What to See in Zambia

last edited Dec 11, 2019

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Location Map of Zambia

Zambia Open the interactive map

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Zambia has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Victoria Falls (1989)
Straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, on par with Iguazu Falls. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains one of the most visited destinations in Southern Africa. On both sides of the border, the falls are surrounded by national parks teeming with wildlife.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Chipata
A large city in the east, almost on the border with Malawi, on the route between Lusaka and Lilongwe. You'll find everything here: supermarkets, banks, garages, gas refills, hotels, campgrounds...

Kasama
It is the largest urban area and the capital of the Northern Province. The city serves primarily as a hub for services and transportation in the region.

Kawaza Village
At the entrance to South Luangwa National Park. You can stay for one or more days in a "real village" and take part in various activities (cooking, woodwork, farming, etc.).

Kitwe
It's the second-largest city in Zambia, in the mining region of the Copperbelt. A few nearby spots for locals to explore include the Mindolo Dam, Mwekwera Falls, and the Chembe Bird Sanctuary for birdwatching.

Livingstone
The town next to Victoria Falls is a great base for exploring the falls and the surrounding area. In addition to transport and accommodation, you’ll find safaris to nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, cruises on the Zambezi, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and scenic flights over the falls. The town also has several museums, markets, and colonial-era buildings.

Lusaka
It's the country's capital and primarily a transport hub for travellers. However, you can also visit a few museums, markets, and the "zoo-park" Munda Wanga.

Mfuwe
This village is traditionally the base for visiting South Luangwa National Park, one of the most fascinating parks in Southern Africa.

Mongu
This is the main town in western Zambia where you can find fuel, supermarkets, banks, and more. The Kuomboka ceremonies take place here every year at the end of the rainy season.

Ndola
The major city is at the heart of the Copperbelt and a key air gateway to the country. The regional museum is worth a visit.

Shiwa Ng'andu
It's an incredible English manor house set right in the heart of Africa.

Natural Heritage

Kalambo Falls
Between Zambia and Tanzania, near Lake Tanganyika, these 230 m falls are among the highest in Africa. Several archaeological sites in the area.

Kundalila Falls
These are magnificent waterfalls just a few kilometres from the Great North Road linking Lusaka to Tanzania.

Ngonye Falls
Not very tall and far less known than Victoria Falls, these falls in the far southwest of the country on the Zambezi are nonetheless remarkable. Nearby, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is home to a large elephant population.

Victoria Falls
Straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, on par with Iguazu Falls. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains one of the most visited destinations in Southern Africa. On both sides of the border, the falls are surrounded by national parks teeming with wildlife.

Lake Kariba
On the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, Kariba is the world's largest artificial lake. You can see crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and many birds. Fishing, boat trips, and tourist facilities are available, particularly around the town of Kariba on the Zimbabwean side.

Chimfunshi Chimpanzee Orphanage
On the border with the DRC, not far from Chingola, this small savanna park is a chimpanzee orphanage with over a hundred animals.

Kafue National Park
The country's largest park. It is crossed by several navigable rivers and offers a diverse range of wildlife (elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, lions, monkeys, gazelles, birds, etc.).

Kasanka National Park
A small private park in central Zambia with significant populations of monkeys, gazelles, hippos, elephants, leopards, and birds. Most notably, millions of bats arrive each year between mid-October and late December, representing the world’s largest mammal migration.

Liuwa Plains National Park
A remote and wild park, accessible only between July and November. The blue wildebeest migrations aren’t just in the Serengeti.

Lochinvar National Park
This is a park located about a hundred kilometres west of the capital. It is known for being home to a particular variety of antelope (the Lechwe Kob), as well as buffalo, zebras, and numerous birds. Nearby, another reserve, Blue Lagoon National Park, is quite similar.

Lower Zambezi National Park
A transboundary park with Zimbabwe, home to a wide range of African species, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebras, lions, leopards, and birds...

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
This is the small park surrounding Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. In addition to the falls themselves, the park offers the chance to observe a rich variety of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds.

Nsumbu National Park
In the far north of the country, this somewhat remote spot faces Lake Tanganyika. It is home to numerous antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, birds, and occasionally lions and elephants. The lake shores are quite scenic, offering various activities (trekking, fishing, canoeing...).

South Luangwa National Park
It’s one of the most interesting parks in southern Africa for its abundant wildlife (lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, birds, etc.). Nearby, North Luangwa National Park is less visited and has fewer animals.