Zambia Travel: Safari, Leopards & Victoria Falls

Zambia is a safari lover’s dream, with vast, untamed wilderness and some of Africa’s most exciting wildlife experiences. South Luangwa National Park — the location featured in David Attenborough’s wildlife documentary Kingdom — is renowned for walking safaris and night drives, as well as daytime driving safaris. Here I had the best leopard sighting I have ever experienced on a night-time safari — gliding through the bush, we watched this elusive cat illuminated by spotlight stalking its prey. South Luangwa is particularly famous for leopards, alongside elephants, lions, hippos and prolific birdlife, making it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

A highlight of any trip to Southern Africa is Victoria Falls — one of the largest waterfalls in the world, stretching roughly 1.7 kilometres wide and plunging more than 100 metres into the gorge below. Swimming at the very top of the falls was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is only possible when water levels are low enough, typically from late August until the beginning of the wet season. Floating in natural pools at the edge, with rainbows forming in the spray and the thunder of water crashing below, is both exhilarating and surreal. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy its splendour from the many viewpoints along the gorge. The falls can also be visited from the Zimbabwe side, which offers a very different perspective — wider panoramic views of the curtain of water and dramatic mist rising high above the gorge.

For a different perspective on wildlife, a canoe safari on the Zambezi River is unforgettable: elephants crossing the river, hippos resting beside crocodiles, and the gentle drift past wild riverbanks. The river journey was peaceful yet also felt like a huge adventure — and was definitely a trip highlight.

Zambia combines world-class safaris, exceptional leopard sightings, the mighty Victoria Falls, and unforgettable Zambezi River adventures, making it one of the most diverse and rewarding safari destinations in Africa.