Zambia is synonymous with wild, wild Africa. Visions of the roaring Mosi-oa-Tunya – meaning “Smoke That Thunders” – top the bucket lists in these parts. More commonly known as Victoria Falls, this mighty waterfall crashes some 108 metres off a bluff on the Zambezi River to form the world’s largest waterfall by overall size.
Prepare to be wowed when you witness the falls for the first time, watching plumes of mist rise from the gorges below as a cacophony of gurgling water echoes through the ebony forests. Those unafraid of heights can take a dip in Devil’s Pool, nature’s ultimate infinity pool 100 metres above the base of the falls.
As epic as that UNESCO site is, Victoria Falls is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to jaw-dropping natural wonders in this corner of East Africa. Zambia also flaunts vast game reserves that oscillate from thick miombo woods to rolling plains, heart-thumping adventure pursuits such as whitewater rafting and bungee jumping, and rich human histories that come through in the cultural villages of the Tonga and Bemba peoples.
Like neighbouring Tanzania, luxury villas in Zambia are largely about upscale safari stays. They’re places where you can settle on the side of snaking riverways and open savannah plains in the company of zebras and stalking lions, all with certain creature comforts – think stunning infinity pools overlooking the bush and tentalow-style suites that hearken back to the days of Livingstone and the great explorers.
Two national parks really stand out from the crowd: The South Luangwa National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
The first is a wide river valley between two escarpments in central Zambia, home to crocodiles, elephants, and Cape buffaloes. It’s one of the few places you can do walking safaris to truly get a feel for what it’s like to be out in the bush. Lower Zambezi National Park is another of the country’s largest reserves. It is a vast wilderness of lush green hills and winding rivers where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun along the banks. The park is also home to over 400 species of birds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and owls, making it a paradise for birders.
Discover our array of enticing luxury holiday villas in Zambia to piece together a safari trip or cultural exploration of this stunning corner of Africa that you’ll never forget. At once immersed in nature but offering creature comforts and sumptuous suites, they’re the perfect base for checking off wonders like Victoria Falls and the wildlife reserves that hug the Luangwa River.
See
- The spectacular Victoria Falls – the largest waterfall in the world
- The intriguing town of Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls
- Traditional villages brimming with culture and history
Experience
- Enjoy walking safaris at the South Luangwa National Park
- Go birding in the Lower Zambezi National Park
- Swim in Devil's Pool, a natural infinity pool on the edge of Victoria Falls
