that is close beneath.
Anyone participating must be at least 15 years old. Neither a visa nor a passport stamp are required to jump from the bungee bridge. It is imperative that, while bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, you adhere to the safety protocols laid forth by your guide. Daily from 10 am to 2 pm, a complimentary shuttle departs from the Shearwater Cafe in downtown Victoria Falls.
Every bungee jump will be documented and photographed by the guides. So, you may purchase personalized images and films to remember your 111-meter plunge into the Batoka Gorge forever.
Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls
3. Bush Walks (Walking Safari)
The breathtaking waterfalls, national parks, and landscapes of Zambia are best explored on foot during a walking safari.
During the dry months of July and October, visitors to Zambia are well suited for wilderness walks. Because wildlife congregates around watering holes, they are considerably simpler to spot.
The Chisa Busanga and Ila lodges in Kafue National Park are ideal for a peaceful and environmentally conscious safari, thanks to their fleet of solar-powered vans.
The months of November through March are ideal for visiting Zambia, a paradise for birdwatchers and a place to see newborn wildlife. Going on safari in Zambia is also more affordable during this time. Unfortunately, there are parks that close when it rains, so you might not have many options for where to camp.
Walking safaris out of a rustic bush camp are the most memorable. There will be plenty of time for a fast breakfast before you hit the road before the heat of the day gets to you. After three or five hours of walking, you can head back to camp when the heat gets too much.
When the weather cools down, you can go for a faster, longer walk before cooling off with a sundowner or going for a nighttime drive.
During the Bush Walk
In most cases, an armed ranger will be in the lead, with your guide right behind. While the ranger’s first responsibility is the safety of any animals you might see, the guide’s main concern is your well-being.
The location you’ll be exploring is well-known to the guide. The villagers’ usage of native trees and plants to cure common diseases is something they will gladly describe.
You will also learn to identify animals by their tracks and droppings from your guide. They may even show you how to build a fire in the backyard using only a few pieces of well chosen wood.
How to sneak up on animals and hide your scent in the wind are both skills you’ll pick up on a safari. Being up close and personal with the animals allows you to see their every move and reactions to their environment.
An ideal way to safely explore the vast savannah is on a safari, so it’s a great option if you’re short on activities in Zambia.
4. Canoeing on the Lower Zambezi
Canoe safari routes along the Zambezi River lead you via wild rivers teeming with animals. Isolation and a plethora of big game species make the lower Zambezi River noteworthy. Canoeing is a fun activity, but only if you’re in good shape.
Canoeing the Lower Zambezi River requires no special skills. Because experienced experts will be there to assist you with cooking and setting up your tent, this excursion is not considered a true “roughing it” experience.
However, if you’re seeking for typical hotel facilities like wifi and closed doors, the trip may not be the best choice for you.
Lunch, refreshments, and peaceful wildlife viewing will be available at each of the several daily pauses made by the guide and team. Due to the lack of barriers such as fences and tourist vehicles, you will have the chance to approach Zambia’s animals up close.
The Zambezi River is famous all over the globe for its ability to safely transport tourists very near to animals.
Canoeing in Lower Zambezi National Park
5. House Boating and Fishing on Lake Kariba
Houseboating on Lake Kariba is not only a fascinating activity, but also the greatest way to take in the breathtaking scenery of the lake. A variety of Kariba houseboats are available, including yachts, cabin cruisers, and pontoon boats. A handful of people can fit in some boats, while others can fit fifty.
Houseboats are great for hours of peaceful fishing and seeing nature near the water’s edge. Here is a list of the most frequent fish species: Vundu, Catfish, Tilapia, and Tigerfish
An whole crew, including workers, is also provided by the boats to assist with cooking and cleaning.
6. Visiting a Hide To Photograph Animals Up Close
Various wildlife species visit the areas where the best safari photography hides in Zambia are located. Because of this, they are great for getting shots from hidden spots. The conceals range from charming bushes in the woods to lavish homes.
You might discover a perfect hiding spot in Zambia if you enjoy photography. At the confluence of the Luangwa and Mwamba rivers is a Hippo Hide, which is ideal for first-timers. You can get great views of the pod from below the water’s surface from a dark, primitive room about 20 steps from the entrance. It has many windows.
The Elephant Hide, shaped like a tower, overlooks the Luangwa River’s well-known elephant crossing route and is open to the public.
Additionally, you have the option to stop by the Carmine Bee-eater Hide, a stationary boat situated close to the elevated riverbanks where colorful birds construct elaborate nests. The bee-eaters may be photographed in flight, which is difficult to achieve using any other way, so it’s a great chance.
7. Traditional Game Drives Through the Wilderness
You have the option to go on a morning wildlife drive when you stay at a Wildlife Camp. A relaxing open vehicle will take you on an adventure around the countryside. As they meander across the fields, you could spot antelopes, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants.
The variety of birds seen on a morning drive through South Luangwa National Park is truly remarkable. Also, you can find trees that are more than a thousand years old in the park’s valley bottom.
Going on a game drive is more than just taking a leisurely stroll through the woods in pursuit of rare animals. If you have any questions regarding the local plants, animals, birds, or insects, your guides are experts in the area and will be happy to answer them.
8. Observe Bat Migration in October-December
The world’s largest animal migration takes place in Zambia during the Kasanka Bat Migration. During the months of November and December, the Mushitu forest is visited by millions of bats every year.
In order to take advantage of the abundance of ripe seasonal fruits in the woods, the birds leave their roosts for the night as the sun sets. Many bat mothers are caring for their young at this time of year. They get the extra energy they need during that time from the fruits.
During the day, visitors can take a guided tour of the woodland to see the bats sleeping there and hearing their chirping and scraping.
This is a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures, perfect for animal lovers or anyone simply interested in them. If you want to record the breathtaking sunset bat migration, you should carry a camera.
The world’s largest mammal migration at Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Final Thoughts
In Zambia, one of Africa’s most picturesque countries, you can see rare and endangered animals in their natural habitat. Because of its accessibility and abundance of unspoiled nature, Zambia attracts a large number of tourists.
In addition, Zambians have a reputation for being very welcoming and cheerful. Our goal in compiling this list of eight top attractions in Zambia is to assist you in organizing your next African vacation. To begin your exploration of Zambia, but are unsure of where to begin, get in touch with the experts at Kabira Safaris! If you want assistance planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Zambia, we know just when to go.