Zambia Safari Lodges (2026): A Fit-First Guide to the Right Camps in the Right Parks

Choosing between Zambia safari lodges isn’t about finding the “best” lodge on paper. It’s about matching the right camp to the right part of the country, and to the way you actually want to experience a safari.

Zambia does luxury very differently to places like Botswana or Kenya. It’s quieter. Wilder. More guide-led. And in many parks, walking safaris, canoeing, and time spent out of the vehicle matter as much as the lodge itself.

A couple enjoys a romantic sunset dinner surrounded by lanterns at the picturesque Thorntree River Lodge.

I’ve stayed in and spent time assessing, many of these places over the years, and spoken to guides and travellers who return to Zambia repeatedly. This guide reflects that reality.

Rather than ranking lodges 1 to 10, this is a fit-first guide: who each lodge is for, who it’s not for, and what you’re trading to be there.

How to Choose Between Zambia Safari Lodges (Read This First)

Before you look at individual lodges, decide where in Zambia you want to be. The park matters as much as the camp.

• South Luangwa National Park – Best for walking safaris, predators (especially leopard), and a raw, classic safari feel.

• Lower Zambezi National Park – Best for river safaris (canoe + boat + vehicle), dramatic scenery, and activity variety.

• Kafue National Park (Busanga Plains) – Best for scale, space, and seasonal drama; experiences vary greatly by location.

• Livingstone / Victoria Falls – Not a core safari destination, but an excellent bookend for river lodges and Falls experiences.

If you’re unsure, start with South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi. Most first-time Zambia travellers do.

What Do Zambia Safari Lodges Cost?

Zambia safari lodges generally sit in the upper-premium to luxury range, reflecting low guest density, strong guiding standards, and remote access rather than resort-style scale.

As a broad guide (per person, per night, fully inclusive):

• Top-tier luxury lodgesComparable to Botswana’s Okavango Delta at the high end. Expect private villas, plunge pools, and highly personalised guiding.

• High-end experiential campsStill premium, but often better value for travellers prioritising time in the field, walking safaris, and activity depth over architectural polish.

• Bush camps and conservation-led lodgesLower price point, fewer amenities, and a stronger emphasis on immersion, guiding, and wilderness experience.

Flights between parks, seasonal pricing, and lodge exclusivity can significantly affect overall trip cost. Most lodges include meals, activities, park fees, and guiding; extras are usually limited to premium drinks or specialist experiences.

The Best Zambia Safari Lodges in South Luangwa

South Luangwa is often called the birthplace of the walking safari, and it still feels that way. Guides here are among the strongest in Africa, and lodges tend to prioritise experience over spectacle.

Puku Ridge — Contemporary Luxury, Done Properly

Best for: Luxury travellers who still care about wildlife and guiding

Not for: Those seeking a rustic, old-school bush camp

Elegant safari-style room at Puka Ridge, featuring a luxurious bed with a canopy and a breathtaking view of the vast plains through wide glass doors. Cozy, natural decor adds to the relaxing ambiance.

Puku Ridge is one of the few lodges in Zambia that genuinely competes with top-tier camps elsewhere in Africa, without losing its safari soul.

The rooms are large, beautifully designed, and private, with plunge pools and expansive decks. What earns its place here, though, is location and guiding. You’re in a productive part of South Luangwa, with excellent leopard sightings and the option to walk as well as drive.

Puka Ridge sits at the upper end of Zambia’s safari pricing, reflecting its comfort level, location, and guiding quality.

Trade-offs

• This is polished luxury. If you want canvas, lanterns, and a rough-edged bushcamp feel, this isn’t it.

• High demand means limited availability in peak months.

Time + Tide Chinzombo — Design-Forward, Ultra-Comfortable

Best for: Honeymooners, photographers, and travellers who want maximum comfort

Not for: Travellers who equate “safari” with simplicity

Luxurious relaxation meets stunning natural beauty at Time + Tide Chinzombo, where modern design and comfort are perfectly integrated with the serene riverside view.

Chinzombo helped redefine what luxury in South Luangwa could look like. Private villas, river views, and high design set it apart immediately.

What’s often missed is that the guiding remains excellent. You’re not sacrificing wildlife time for comfort. Leopard sightings are frequent, and walking safaris are still part of the experience.

One of the most expensive lodges in Zambia, priced for travellers prioritising design, privacy, and a highly refined safari experience.

Trade-offs

• It’s one of the most expensive options in Zambia.

• The aesthetic is modern — some travellers prefer something less architectural.

Kaingo Camp — A Photographer’s Camp, First and Foremost

Best for: Serious wildlife photographers and experienced safari travellers

Not for: Travellers who want a pool, spa, or contemporary luxury

Luxurious and inviting, the bedroom at Kaingo Camp offers a serene retreat for photographers, featuring elegant decor, a cozy canopy bed, and an open view of the natural surroundings.

Kaingo is legendary among people who care about wildlife behaviour, not just sightings.

The photographic hides, especially for hippo and carmine bee-eaters, are some of the best in Africa. Leopard density here is exceptional, and guides are used to working quietly and patiently.

Lower price point than Zambia’s ultra-luxury lodges, but exceptional value for photographers and travellers focused on wildlife immersion.

Trade-offs

• Comfort is good, but not indulgent.

• This is a camp for early mornings, long sightings, and immersion — not lounging.

“Kaingo isn’t about ticking animals off a list. It’s about waiting, watching, and understanding what’s happening in front of you.”— Wildlife photographer, South Luangwa

Mwamba Camp — Seasonal, Immersive, and Very Wild

Best for: Adventurous travellers who want an old-school safari feel

Not for: Anyone uncomfortable with minimal infrastructure

A serene morning at Mwamba Camp, where nature seamlessly blends with comfort, offering an immersive and wild seasonal retreat.

Mwamba is a seasonal camp, open only in the dry months. That’s a feature, not a flaw.

It’s unfenced, intimate, and feels completely embedded in the landscape. Walking safaris here are outstanding, and nights are alive with sound.

Positioned below Zambia’s luxury lodges, with pricing that reflects its seasonal nature and emphasis on experience over amenities

Trade-offs

• No luxury extras.

• Limited seasonality means you must plan carefully.

Chikunto Safari Lodge — Small, Thoughtful, and Well-Positioned

Best for: Couples or families wanting intimacy without roughing it

Not for: Large groups or travellers wanting resort-style facilities

Aerial view of Chikunto Safari Lodge, showcasing its charming, eco-friendly design nestled amidst lush greenery, featuring a serene pool and inviting outdoor spaces.

Chikunto sits on a beautiful bend of the Luangwa River and balances comfort with restraint. It’s small, just a handful of tents, which allows for a highly personalised experience.

The raised star-bed platform is a highlight for many guests.

Mid-to-upper premium pricing for South Luangwa, offering strong value for travellers seeking intimacy and location without full ultra-luxury costs.

Trade-offs

• Limited communal space; not a social camp.

• You come here for quiet immersion, not variety of amenities.

The Best Zambia Safari Lodges in Lower Zambezi

Lower Zambezi offers something South Luangwa doesn’t: water-based safaris. Canoeing past elephants, drifting along channels, and combining land and river activities gives this park a different rhythm.

Lolebezi — Ultra-Luxury on the River

Best for: Design lovers, multi-generational families, and special occasions

Not for: Purists who want a stripped-back safari camp

Sunset serenity at Lolebezi: Guests enjoy an ultra-luxury riverside experience, complete with cozy firepit seating and breathtaking views.

Lolebezi is one of the most luxurious safari lodges ever built in Zambia. Spacious villas, spa, gym, and polished service put it firmly in the ultra-luxury category.

Wildlife viewing remains strong, particularly elephants and predators along the river.

Firmly in Zambia’s top pricing tier, comparable to Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges in both cost and inclusions.

Trade-offs

• Very expensive.

• The lodge itself becomes part of the experience — which some love, others don’t.

“It felt more like a private retreat that happened to be in the bush — in a good way, but it’s not a rough-and-ready safari camp.”— Repeat safari traveller, Lower Zambezi

Chiawa Camp — A True All-Rounder

Best for: First-timers to Zambia and repeat safari travellers alike

Not for: Travellers chasing cutting-edge design

Cozy evening at Chiawa Camp, where the wooden deck offers a scenic view of the tranquil river at sunset, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and wildlife observation.

Chiawa has earned its reputation through consistency. Excellent guiding, varied activities, and a relaxed but professional atmosphere make it one of Zambia’s safest recommendations.

Canoe safaris here are among the best in Africa.

Upper-premium pricing that reflects its guiding depth, activity variety, and long-established reputation rather than overt luxury features.

Trade-offs

• More classic than contemporary in style.

• Popular, book early.

Sausage Tree Camp — Activity-Rich, Bush-Chic Luxury

Best for: Couples who want adventure by day and comfort by night

Not for: Travellers seeking extreme seclusion

Luxurious relaxation at Sausage Tree Camp, where a guest enjoys serene river views and bush-chic comfort on a beautifully appointed deck.

Sausage Tree is unapologetically stylish, with a strong emphasis on food, service, and activity variety. Walking, canoeing, boating, and night drives are all well executed.

High-end pricing within the Lower Zambezi, offering strong value for travellers wanting activity-rich safaris alongside comfort.

Trade-offs

• Open-plan design isn’t for everyone.

• Monkeys are bold — staff brief guests carefully.

The Best Zambia Safari Lodges in Kafue National Park

Kafue is vast. Where you stay matters more here than in almost any other Zambian park.

Shumba Camp (Busanga Plains) — Seasonal Drama and Scale

Best for: Families and travellers who want space and spectacle

Not for: Year-round travellers (seasonality is key)

Luxury and serenity converge at Shumba Camp in the Busanga Plains, where the seasonal drama of the landscape meets modern comfort at sunset.

Busanga Plains is only accessible in the dry season, and Shumba sits right in the heart of it. Lions, open plains, and dramatic skies define the experience.

Hot-air ballooning is possible later in the season.

Premium seasonal pricing, influenced by its remote location and the short window when Busanga Plains is accessible.

Trade-offs

• Seasonal access only.

• Wildlife density varies early in the dry season.

Musekese Camp — Conservation-Led, Experience-Driven

Best for: Travellers who value conservation and guiding over luxury

Not for: Those expecting five-star amenities

A serene view of Musekese Camp, where conservation efforts seamlessly blend with an immersive wildlife experience, nestled amidst the lush landscape.

Musekese helped revitalise central Kafue and remains one of the most ethically grounded camps in Zambia.

Walking safaris and guide-led exploration are the focus.

One of the more accessible price points in Kafue, prioritising conservation and guiding over luxury amenities.

Trade-offs

• Comfort is thoughtful but simple.

• This is about meaning, not indulgence.

Safari Lodges Near Victoria Falls (Livingstone)

These are not classic safari parks, but they pair well with a Zambia itinerary.

Tongabezi Lodge — Romantic, Iconic, and Creative

Best for: Honeymooners and couples

Not for: Safari-only purists

Serene sunset views from the elegant deck at Tongabezi Lodge, offering a perfect blend of romance and creativity along the tranquil waterside.

Tongabezi is about atmosphere. Private river dinners, strong design, and excellent service make it a favourite near Victoria Falls.

Upper-premium pricing for the Victoria Falls region, driven by service, setting, and experience rather than big-game safari focus.

Trade-offs

• Limited big-game safari.

• You stay here for the river and Falls, not predator sightings.

Royal Chundu — Refined Riverside Luxury

Best for: Couples and families wanting space and privacy

Not for: Travellers wanting quick access to the Falls

Riverside luxury at Royal Chundu, featuring a beautifully designed suite with a thatched roof, elegant furnishings, and a scenic view of the tranquil river.

Royal Chundu offers a slower pace and strong community engagement. The Island Lodge villas are particularly appealing for privacy.

Premium pricing that reflects privacy, space, and a refined riverside retreat rather than classic safari intensity.

Trade-offs

• Further from Victoria Falls.

• More retreat than adventure.

Other Notable Zambia Safari Lodges (Context, Not Primary Recommendations)

The lodges above represent the strongest fit-based recommendations for most travellers planning a Zambia safari in 2026, based on guiding quality, location, and experience depth rather than visibility or marketing presence.

That said, Zambia has a deeper lodge ecosystem, and the properties below are frequently referenced in safari planning conversations. They may suit specific travellers or trip structures, but were not included as primary recommendations due to overlap in experience, scale, or positioning.

South Luangwa National Park

Mfuwe Lodge

One of South Luangwa’s most established lodges, famous for elephants walking through reception during mango season. Well located and comfortable, but larger and more lodge-like than the smaller camps above. Best suited to families, groups, or first-time visitors wanting ease and facilities.

Nsefu Camp / Tena Tena (Robin Pope Safaris)

Heritage camps with deep historical roots in South Luangwa. Strong walking safari culture and excellent guiding. Experience overlaps significantly with Mwamba and Kaingo, but worth noting for travellers drawn to safari history and classic bush aesthetics.

Chindeni Bushcamp (Bushcamp Company)

A beautifully positioned bushcamp overlooking a lagoon in the southern sector of the park. Similar in ethos to Mwamba and Kaingo, with a strong walking focus and quieter location. Often included as part of multi-camp circuits.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Royal Zambezi Lodge

A full-service safari lodge known for fishing, river frontage, and family-friendly accommodation. Larger in scale than Chiawa or Sausage Tree, with a more traditional lodge feel. Suits mixed-interest groups and travellers prioritising comfort and facilities.

Anabezi Camp / Little Anabezi

Ultra-spacious tents and a polished safari experience in the Lower Zambezi. Comparable in price and positioning to Sausage Tree, with less emphasis on activity variety. Often chosen by travellers who value space and privacy above all else.

Chongwe River Camp / Chongwe House

Known for its dramatic architecture and private villa option (Chongwe House). Best suited to families or groups booking exclusive-use accommodation rather than couples seeking a classic safari camp atmosphere.

Kafue National Park

Busanga Bush Camp

A Wilderness Safaris camp in the Busanga Plains, offering a slightly softer luxury alternative to Shumba. Strong wildlife in peak season, but experience and location overlap significantly with Shumba.

Ila Safari Lodge / Mukambi Safari Lodge

More accessible Kafue lodges offering comfortable stays and varied activities. Better suited to travellers on broader Zambia itineraries or those prioritising accessibility over remoteness. Less immersive than Busanga or Musekese.

Victoria Falls / Livingstone Area

Thorntree River Lodge

A contemporary lodge near Victoria Falls with strong family credentials and rhino walking safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. A good alternative to Tongabezi for travellers preferring modern design and proximity to the Falls.

Royal Livingstone Hotel

A classic luxury hotel within walking distance of Victoria Falls. Not a safari lodge, but often paired with Zambia safaris as a Falls base. Suits travellers prioritising location and hotel amenities over bush immersion.

Tourists and guides on a walking safari in Zambia observe elephants and antelopes in their natural habitat.

Practical Things Most First-Time Zambia Travellers Miss

• Luggage limits: Most bush flights limit luggage to around 15kg in soft bags. Laundry is usually included — pack light.

• Seasonality: Many bush camps close from November to March. Always check dates carefully.

• Walking safaris: Often age-restricted (typically 12–14+). This catches families out.

• Electricity & Wi-Fi: Even luxury camps may limit generator hours. This is intentional, not neglect.

• Guiding culture: Zambia is guide-led. If you want self-driving or fixed schedules, this may frustrate you.

Zambia Safari Lodges: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zambia good for a first safari?

Yes, particularly South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Zambia suits travellers who value guiding, walking safaris, and quieter parks.

Are Zambia safari lodges expensive compared to other destinations?

At the luxury end, Zambia is often comparable to Botswana, particularly in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Costs reflect low guest density, remote locations, and guiding quality rather than resort-style amenities. Bush camps and conservation-led lodges can offer lower price points with fewer comforts.

Are Zambia safari lodges suitable for families?

Some are, but not all. Walking safaris often have age limits, and many camps are unfenced. Family-friendly options exist, especially in Lower Zambezi and near Victoria Falls.

Is Zambia more expensive than other safari destinations?

Zambia is often comparable to Botswana at the luxury end. Costs reflect remote access, strong guiding, and low-density tourism rather than inflated branding.

When is the best time to visit Zambia for safari?

The dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing. Many bush camps close during the rainy season.

Why are walking safaris such a big deal in Zambia?

Zambia pioneered the walking safari, particularly in South Luangwa. Walking here is not a novelty, it’s a core way of understanding the bush.

Thinking About Planning a Safari?

If this guide has helped you clarify what kind of safari experience you’re actually looking for, the next step is often speaking to a human specialist who understands these trade-offs on the ground.

African Safari Mag does not book or sell safaris.

Instead, we help travellers get clarity first, and, when useful, connect them with experienced safari planners or operators who specialise in trips like this.

Plan a Safari (With Expert Guidance)

You’re not committing to anything by enquiring.

This is about fit, timing, and avoiding expensive mistakes, not selling you a package.

About the Author & African Safari Mag

This guide was written by Craig Howes, founder of African Safari Mag, an independent safari authority platform focused on decision-stage guidance for African safaris.

African Safari Mag does not sell safaris or accept paid lodge rankings. Recommendations are based on experience, guide insight, and traveller fit — not commercial placement.

Final Thought

Zambia rewards travellers who value experience over spectacle. The best lodges here don’t shout. They guide well, tread lightly, and let the bush do the talking.

The right lodge isn’t the most expensive one, it’s the one that fits how you want to safari.