Zambia Waterfalls & Safaris

Zambia waterfall safaris start with the water. The Zambian side of Victoria Falls gives the closest encounters with the water: the Knife-Edge Bridge, the Boiling Pot and, from August to January, Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island. Beyond Livingstone, the far north hides a string of little-visited falls, among them Kalambo and Lumangwe, while the upper Zambezi breaks over Ngonye Falls in the west. For wildlife, South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi are among the best walking-safari parks on the continent.

When to visit Zambia

Best time: May–October for safari; March–July for full falls. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• Kasanka National Park

Planning a trip to Zambia

Most visitors spend two or three nights in Livingstone for Victoria Falls, often as the start or end of a safari. Zambia's great parks, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue, are reached by light aircraft from Lusaka or Livingstone and suit four to six nights. The remote northern waterfalls, Kalambo, Lumangwe and Ntumbachushi, are an overland journey of a week or more for experienced travellers.

Practical tips

The currency is the Zambian kwacha; US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, and card payments work in lodges and larger shops in Livingstone and Lusaka. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention. Roads between the main towns are generally sealed, but distances are long and driving after dark is best avoided. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Zambia

Fly into Livingstone (LVI) for Victoria Falls or Lusaka (LUN) for the national parks. The KAZA UniVisa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe and day trips into Botswana at Kazungula. Most trips start from Livingstone, gateway to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.