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Zambia Budget Safari Tours
Dreaming of a budget safari in Zambia? It can be done! Zambia doesn’t attract the attention that its more famous neighbors (such as South Africa and Botswana) receive for being a safari country. And especially not as a country known for its budget safaris. In fact, the country pitches itself mainly at the upper end of the safari market. But that doesn’t mean a cheap Zambia safari isn’t possible. You just need to spend a bit of time shopping around. If you like camping you will be in your element. There are plenty of budget camping options, and many are located in beautiful riverside settings. Just know that you will have hippos and crocodiles as neighbors once the sun goes down. But that’s all part of the adventure in Zambia!
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3-Day Lower Zambezi Camping Tour
$750 pp (USD)
Zambia: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Lower Zambezi NP, Lusaka (End)
Wilderness Horizon Safaris
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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5-Day Safari to Livingstone and Kafue National Park
$1,330 pp (USD)
Zambia: Private tourBudgetLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Mosi-oa-Tunya NP, Kafue NP, Livingstone (End)
Zamsato
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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8-Day Liuwa Camping Trip to the Wild West of Zambia
$1,650 to $1,760 pp (USD)
Zambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Ngonye Falls (Highlight), Liuwa Plain NP, Mongu (City), Kafue NP, Lusaka Airport (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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12-Day South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi & Kafue Camping
$4,488 pp (USD)
Zambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Safari Start, Kafue NP, Lusaka (City), Lower Zambezi NP, South Luangwa NP, Lusaka (End)
Wilderness Horizon Safaris
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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![4-Day Highlights Around the Victoria Falls]()
4-Day Highlights Around the Victoria Falls
$825 pp (USD)
Zambia: Private tourBudgetGuest House
You Visit: Livingstone
Zamsato
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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![15-Day Liuwa Plains to South Luangwa National Parks]()
15-Day Liuwa Plains to South Luangwa National Parks
$3,999 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Ngonye Falls (Highlight), Liuwa Plain NP, Mongu (City), Kafue NP, Lusaka (City), Chipata (City), South Luangwa NP, Mfuwe Airport (Mfuwe), Mfuwe (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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![4-Day Camping Safari- Lower Zambezi]()
4-Day Camping Safari- Lower Zambezi
$974 to $1,084 pp (USD)
Zambia: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Lower Zambezi NP, Lusaka (End)
Wilderness Horizon Safaris
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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![19-Day Wildebeest Safari - the Western Circuit]()
19-Day Wildebeest Safari - the Western Circuit
$4,433 to $4,774 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Kafue NP, Mongu (City), Liuwa Plain NP, Ngonye Falls (Highlight), Livingstone (City), Mosi-oa-Tunya NP, Lusaka (End)
Zamsato
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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![6-Day Budget Camping Safari Through Kafue National Park]()
6-Day Budget Camping Safari Through Kafue National Park
$1,189 to $1,265 pp (USD)
Zambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Kafue NP, Livingstone (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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![15-Day Walking Safari Zambia]()
15-Day Walking Safari Zambia
$4,343 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Mfuwe (Start), South Luangwa NP, North Luangwa NP, Kapishya Hot Springs (Highlight), Mutinondo Wilderness, Bangweulu Wetlands, Mkushi (Town), Lusaka Airport (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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![8-Day Sable Safari - Southern Kafue Explorer]()
8-Day Sable Safari - Southern Kafue Explorer
$1,739 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Mosi-oa-Tunya NP, Kafue NP, Lusaka (City), Lusaka Airport (End)
Zamsato
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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![4-Day Lower Zambezi Camping Safari]()
4-Day Lower Zambezi Camping Safari
$1,140 pp (USD)
Zambia: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Lower Zambezi NP, Lusaka (End)
Wilderness Horizon Safaris
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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![14-Day Zebra Safari - Western Explorer]()
14-Day Zebra Safari - Western Explorer
$3,199 to $3,443 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Kafue NP, Mongu (City), Liuwa Plain NP, Ngonye Falls (Highlight), Livingstone (City), Mosi-oa-Tunya NP, Livingstone (End)
Zamsato
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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![16-Day Boat Safari on the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers]()
16-Day Boat Safari on the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers
$4,413 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Lower Zambezi NP, Kafue NP, Mazabuka (Town), Lake Kariba, Lusaka Airport (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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![15-Day Zambia Walking Safari with Bat Migration]()
15-Day Zambia Walking Safari with Bat Migration
$4,341 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Mfuwe (Start), South Luangwa NP, North Luangwa NP, Mutinondo Wilderness, Bangweulu Wetlands, Kasanka NP, Kundalila Falls (Highlight), Lusaka Airport (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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![14-Day Zambia's Big Migrations]()
14-Day Zambia's Big Migrations
$3,740 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Lusaka (Start), Mkushi (Town), Kasanka NP, Chisamba (Town), Kafue NP, Mongu (City), Liuwa Plain NP, Ngonye Falls (Highlight), Livingstone (City), Livingstone Airport (End)
Adventure Purists
4.8/5 – 19 Reviews
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13-Day Botswana Wildside - Maun Departure
$2,583 to $2,730 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesBotswana & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Maun (Start), Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta), Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Livingstone (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.8/5 – 38 Reviews
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10-Day Botswana National Parks
$2,254 to $2,383 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesBotswana & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Maun (Start), Moremi GR (Okavango Delta), Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Livingstone (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.8/5 – 38 Reviews
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![12-Day Zambia and Malawi]()
12-Day Zambia and Malawi
$3,160 to $3,325 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesMalawi & Zambia: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Hotel
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Victoria Falls, Kafue River, Lower Zambezi NP, Lusaka (City), South Luangwa NP, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.8/5 – 38 Reviews
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15-Day Zimbabwe & Zambia Ancient Pathways
$2,630 to $2,860 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesZambia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Victoria Falls, Kafue River, Chinhoyi Caves (Highlight), Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands), Chimanimani NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins), Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls Town (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.8/5 – 38 Reviews
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6 Questions About Zambia Budget Safari Tours
Answered by
Alan Murphy
Alan is a travel writer and author of more than 25 Lonely Planet guidebooks, including ‘Southern Africa’ and ‘Zambia’. He is also founder of RoundTrip Foundation, an international NGO dedicated to promoting responsible travel, and providing real support to impoverished communities.› More about Alan
6 Questions About Zambia Budget Safari Tours
Alan Murphy
Why should I choose Zambia for a budget trip?
“You should choose Zambia for a budget safari because it offers a remarkable and unique wildlife experience. Rural Zambia feels very remote, and here you experience ‘raw Africa’ in all its glory. If you want to sum up this land-locked, off-the-beaten-track country in just a word, it would be ‘wild’. Most Zambian camps are not fenced. They are also deliberately situated on traditional wildlife tracks, which encourages animals to spend time in and around the camps. It’s all a part of the Zambian adventure. A Zambian budget safari in the country’s extensive protected areas is all about wildlife encounters in pristine African bush. And if you are on a budget safari package you will most likely be camping for most, if not the whole, trip. Sheltering in a tent at night while wild animals grunt and snuffle outside your tent adds to the sense of adventure.”
1What is included in a Zambia budget safari?
“Generally, park fees and activities (such as game drives and walks) are included in a budget safari in Zambia. Also included is your accommodation, camping equipment and a driver/guide. Transport, transfers from/to the airport, and basic meals are also usually included. There may well be some variation between operators so it’s always good to check what you are getting for your money. International flights, alcoholic drinks, tips, shopping (such as handicrafts or souvenirs) and increases in taxes or park fees are generally not included. It’s always worth finding out the details of inclusions too. Does camping equipment include a sleeping bag and cooking equipment, for example? Are there any tax or park fee rises around the corner? Some tours will throw in beer and wine too (although not spirits). A good operator should make all that clear.”
2What are the pros and cons of a self-drive Zambia budget trip?
“Self-driving can be a lot of fun. It feeds your sense of adventure and gives you great flexibility. It also provides alternative sleeping options (in the back of the car or in a tent on the roof). It’s a great way to explore wild Africa. However, your holiday can be ruined by careless or inexperienced driving. If you haven’t had any experience in a 4WD, Africa (Zambia included) is not the place to learn. Driving on gravel roads, or roads with hard-to-spot, massive potholes can get the better of you. At the very least, try to go with someone who has experience 4WDing. 4WDs are generally very expensive to hire, and the costs may be out of reach for people wanting a cheap Zambia safari. Otherwise, the biggest con is getting stuck in a remote corner of the country if your vehicle breaks down. Check if there is mobile reception where you are going and take a local sim card that you know will work. Otherwise, your best option is to rent a satellite phone (another expense!).”
3Can you describe a typical day on a Zambia budget safari?
“When you wake up in your tent you will feel the delicious cool of early African morning time in Zambia. You will probably hear birdsong and perhaps some grunting hippo nearby. You’ll have a quick breakfast (prepared yourself or made for you, depending on your budget safari package). With the crack of dawn illuminating your surrounds, it will be time to hop into a vehicle and go on an early morning game drive. Alternatively, depending on the park, you could join a walking safari or even do some canoeing. At this early time of morning, you have a chance of seeing big cats on their way back from a hunt. You could spot hyenas loping across the landscape, and even nocturnal (active at night) animals such as genet. Elephant and buffalo herds may be on their way to the closest waterhole for their morning drink. In the late morning when you return to camp and the heat is building, everyone flakes out until late afternoon. Flaking out can mean reading a book or snoozing. Or it could be going through your photos, or sitting in the common areas and chatting to whoever’s around. The late-afternoon game drive starts at about 4 PM. If you go on a night drive later, the guides usually have powerful hand spotlights to help them find animals. It’s a great opportunity to see nocturnal animals. See if the guides will let you have a go, it’s terrific fun.”
4What type of accommodation can I expect?
“You can usually expect to be sleeping in a tent on a Zambia budget safari. Tents will be supplied, and you will either erect it yourself or it will be done for you, depending on your package. In some places, such as South Luangwa National Park, there is a wider range of accommodation options. You may get a bed in a budget lodge, cottage, chalet, or even a small room. In such cases the accommodation is normally basic but clean and comfortable. Safari tents are another possibility. They are used at the budget and luxury ends of the market. At the budget end, you will get a bed, perhaps a bedside table and a light, and not much more. Bathrooms are shared. There’s no doubt that sleeping under canvas is a particularly exciting option, be it camping or staying in a safari tent. The sounds of the African bush at night are that much closer in a tent.”
5How much will this safari cost?
“The price of Zambia budget/camping safaris start at around US$150 per person per day. Although you’re more likely to pay upward of US$200 per person a day. On top of that you need to factor in your flights to get here, personal shopping and tips for your guides. (Generally work on US$10 to US$15 per day for tips). As a general rule of thumb, the better-known and more accessible parks and attractions will be cheaper for a Zambia safari. This is because there are many more accommodation options available. South Luangwa NP and Livingstone (for Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya NP) have the largest array of facilities, including accommodation ranges. Most budget safaris will include these destinations. Kafue NP, which has a major highway running through it, is also good for budget safaris. It has affordable lodges and great camping options just off the highway.”
6Zambia Reviews
Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.
Safaris for aficionados
Zambia has emerged relatively slowly on the safari map. Overshadowed for many years by neighbouring Zimbabwe, and suffering from a poor conservation record and neglected parks, its attractions were best known to insiders. In recent times,...
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
Africa’s Hottest Safari Option
It is only in the last decade that Zambia burst back onto the African safari scene, re-building its safari reputation on the back of some epic national parks and outstanding wildlife. Anyone even vaguely familiar with Zambia and its...
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Great quick stay at South Luangwa National Park
This was a mother-daughter trip to South Luangwa National Park. We flew from Lusaka to Mfuwe, where the lodge picked us up. The Msandile Lodge was great, as it was directly across the river from the National Park, we could see the monkeys,...
Zambia became my favourite African country
We traveled through East Africa and reached Zambia at the end of our trip,. I didn’t know much about this country, read a bit and checked the level of safety for travellers. I fell in love with Zambia, a very safe destination, apart from...
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Experience the trie wildness of Africa
Although a rough time for Zambia due to the drought and rolling blackouts in Lusaka we did fine. The nicer restaurants and malls had generators. Mufue Lodge the Safari camp we went to was amazing. Staff and service incredible as well as...
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nice people nice scenic and wildlife
We travelled with Zamsato and everything was well organised. The river safaris on the Zambezi are spectacular as well as the canoe trips. The game drives on the lower Zambezi are a bit long but with lush vegetation. The connection to...