Zambia National Parks

Zambia is home to 20 national parks and 34 game management areas, making it one of Africa’s most conservation-focused countries. These parks and reserves are rich in biodiversity and are managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), working closely with local communities and conservation partners. Zambia’s protected areas are vital not only for wildlife conservation but also for sustainable tourism, offering travelers the chance to experience nature at its most untouched and authentic.

The most visited and celebrated parks and reserves in Zambia include:

• South Luangwa National Park – Often referred to as the birthplace of the walking safari, this park is famous for its leopard population, diverse birdlife, and close-up encounters with elephants, giraffes, and hippos along the Luangwa River.

• Lower Zambezi National Park – Nestled along the Zambezi River, this park offers spectacular canoe safaris, game drives, and boat cruises with opportunities to spot buffalo, elephants, lions, and crocodiles.

• Kafue National Park – Zambia’s largest park, known for its wide open spaces, rare antelope species, and excellent predator sightings including lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – Located near Livingstone, it’s the easiest way to access Victoria Falls and offers short wildlife drives featuring white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.

Kafue National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Zambia, covering an area of 22,400 square kilometers (8,650 square miles). It is also one of the largest national parks in Africa. Located in the heart of the country, Kafue features diverse habitats from miombo woodlands to wetlands and grasslands. This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife, including over 150 mammal species and more than 500 bird species. It’s especially renowned for sightings of elusive species like the sable antelope, roan antelope, and African wild dog.