Things to Do in Zambia

Considered a world-famous landmark, the Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most magnificent waterfalls in Africa. The waterfall was discovered in 1855 by David Livingstone, who named this breathtaking waterfall after Queen Victoria.

It is believed that the sound of the gushing waters can be heard from a distance of 40 km from the Victoria Falls, while the spray of water that emerges when the water hits the pool below can be seen from 50 km away. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Zambia and all of Africa.

Location: Mosi-o-tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia

Timing: Monday to Sunday (6:00 am – 6:00 pm)

If you are searching for off-beat and wild places in Zambia that you can explore like a true adventurer, you can visit the Sioma Ngwezi National Park. It is located on the border that Zambia shares with Angola and Namibia and covers a vast area of wildland.

You can also access famous landmarks such as the Victoria Falls and Ngonye Falls from this park. The game reserve has a massive population of elephants who travel and roam freely. Accommodation is provided at night and you can enjoy thrilling safaris through the National Park.

Location: Zambia, South Africa

One of the most famous places to visit in Zambia is the South Luangwa National Park. It is known locally as the “South Park” and it is considered one of the greatest and most well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

The vast expanse of the park, covering an area of 9059 square kms, is home to several beautiful birds and animals such as Thirnicroft’s giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, zebras, buffaloes and more. You can take walking tours, self-driving tours, luxury tours and even get accommodation in plush camps and hotels on the property when you are here. All of these features make it one of the best Zambia tourist attractions.

Location: Luangwa River Valley, Zambia.

One of the most popular Zambia tourist attractions and in fact, one of the most beautiful places in all of Africa is the famous Lower Zambezi National Park. It is often considered the epicentre of African wilderness, where herds of elephants, hippos, lions, buffaloes and other animals live in their primal state, in a well-protected ecosystem.

They all gather on the Lower Zambezi River, which is the main support system of the wildlife in the park. You can indulge in luxury safaris through the park, stay in some of the best camps and hotels in Africa, catch herds of elephants and zebras roaming the fields and sail on the river.

Location: Lusaka Province, Zambia

If you are looking for unique places to visit in Zambia, you must visit the beautiful Shiwa Ngandu Manor House, also known as the Old Manor House. At the heart of the property lies a majestic old English country house built by Sir Stewart Gore-Brown who travelled to the area to work on the Anglo-Belgian Boundary Commission in 1914.

Surrounding this historical colonial bungalow is a large estate that is home to over 30 exotic species of animals and 200 bird species and a large natural lake. Guests who stay at the property can enjoy safaris, horse-riding tours, picnics, and boating here.

Location: Shiwangandu District, Muchinga Province, Zambia

Covering a massive area of 22,400 square kms, the Kafue National Park is one of the most sought-after places in Zambia and the second largest National Park in Africa. The Kafue River flows through the park which also acts as a reservoir for the flora and fauna that thrive in the park.

Even though it is one of the oldest parks in the continent, it is largely unexplored, which has led to the increase in population of rare birds and animals. It is home to 33 species of mammals alone. You can enjoy walking safaris, jeep safaris, food, lodging, sports and activities in the park when you visit.

Location: Western Zambia, Africa.

Lake Kashiba is one of the most thrilling Zambia tourist attractions because of its incredible natural beauty and the many local legends that are attached to the lake. It is believed that Lake Kashiba is cursed by the Lamba people who are natives of the area, and any fish caught from the lake will not die, and anything floating on the surface of the lake will be sucked down.

That being said, it is a popular picnic spot and the surrounding natural beauty makes it one of the most sought-after places in Zambia. The lake is also full of catfish and bream, whose population has thrived over the years because of the low rate of fishing that is done on this lake.

Location: South-west Luanshya, Zambia

One of the most exotic and under-explored places in Africa is Lake Kariba. What makes it one of the most unique Zambia tourist attractions is the spectacular views of the surrounding natural landscape, the crags and hills on the banks of the lake, the breathtaking sunset you can enjoy and the many activities that tourists can indulge in.

It is also the largest manmade lake in the world, with a massive length of 226 km and width of 40 km. You can enjoy luxurious meals, boating expeditions, fishing opportunities and much more when you are at Lake Kariba.

Location: On the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

Located on the vast plains of the Kafue flats, the Blue Lagoon National Park is an undiscovered gem that is amongst some of the most memorable places to visit in Zambia. Due to the largely unexplored nature of the park, several exotic species of birds and animals have made their home in these peaceful plains.

When you take a safari through the park you can check out families of zebras, buffaloes, the Kafue lechwe and many migratory waterbirds. The highlight, of course, is the many stunning lagoons that have formed in the park.

Location: Northern Kafue Flats, Central Province, Zambia

Timings: open 24 hours

If you are visiting Lake Kariba, it is likely that you will make a stop at Siavonga, which is the primary tourism centre for visitors to the lake. It is a well-developed, lakeside town, with luxury facilities, hotels, shops, tourism centres and every other amenity in place for a memorable tour of the place.

The town is also home to Bantu-Botatwe speaking people, which makes it one of the most interesting cultural places to visit in Zambia as well. The hotels here have infinity pools, terrace diners with expansive views of Lake Kariba and many more beautiful facilities.

Location: Siavonga District, Southern Province, Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is definitely one of most frequented places in Zambia because it is home to the famous Victoria Falls. The National Park shares its border with the city of Livingstone. It was established in 1972 with the express purpose of protecting, preserving and representing the wildlife of Zambia and has been successful in doing so over the years.

While there are many animals and birds that thrive here, people mostly visit to see the many elephants that have made their home in this park, along with exploring the majestic Victoria Falls as well.

Location: Livingstone, Zambia, Africa

Timings: Monday to Sunday (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

While the Kasanka National Park is one of the smallest National Parks in the country, it is by no means any less beautiful. This privately funded park has several lakes, shallow ponds, streams and rivers on the property, the largest of these being the Luwombwa River.

It is one of the most sought-after places in Zambia for peaceful explorers and birdwatchers, as well as for recreational activities such as fishing, boating and more. The park authorities are on an active mission to increase the elephant population that lives in the park.

Location: Serenje District, Central Province, Zambia

This quaint town, which is also the administrative capital of the North-Western Province of Zambia, is an important centre in the Copperbelt region and home to several indigenous African tribes such as the Kaonde, the Luvale and the Lunda.

Solwezi is one of the most interesting places in Zambia because of the nearby Kikubwa Rock Stream Shelter, where paintings from the Stone Age have been discovered. 

Location: North-West Province, Zambia

If you are looking for naturally beautiful Zambia tourist attractions, you must visit the Nsumbu National Park that covers a massive area of 2,000 square kms. Within the confines of the park, you will find 100 kms that consists only of the shore of the beautiful Lake Tanganyika.

The presence of the lake, along with many other rivers, streams, cliffs, bays and sandy beaches makes this one of the most picturesque National Parks in Zambia. You can enjoy safaris, overnight stays, outdoor camping and many more thrilling adventures when you are here.

Location: Lake Tanganyika, Northern Province, Zambia

The beautiful sandy beaches in Samfya have formed on the banks of Lake Bangeweulu in the Northern Province. It is one of the best places to visit in Zambia because of its incredible natural beauty, the facilities and amenities you can get on the beach and the many activities you can enjoy when you are here.

You can enjoy boating, swimming, picnics and other fun activities on the beach, while enjoying food and drinks from the stalls that can be found on the promenade.

Location: Northern Province and Luapula Province, Zambia

Timings: open 24 hours

Copper is one of the main industries that sustains several cities in Zambia, and The Copperbelt is the area where copper mining is most concentrated. It is composed of an entire province, with many cities contained within it, and Ndola as the capital.

Other notable cities in the Copperbelt include Luanshya, Kitwe, Kolwezi, Lualaba and Lubumbashi. It is one of the most representative places in Zambia, with the towns showcasing specimens from their colonial and native pasts and the development of the many copper mines in the area.

Location: Northern Zambia, Africa.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Chirundu is home to many Zambia tourist attractions such as the Chirundu Bridges. It is located on the main road that connects the big towns of Harare and Lusaka. It is also one of the main access points to the famous Lower Zambezi National Parks.

The main attraction here is the Zambezi River that flows through the town and forms the epicentre of the life and livelihood of the residents.

Location: Lusaka Province, Zambia

The capital of the Western Province in Zambia is the quaint town called Mongu, which is amongst the more offbeat and unique places to visit in Zambia. It is a small and quaint town where you can walk the streets, soaking in the culture and activities that take place here.

The annual Kuomboka ceremony is a very exciting event that draws in thousands of tourists. The town is located at an elevation and one of the best features of this place is the view of the vast and endless Liuwa Plain that you can see from almost all parts of Mongu.

Location: Western Province, Zambia

Nyika Plateau National Park located in the northern Malawi region is a well known national park on the high altitudes of Nyika Plateau. Dotted with grasslands and dense wooded valleys, this place is one of the most sought after places among the adventure enthusiasts. Heading over to this place, you will be able to sight a wide range of rare and endangered flora and fauna. Some of the most common wildlife that you will encounter in this park are zebras, elephants, bushbucks, leopards, and antelopes. If you are lucky, then you will also be able to capture some rare species of birds like red winged francolins and wattled cranes.

Location: Northern Malawi, Zambian bord

The Itezhi Tezhi Dam on the Kafue River is one of the iconic tourist destinations in West Central Zambia. The dam was constructed between 1974 and 1977. With a height of 62 meters and a crest length of about 1800 meters, the dam had a reservoir close to 390 square kilometers.

The dam was built to store water for the Kafue Gorge Upper Power Station. The ecosystem of Kafue has adapted itself to the changes brought along by the construction of the dam and during your visit, you will be able to sight a wide range of herbivores and fish species.

Location: Kafue River, West-central Zambia