WELCOME TO THE KAVANGO-ZAMBEZI
ZAMBIA
The Kavango Zambezi TFCA is enormous, larger than Germany and Austria combined and nearly twice as large as the United Kingdom. It lies in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe converge.
Zambia in depth.
Zambia sits at the crossroads of southern, central and east Africa and is an outstanding destination for wildlife watchers. Its rolling landscapes comprise vast tracts of miombo and mopane woodland, some immense wetlands and several major rivers – not least the Zambezi, which forms the southern border with Zimbabwe and thunders over the world-famous Victoria Falls. With a population density of barely 25 people per km2, Zambia has plenty of space for wildlife. Kavango Zambezi now embraces some 132,000 km2 in the country’s southwest corner, nearly one-fifth of its total area. This represents 25% of the trans-frontier park, and includes some spectacular wilderness and world-class wildlife reserves.
Kafue National Park is Zambia’s biggest park – at some 22,500-km2, larger than Israel – and makes up the northernmost arm of Kavango Zambezi. This huge reserve protects much of the southward course of the Kafue River, the Zambezi’s largest tributary, and comprises a rich landscape tapestry of woodland, rocky hills, savannah and floodplain. For sheer wildlife diversity, Kafue is hard to beat. Each landscape has its specialities. In the north, the Busanga Plains are a large seasonal wetland reminiscent of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, with large herds of lechwe and puku and lion prides lurking on date-palm islands. In the central districts, hippos throng the pools and leopard prowl the riverbanks. To the south, buffalo graze in their thousands around Lake Ithezi-Thezi while the open plains of Nanzhila are excellent cheetah country. Elephants roam the entire region and wild dogs can turn up anywhere.
Despite its riches, Kafue remains less visited than South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier reserve, which lies outside Kavango Zambezi. This partly reflects a history of poaching, which has left large mammals in some areas a little warier than elsewhere. Today, however, improved management means you can expect an excellent safari, and on game drives, guided walks and boat trips you will often feel you have this vast wilderness to yourself. As well as the usual A-list safari fare, Kafue offers a chance to seek out more unusual wildlife – including elusive antelope, such as roan, oribi and Liechtenstein’s hartebeest, and rare birds, such as the highly localised black-cheeked lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis), just one of nearly 500 species recorded in the park.
Restoring once-neglected conservation areas is now – thanks to Kavango Zambezi’s conservation partners – a flourishing trend in Zambia. Southeast of Kafue, in the country’s southwest corner, Sioma Nwezi National Park protects a 5,000km2 expanse of floodplain between the Zambezi and the Cuando rivers. Abutting the vast Luengue-Luiana National Park in neighbouring Angola, this undeveloped wilderness protects one of Kavango Zambezi’s six key wildlife dispersal areas and historically has been a vital migratory corridor for elephants. Today it is seeing an impressive wildlife recovery: as well as elephants, rangers are reporting increasing sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, buffalo, hippo and numerous antelope species. A genuine wilderness experience awaits the adventurous visitor here, while just outside the park, Ngonye Falls offers an impressive cataract second only to Victoria Falls in volume.
Local communities have been instrumental in developing visitor facilities at Ngonye and elsewhere in southwest Zambia, while conservation NGOs are helping restock the area with game. This is ably demonstrated at Simalaha, a community conservancy that opened in 2021, inspired and driven by the Sesheke and Sekhute chiefdoms. Located on the open Zambezi floodplain, Simalaha – whose name means ‘coming together’– is becoming a key part of the Kavango Zambezi jigsaw, and fundamental to re-establishing wildlife populations and migration routes. Wildebeest, zebra, red lechwe, puku, impala, waterbuck, giraffe, buffalo, eland and sable have all been re-introduced and are now thriving.
Of course, no visit to southwest Zambia would be complete without a visit to the country’s most famous landmark, Victoria Falls. This mighty cataract lies just a short distance downstream from Simalaha, but – as one of Africa’s top tourist hubs – offers a very different experience, with numerous hotels and lodges, plus visitor activities ranging from sundowner cruises to white-water rafting. Views from the Zambian side of the falls allow you to appreciate the full majesty of the 1.7km wide gorge and to explore the islands upstream. Those still in search of wildlife may encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephant and buffalo on river cruises or in nearby Mosi oa Tunya National Park, where you can also find giraffes and track on foot a small, introduced population of white rhinos. Birders, meanwhile, can seek out such local gems as Livingstone’s turaco and rock pratincole among an embarrassment of feathered riches.
Explore Zambia
Find out more about Zambia
Human-Wildlife Conflict in Dambwa South, Livingstone, Zambia
Horse-riding in Simalaha Community Conservancy, Zambia
Uncover Kavango Zambezi’s Hidden Gems – Livingstone – Zambia
Selected Trips to Zambia
Livingstone Island
The best vantage point from which to witness Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya is Livingstone Island. David Livingstone, believed to have been the first European to discover the Falls, first glimpsed the spectacular natural wonder after being canoed across to this very Island.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Victoria Falls Waterfront
The ideal location to base your cost-effective Livingstone adventure. Located within the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, only 3km upstream from Victoria Falls, The Waterfront not only provides affordable Livingstone accommodation, but is also is renown for being the adventure hub of the Victoria Falls region.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
SafPar
Transport and activity provider in Livingstone, Zambia. Experience the World’s Best One Day Rafting with SAFPAR Rafting – the top rated rafting company on the Zambezi, or join us for the annual Zambezi Whitewater Festival for a weekend of outdoor adventure and music on the Zambezi River. Live life on the edge with a swim in the Devils Pool and put your photography skills to test on a Chobe Day Trip, home to the world’s largest population of elephant. Take in a famous Zambian sunset on a sunset cruise and have a taste of the wild at The Elephant Café – rated Zambia’s Top Restaurant.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya
Tune out from the rest of the world and connect to the natural beauty of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. This exceptional UNESCO site is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a wildlife park. Relax in this magical setting or find an adventure – in addition to 200 rooms and suites, our hotel offers locally-inspired restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a river cruiser, and a sports pavilion. We also offer a conference center with five rooms. Host a unique event for up to 250 people with the spectacular Victoria Falls nearby.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Tongabezi
This award winning eco-lodge in Zambia leans into the tranquillity of its hidden location on the banks of the Zambezi River. Combine romance and luxury with a hint of adventure as you relax just 12km upstream of Victoria Falls. Our joyous team welcome guests to a selection of Houses and Cottages, each embellished with interiors lovingly chosen from around Africa. Immerse yourself in nature and experience unique dining and river activities.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Thorntree
Beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Find perfect respite after a day of activities by relaxing in the infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the river horizon. Thorntree River Lodge celebrates the spirit of community. After a refreshing sundowner drink while watching an exquisite African sunset, spend your evening sharing stories of your safari around the fire from within the comfort of the sunken boma before enjoying our African inspired fine-dining experience.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Chundukwa River Lodge
Rich in scenery and wildlife, Zambia has become the heart of our great continent – offering something progressively rare – the chance to escape the holiday masses and savour an environment that has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of time. At Chundukwa River Lodge we enjoy ‘the best of both worlds.’ We live on an idyllic horse ranch situated just 25kms from Victoria Falls – close enough for guests to explore all that our beautiful destination has to offer, yet far enough to offer a sanctuary for nature-lovers and those seeking a quiet place to unwind and reconnect – river watch, horse ride, practice yoga or just enjoy our magnificent birdlife and warm Zambian hospitality in the sunshine.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge and Tukongote Community Projects
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is 22km upstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambezi riverbank in Zambia. A small, independent and owner run lodge Waterberry has three different styles of accommodation – thatched cottages around the garden and riverbank, a private safari house The River Farmhouse and a small tented camp The Woodlands.
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Zambia |
Zambezi NP |
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Namibia and Botswana safari
22 DAYS
Unforgettable combination of Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls
This trip is the perfect full circle journey with a combination of both Namibia and Botswana, you will get to enjoy comfortable accommodation in a stunning location – perfect for a group or solo! This unique, wonderful experience is unforgettable, packed full of wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. During these 21 days you will venture into the Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib desert, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, and even have time for some fabulous game viewing.
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Safari Holiday: Victoria Falls, Zambia + Zimbabwe + Botswana + Namibia + Zambezi
7 NIGHTS
Visit 4 countries on this thrilling safari holiday to Victoria Falls, with its many adventure activities. Stay on both sides of the falls – Zambia & Zimbabwe – as well as enjoying a safari in Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana, famous for its huge herds of elephants, buffalo & hippos. Also take a day trip to a village in Namibia & enjoy a Zambezi river cruise. All game drives & transfers included.
Jollyboys Backpackers
Located in the heart of Livingstone, Zambia, Jollyboys Backpackers is the ideal gateway to adventure, culture, and memorable experiences. With a legacy of over two decades, this vibrant backpacker haven has established itself as a beloved home-away-from-home for travellers worldwide.
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Zambia |
Livingstone |
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Luxury & Adventure in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia
14 Days / 13 Nights
Experience 13 nights of adventure & luxury in Botswana, Zimbabwe & Zambia.
Located in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where the borders of five African countries converge, the sheer scale of this vast international conservation project is difficult to comprehend. It encompasses a bewildering range of experiences, ranging from the mighty Victoria Falls to the lifeforce of the region, the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers. See some of the highlights of this incredible, enormous protected wildlife region on this all-inclusive, high-end trip created with couples in mind. If you are a family or small group, we can adapt the itinerary to suit you – just get in touch.