Here is a detailed list of National Parks in Zambia: In this article, we break down 9 best National Parks in Zambia.
Without further ado, lets jump right into it;-
List of 9 Best National Parks in Zambia
2. South Luangwa National Park
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
5. North Luangwa National Park
1. Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia and one of the largest in Africa. It is located in the central-western part of the country, covering an area of about 22,400 square kilometers (8,650 square miles). The park is named after the Kafue River, which flows through it.
Kafue National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including woodlands, grasslands, floodplains, and riverine habitats. It offers a rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The park is particularly renowned for its large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes, including species like lechwe, puku, and sable.
Other common animals found in the park include lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, and hippos. The birdlife in Kafue National Park is exceptional, with over 400 bird species recorded, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The park provides various opportunities for wildlife viewing, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises along the Kafue River. There are several lodges and campsites within the park that cater to visitors, offering comfortable accommodations and guided tours.
Kafue National Park is known for its vast and remote wilderness, providing a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience compared to some of the more popular parks in Africa. Its size and diverse habitats make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic African safari adventure.
2. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is located in the Eastern Province of Zambia and is one of the most renowned national parks in Africa. It covers an area of about 9,050 square kilometers (3,500 square miles) and is characterized by its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
The park is known for its untouched wilderness and offers a unique and authentic safari experience. It is especially famous for its walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the park on foot with experienced guides, getting up close to the wildlife and immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.
South Luangwa National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. It has one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, and the Luangwa River that runs through the park is teeming with these semi-aquatic mammals. The park is also known for its large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and Thornicroft’s giraffes, which are unique to the region.
One of the main highlights of South Luangwa is its predator population. The park boasts a high density of leopards, and it is often considered one of the best places in Africa to spot these elusive big cats. Lions are also plentiful, and visitors have a good chance of encountering them during their safari. Other predators found in the park include African wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs.
The birdlife in South Luangwa is exceptional, with over 400 bird species recorded. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering opportunities to spot various raptors, waterbirds, and colorful species like Lilian’s lovebirds and African skimmers.
Accommodation options in and around South Luangwa National Park range from luxury lodges to more affordable campsites, catering to different budgets and preferences. Many lodges offer game drives, night drives, and walking safaris led by experienced guides.
Overall, South Luangwa National Park is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and immersive safari experiences. It has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Africa’s top safari destinations and continues to captivate visitors with its raw and untouched beauty.
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in southeastern Zambia, along the banks of the Zambezi River. It was established as a national park in 1983 and covers an area of approximately 4,092 square kilometers (1,580 square miles). The park is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including riverine forests, floodplains, mopane woodlands, and open grassy plains.
Wildlife thrives in the Lower Zambezi National Park, making it a popular destination for safari enthusiasts. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous species of antelope. Birdlife is also abundant, with over 400 species recorded in the park.
Visitors to the Lower Zambezi National Park can enjoy a variety of activities. Game drives, both during the day and at night, provide an opportunity to observe the park’s diverse wildlife. Guided walking safaris allow visitors to explore the area on foot, providing a more intimate experience with nature. Canoeing and boating trips along the Zambezi River offer a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and other animals up close.
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers a range of accommodation options, including lodges, tented camps, and campsites, catering to different budgets and preferences. Many of these establishments provide stunning views of the Zambezi River and the park’s surrounding landscapes.
It’s worth noting that the park shares a border with Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, which is located across the Zambezi River. Together, these two parks form a transboundary conservation area, providing a vast and diverse wilderness for wildlife to roam freely.
4. Liuwa Plain National Park
Liuwa Plain National Park is a protected area situated in the Western Province of Zambia. It is known for its vast grassy plains, seasonal floodplains, and a variety of wildlife. The park covers an area of approximately 3,660 square kilometers (1,410 square miles) and is one of the oldest protected areas in Africa, proclaimed as a protected reserve in the late 19th century.
Liuwa Plain National Park is renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, which is the second-largest in Africa after the Serengeti migration. Each year, thousands of wildebeest, as well as zebra and other herbivores, move across the park in search of fresh grazing grounds. This spectacle attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including large flocks of crowned cranes and wattled cranes. Other notable wildlife species found in Liuwa Plain National Park include elephants, buffalo, hartebeest, roan antelope, and numerous bird species.
Due to its remote location and relatively low tourist numbers, Liuwa Plain National Park offers a unique and untouched safari experience. Visitors can embark on game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching excursions to explore the park’s landscapes and spot its wildlife. The vast open plains provide excellent visibility, making it easier to observe and photograph the animals.
Accommodation options in Liuwa Plain National Park are limited, with a few tented camps and mobile safari operators offering guided tours and comfortable lodging. The park is known for its rustic and authentic camping experiences, immersing visitors in the natural surroundings.
5. North Luangwa National Park
North Luangwa National Park is a wilderness area located in northern Zambia, adjacent to the better-known South Luangwa National Park. It was established as a national park in 1972 and covers an area of approximately 4,636 square kilometers (1,790 square miles).
North Luangwa National Park is renowned for its pristine and untouched wilderness, offering a remote and immersive safari experience. The park is characterized by rugged landscapes, dense woodlands, riverine forests, and the meandering Luangwa River, which serves as a lifeline for wildlife in the region.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, leopards, and lions. North Luangwa is particularly known for its healthy population of black rhinos, which were reintroduced to the park in the 2000s as part of conservation efforts. The park also boasts a rich birdlife, with over 400 recorded species, including various raptors, waterbirds, and colorful bee-eaters.
Visitors to North Luangwa National Park can enjoy guided walking safaris, which are the park’s primary activity. Walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore the park on foot, led by experienced guides who offer insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife behavior. These safaris allow for a more intimate and immersive experience with nature and the opportunity to track animals and observe them up close.
The park’s remoteness and limited infrastructure contribute to its untouched and pristine nature. There are a few exclusive safari camps and lodges within the park that offer comfortable accommodation, often in the form of tented camps blending with the natural surroundings.
6. Kasanka National Park
Kasanka National Park is a small but ecologically diverse national park located in the Serenje District of Zambia. It covers an area of approximately 450 square kilometers (173 square miles) and is known for its unique wildlife, birdlife, and the spectacular bat migration that occurs annually.
The park is situated in the Miombo woodlands and is characterized by a mix of grassy plains, forests, and wetlands. It is home to a variety of animal species, including elephants, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, monkeys, and elusive leopards. Kasanka National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded, including rare species such as the wattled crane and Pel’s fishing owl.
The most famous attraction in Kasanka National Park is the bat migration that takes place from late October to December each year. During this period, millions of straw-colored fruit bats congregate in the park’s mushitu (swamp forest) to feed on the abundance of fruit. Witnessing the spectacle of these bats in flight is a unique experience and draws visitors from around the world.
Apart from the bat migration, visitors to Kasanka National Park can enjoy various activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, and birdwatching excursions. The park’s diverse habitats offer opportunities to spot wildlife and explore the natural surroundings.
Accommodation options in Kasanka National Park are limited but include comfortable lodges and tented camps that provide a tranquil and immersive experience in nature. The park is known for its community-based conservation efforts, with local communities actively involved in the management and tourism initiatives.
It’s worth noting that Kasanka National Park is relatively remote and not as well-known as some of Zambia’s larger national parks. However, its unique features, including the bat migration, make it a hidden gem for those seeking off-the-beaten-path wildlife experiences.
7. Lochinvar National Park
Lochinvar National Park is a protected area located in the Southern Province of Zambia. It covers an area of approximately 410 square kilometers (158 square miles) and is situated near the Kafue River, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of the town of Monze.
The park is named after Lake Lochinvar, a large seasonal wetland that lies within its boundaries. Lochinvar National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including floodplains, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. It is a vital habitat for numerous bird species, making it a significant site for birdwatching and ornithological research.
The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and hosts an impressive array of resident and migratory bird species. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in Lochinvar National Park, including the endemic black-cheeked lovebird, wattled crane, African skimmer, and many more. The park is particularly renowned for its large heronries, where various species of herons and egrets gather to breed and nest.
In addition to its avian diversity, Lochinvar National Park is also home to a range of wildlife, including antelopes such as kudu, lechwe, and reedbuck. Other animals found in the park include hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, and various smaller mammal species. Predators such as lions and leopards are less common but can occasionally be spotted.
Visitors to Lochinvar National Park can engage in activities such as birdwatching, game drives, and nature walks. The park offers scenic views, especially during the wet season when the floodplains are filled with water and attract abundant birdlife.
Accommodation options within or near the park are limited, and it is recommended to arrange lodging in advance. Some lodges and campsites are available, providing basic facilities for visitors.
8. Blue Lagoon National Park
Blue Lagoon National Park is a protected area located in the Kafue Flats of Zambia. It is situated on the eastern banks of the Kafue River, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The park was established in 1976 and covers an area of approximately 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).
Blue Lagoon National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and abundant birdlife. The park encompasses a mix of habitats, including floodplains, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests. It provides a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The park is home to over 400 bird species, including a significant population of the endemic wattled crane. Other notable bird species found in Blue Lagoon National Park include pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, and various waterfowl. The wetland areas and the river attract numerous migratory birds, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
In addition to its avian diversity, Blue Lagoon National Park supports a range of wildlife. Visitors can spot antelopes such as puku, impala, and waterbuck, as well as zebras, buffalos, and warthogs. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are present but less commonly seen.
Activities in Blue Lagoon National Park include game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. Game drives allow visitors to explore the park’s grassy plains and spot wildlife. Boat safaris along the Kafue River offer opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species up close. Guided walks provide a chance to immerse oneself in the park’s natural beauty and observe the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Accommodation options within Blue Lagoon National Park are limited. There is a small tented camp that provides basic facilities for visitors. Alternatively, some lodges and accommodations can be found in the nearby area.
It’s important to note that Blue Lagoon National Park is subject to seasonal flooding, and access to certain areas may be limited during the wet season.
9. West Lunga National Park
West Lunga National Park in Zambia is a protected area located in the North-Western Province of Zambia. It was established as a national park in 2010 and covers an area of approximately 1,480 square kilometers (571 square miles). The park is situated in the Zambezian and Miombo woodlands ecoregion, characterized by a mix of forested areas, grasslands, and rivers.
West Lunga National Park is known for its diverse and relatively undisturbed ecosystem. It is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, hyenas, and numerous antelope species such as zebras, kudus, and impalas. The park’s rich biodiversity also includes a range of bird species, reptiles, and smaller mammals.
The park’s main attraction is its natural beauty and pristine wilderness. Visitors to West Lunga National Park can explore its landscapes through activities such as game drives, guided walks, and bird-watching. The park offers opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat and experience the tranquility of the remote surroundings.
Accommodation options within West Lunga National Park may be limited. It’s recommended to inquire with local authorities or tour operators for the availability of lodging facilities or nearby accommodation options.
West Lunga National Park may not be as widely known or visited as some other national parks in Zambia.
These are just some of the national parks in Zambia, each offering its own unique wildlife, landscapes, and experiences for visitors to enjoy.