Top 10 Best Zambia Safari Lodges & Camps

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

There is no shortage of outstanding Zambia safari lodges and camps. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate rustic camp with minimal walls and maximum bush ambience or a more traditional luxurious retreat with all mod cons, Zambia has plenty of options for everyone. Making sense of it all can be a little daunting, so here goes with some of our favorite Zambia safari lodges and camps.

Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge room

Mfuwe Lodge is the perfect base for safaris in the game-rich South Luangwa National Park. You don’t need to go far to see lots of wildlife when staying here. All 18 chalets, carefully positioned in the shade of ancient mahogany and ebony trees, have views over a large lagoon, a draw for thirsty animals in the Dry season. In November you might even see elephants wandering through the lobby in search of wild mangos.

Mfuwe Lodge Tours

The River Club

View over the Zambezi from a River Club suite

Just a stone’s throw from Victoria Falls, the River Club is the perfect add-on to a safari. The elegant suites with magnificent views over the mighty Zambezi offer a perfect haven to unwind. But there are also plenty of activities if you feel like keeping busy. Swim in the infinity pool with forever-views over the river, meander the paths along the property’s riverine forest, enjoy the sunset on an evening cruise, or indulge in a relaxing massage.

The River Club Tours

Tena Tena

Tena Tena Safari Tent

Tena Tena, which translates as ‘temporary home’ is located in the remote Nsefu sector of South Luangwa National Park. Guests are accommodated in six spacious tents maximising privacy and uninterrupted views onto a magnificent stretch of the Luangwa River. The main area is moulded around a massive termite mound in the shade of an ancient mahogany tree. This home away from home offers the ultimate personalised safari experience in a rustic, yet elegant environment.

Tena Tena Tours

Tafika Camp

Family chalet twin room

If you’re yearning for an old-style, no-frills, authentic safari camp deep in South Luangwa, look no further. The intimate, owner-managed Tafika Camp hosts just 14 guests at a time in thatched huts on the bank of the Luangwa River. Wildlife viewing is superb here with big cats, especially leopards, stealing the show. Walking safaris and mountain biking safaris are highly recommended too.

Tafika Camp Tours

Sausage Tree Camp

Luxury suite view

Tucked away in the remote depths of Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of safari chic. This 5-star luxury camp has it all – including a 25-meter swimming pool overlooking the mighty Zambezi River. Expect incredible attention to detail, immaculate service and gourmet food, but don’t forget what it is all about – the guiding and wildlife viewing are equally outstanding.

Sausage Tree Camp Tours

Busanga Plains Camp

Busanga Plains Camp chalet

This small seasonal bush camp is located in the middle of the famous Busanga flood plains in Kafue National Park. As Zambia safari camps go, it doesn’t get more ‘bush’ than this. Busanga Plains Camp consists of just four luxury safari tents with open-air bucket-shower bathrooms and a rustic communal area around a campfire. While the surroundings are humble and in perfect balance with nature, the service and food are fit for a king. Don’t think you’ll be slumming it here.

Busanga Plains Camp Tours

Mwaleshi Camp

Mwaleshi Camp Aerial view

As only one of three accommodations in the inaccessible wilderness of North Luangwa National Park, Mwaleshi Camp offers a truly exclusive walking safari experience. It doesn’t get more remote than this. Access is by small aircraft only and there are virtually no roads in the park. With your expert guide, you’ll have a real chance of tracking down the Big Five (and wild dog) on foot. The camp is made up of four rustic chalets with minimal facilities but hot showers on request.

Mwaleshi Camp Tours

Time + Tide Chinzombo

Time + Tide Chinzombo villa river view

Chinzombo, with its award-winning designer villas, is South Luangwa’s most luxurious safari camp. It is made up of six spacious units with private plunge pools and panoramic views over the Luangwa River. Contemporary design, mixed with natural materials offer a touch of sophistication to this 5-star bush retreat. Award-winning guides are ever ready to take you on thrilling game drives, walks and boat cruises.

Time + Tide Chinzombo Tours

The Royal Livingstone Hotel

Zebras on lawn

Exuding the charm of a bygone era, the Royal Livingstone Hotel offers luxury accommodation within walking distance to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a world-class spa treatment on the banks of the river and try the different African and International dining options available in the hotel. Your private butler will make all arrangements. And don’t miss out on high tea. Where else do you get zebras nibbling on the manicured lawn while drinking a cuppa?

The Royal Livingstone Hotel Tours

Ila Safari Lodge

Luxury tent with Kafue river view

Ila Safari Lodge offers luxury tented accommodation in Kafue National Park. The tents seamlessly blend into the wild surroundings while offering sweeping views of the Kafue River. However, its main claim to fame is its minimal carbon footprint and outstanding eco credentials. From the solar powered electricity to the locally sourced building materials to its development of Zambia’s first electrical game drive vehicle. Veggies are grown in a community garden and the friendly staff are local villagers trained on site.

Ila Safari Lodge Tours