Zambia’s Wild Soul: Where to Safari in Unrivalled Privacy and Elegance

Zambia’s Wild Soul: Where to Safari in Unrivalled Privacy and Elegance

Zambia’s Wild Soul: Where to Safari in Unrivalled Privacy and Elegance

Blog post with #NANANtravel
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Zambia is where Africa speaks in subtle tones. It doesn’t demand attention—it earns it. For those who seek more than sightings and snapshots, this is a land that offers wild elegance, solitude without compromise, and luxury crafted with restraint. Here, it’s not about ticking off boxes—it’s about deep connection, quiet beauty, and experiences that feel personally designed, because they are.


Why Zambia? Authenticity Without the Crowd

For seasoned safari-goers or first-time explorers seeking privacy, Zambia remains one of the continent’s best-kept secrets. Its national parks—South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue—are vast, unspoiled, and uncrowded. This is a country where game drives don’t follow a convoy and sundowners are enjoyed without interruption. Instead, you find handcrafted journeys, remarkable guiding, and accommodation that redefines what luxury in the wild can feel like.

The best safaris don’t scream for attention—they whisper unforgettable moments. Zambia is rich with them.

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide - Lioness and cubs<br />
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide- clients on safari
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris Ultimate Guide- Elephants at pool at lodge in Africa

South Luangwa: The Original Walking Safari in Refined Style

South Luangwa National Park is not only the birthplace of the walking safari; it remains its most exquisite stage. Here, each footstep is an invitation into the wild, guided by masters of their craft who interpret the land with grace and insight.

Where to Stay:

  • Time + Tide Chinzombo – A striking blend of modern design and wilderness immersion. Each villa features a private pool, open-plan bathroom, and views over the Luangwa River that often include elephants. Service is seamless, and guiding is among the finest in Africa.
  • Kafunta River Lodge – Perched on stilts above the plains, it offers not just sweeping views but also access to a natural hot spring and a photographic hide. It strikes a perfect balance between authenticity and comfort.
  • Time + Tide Nsolo A quiet triumph of bush-camp simplicity, Nsolo is built along the seasonal Luwi River, with just a handful of open-front chalets raised on wooden decks. It’s ideal for guests who want to truly walk with the wild. The atmosphere is intimate and grounded in the traditional Zambian safari style, yet elevated with warm, personalised service and exceptional guiding.
  • Lion CampSituated deep in the remote northern reaches of South Luangwa, Lion Camp offers unmatched wildlife viewing from a secluded, stylish base. Its suites are spacious, open to the elements, and elegantly minimal, connected by raised walkways and overlooking a floodplain where lions, leopards, and wild dogs often roam.
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide - Lioness and cubs<br />
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide- clients on safari
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris Ultimate Guide- Elephants at pool at lodge in Africa

Lower Zambezi: River Encounters in Effortless Elegance

To the south, Lower Zambezi National Park unrolls like a private paradise along the banks of its namesake river. Canoe safaris, river cruises, and game drives reveal landscapes teeming with life—yet you’ll rarely see another vehicle.

Where to Stay:

  • Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp – Deep within the park, Anabezi features 12 spacious tented suites, each with private plunge pools and front-row views of waterholes and wildlife corridors.
  • Sausage Tree Camp – With personal butlers, grand tented suites, and gourmet dining under the stars, this is one of the region’s most refined offerings. Every element, from guiding to design, is delivered at the highest level.
  • Royal Zambezi LodgePrivately owned and perched on the Zambezi’s edge, Royal Zambezi delivers a seamless blend of classic safari style and modern elegance.
  • Time + Tide Chongwe Camp – Set at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, this riverside lodge is renowned for canoe safaris, tranquil riverfront suites, and its relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-Leopard in tree
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-safari break German drinking coffee
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-lion sighting on a safari

Kafue & Busanga Plains: Remote, Rare, and Remarkable

Kafue National Park, particularly its Busanga Plains, offers some of the most dramatic and unspoiled safari landscapes in Africa. This is a region for those who want to go deeper—to feel the expanse, to watch wildlife in solitude, and to surrender to the rhythm of nature.

Where to Stay:

  • Chisa Busanga Camp – With nest-like rooms perched above the plains, this innovative camp is equal parts design statement and wildlife sanctuary. It’s solar-powered, community-run, and visually unforgettable.
  • Busanga Bush Camp – Tucked into a wild corner of the plains, this camp delivers everything Kafue promises: wide skies, predator-rich plains, and silence broken only by nature. It’s intimate, authentic, and perfect for returning safari-goers seeking something truly off-grid.

Access is seasonal, but for those who plan ahead, the reward is unmatched. Busanga is not about polished safari; it’s about pristine wilderness, curated with care.

Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-Leopard in tree
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-safari break German drinking coffee
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-lion sighting on a safari

Victoria Falls: A Graceful Beginning or Ending

Zambia also offers proximity to one of the natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls. For those who wish to combine safari with spectacle, a few nights near Livingstone provides a gentle landing or a memorable finale.

Where to Stay:

  • Tongabezi Lodge – This iconic riverside retreat combines romance and adventure. Cottages and houses are individually styled, service is personalised, and activities range from private island picnics to helicopter flights over the Falls. It’s ideal for honeymooners or travellers looking for a softer bookend to their safari.
  • The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara – Steps from the Falls, this colonial-style hotel offers a rare blend of grandeur and proximity. Think high tea on manicured lawns, private decks overlooking the Zambezi, and zebra grazing in the gardens. It’s ideal for those seeking traditional elegance with seamless access to one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Royal Chundu – Located upstream on a quieter stretch of the Zambezi, Royal Chundu is a sanctuary of stillness and soul. With river lodges and island villas suspended over water, it offers complete seclusion with refined service and cuisine that celebrates local Zambian flavours. A perfect place to unwind after the rhythm of safari.
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-Leopard in tree
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-safari break German drinking coffee
Nanan Travel - Balancing Luxury & Wilderness in African Safaris _ Ultimate Guide-lion sighting on a safari

Designing the Journey: Sequencing for Flow and Contrast

A well-structured Zambian itinerary is like a symphony—each destination offering a distinct movement, building towards a crescendo of experience.

A recommended flow:

  • Start in South Luangwa – Grounded, sensory, and quietly powerful.
  • Move to Lower Zambezi – Fluid, graceful, and intimate.
  • Add Kafue for depth – Remote, rare, and dramatically different.
  • Close at Victoria Falls – A soft exhale, a grand finale.

Each lodge, flight, and transfer is handled with precision, allowing you to immerse fully without needing to manage a single detail.

When to Go

June to October offers the best wildlife visibility, while November to April brings verdant landscapes, dramatic skies, and abundant birdlife. Each season has its rewards—and we tailor every journey to match not just the calendar, but your preferences, energy, and purpose.

The Nanan Travel Signature

In Zambia, the difference lies in nuance. The right room placement, the perfect sundowner spot, the guide whose stories echo long after you return. We take care of it all—not just the obvious, but the invisible. The moments you don’t realise were planned, but remember forever.

Our itineraries are not templates. They are handcrafted narratives shaped by first-hand knowledge and a deep understanding of what true luxury means: not excess, but exactness. Not grandeur, but grace.

Ready to Breathe Africa? 

Africa awaits, with its vast horizons and timeless beauty. Let us design a journey for you—seamless, sophisticated, and entirely your own.

Reach out and let’s begin your African story—crafted with care, delivered with distinction.

German and Niece in Cape Town

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Zambia’s Untamed Beauty: A Guide to Wildlife and Luxury Safaris in Africa’s Hidden Gem

Zambia’s Untamed Beauty: A Guide to Wildlife and Luxury Safaris in Africa’s Hidden Gem

Zambia’s Untamed Beauty: A Guide to Wildlife and Luxury Safaris in Africa’s Hidden Gem

Blog post with #NANANtravel
Blog Posts

Zambia, a land of vast wilderness, meandering rivers, and abundant wildlife, remains one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. With its unspoiled landscapes, world-class lodges, and intimate wildlife encounters, this southern African destination offers an experience that is both raw and luxurious.

From the thundering Victoria Falls to the remote Busanga Plains, Zambia delivers unparalleled safari exclusivity. Whether you’re gliding silently through the Lower Zambezi on a canoe safari or tracking lions on foot in South Luangwa, every moment here is an immersion into nature’s grand spectacle.

For those seeking a safari away from the crowds, Zambia offers the perfect balance of adventure, exclusivity, and luxury. To explore the best times for a safari, read our Zambia in August: A Safari and Adventure Vacation.

Understanding Zambia’s Unique Safari Landscape

Zambia is not just a safari destination—it’s an untamed masterpiece of nature. With over 30% of its land dedicated to national parks, the country is one of the most biodiverse in Africa. South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue are among its top reserves, each offering distinct ecosystems and exceptional game viewing.

What makes Zambia unique is its commitment to conservation and immersive safari experiences. This is where the legendary walking safari was pioneered, offering thrilling up-close encounters with wildlife. Here, safari-goers move at nature’s pace, guided by expert trackers who reveal the secrets of the bush.

The Zambezi River, the lifeblood of Zambia’s wilderness, flows through some of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges, making water-based safaris a standout experience. Whether by canoe, boat, or luxury lodge deck, witnessing elephants crossing the river at sunset is simply magical.

To explore more about Zambia as a destination, check out our comprehensive Zambia travel guide.

Zambia - Victoria Falls - Devil's Pool

Wildlife Encounters in Zambia

Zambia offers some of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in Africa, thanks to its low visitor numbers and vast, untouched landscapes.

The Big Five and Beyond

Lions roam freely across South Luangwa, while leopards are frequently spotted resting on the branches of sausage trees. Elephants wade through the Lower Zambezi’s floodplains, and rhinos—though rare—are protected in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Zambia is also home to Africa’s largest population of wild dogs, making it a prime destination for spotting these elusive predators in action.

The Great Wildebeest Migration of Liuwa Plain

Though less known than the Serengeti’s migration, Zambia has its own remarkable spectacle—the annual blue wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain. From October to December, thousands of wildebeest traverse the floodplains, offering a wildlife phenomenon in near-total solitude.

Birdlife in Zambia

With over 750 bird species, Zambia is a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. Witness the iconic African fish eagle soaring over the Zambezi, or experience the dramatic spectacle of millions of fruit bats migrating to Kasanka National Park, one of the largest mammal migrations on Earth.

Indulgence in the Wild: Luxury Safari Lodges in Zambia

Zambia’s luxury safari lodges offer a seamless blend of authentic wilderness and refined elegance. Set in prime locations with spectacular views, these lodges provide exclusive game drives, private plunge pools, and personalized service.

Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa

Perched along the Luangwa River, this award-winning lodge offers luxury tented villas with private pools, open-air bathtubs, and uninterrupted views of the wild. Chinzombo is renowned for its walking safaris and intimate game drives, delivering an unmatched safari experience.

Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lower Zambezi

A private retreat on the banks of the Zambezi, this lodge offers spacious suites, infinity pools, and guided boat safaris. Guests can experience close wildlife encounters, from elephants drinking by the pool to hippos wallowing in the river at dusk.

Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park

Located in the remote Busanga Plains, this seasonal camp offers ultra-private, exclusive safaris. With only a handful of guests at a time, the camp provides helicopter access, walking safaris, and the best big cat sightings in Zambia.

Time + Tide King Lewanika, Liuwa Plain

The only permanent camp in Liuwa Plain, this minimalist, luxury lodge immerses guests in the wild beauty of Zambia’s most remote wilderness. Experience exclusive wildebeest migration safaris and guided walking tours with expert trackers.

Zambia Safari Adventure

Curated Safari Experiences in Zambia

Zambia offers some of the most immersive and unique safari activities in Africa.

 

  • Walking Safaris: Experience the bush on foot with expert guides, tracking wildlife up close.
  • Canoe Safaris: Glide along the Zambezi River, paddling past elephants, crocodiles, and hippos.
  • Night Game Drives: Spot nocturnal predators like leopards and hyenas in their natural habitat.
  • Helicopter Safaris: Take to the skies for breathtaking aerial views over Zambia’s vast wilderness.
  • Victoria Falls Excursions: Combine your safari with a visit to “The Smoke That Thunders,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

When to Visit Zambia for the Best Safari Experience

Zambia offers year-round safari opportunities, but certain seasons provide distinct advantages.

  • Dry Season (May to October): The best time for game viewing, as wildlife gathers around permanent water sources.
  • Green Season (November to April): Lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and spectacular photography conditions. Perfect for fewer crowds and dramatic scenery.

For a deeper dive into the best months to visit Zambia, explore our luxury safari guide.

An Invitation to Zambia’s Wilderness

Zambia is a safari destination for true wilderness seekers—where wildlife thrives without crowds, where luxury meets authenticity, and where each safari is an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Whether it’s tracking lions on foot in South Luangwa, floating past elephants on a Zambezi canoe safari, or witnessing Africa’s last untouched migration in Liuwa Plain, Zambia delivers a safari experience unlike any other.

For a tailor-made Zambia safari, let us design an itinerary that meets your exclusive travel needs. Get in touch today and let’s bring your African adventure to life.

Ready to explore the wonders of Africa? 

Let me craft the perfect itinerary for you—one that promises luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable memories. With my insider knowledge and meticulous planning, your journey to Africa will be nothing short of extraordinary.

German and Niece in Cape Town

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