Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa that is known for its sprawling Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, as well as it's spectacular game drives and wildlife viewing. Other popular things to do in Zambia include going on safari and seeing elephants, lions, and other animals.

Our Favorite Things to Do Zambia

There are tons of things to do, much more than enjoying Zambia's pristine wilderness. Underneath we listed some of our favorite experiences.

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1) See Livingstone Victoria falls from close

Nothing compares to being up close with an enormous amount of falling water that comes down from straight cliffs. The mighty Victoria Falls is locally called the Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders". And that is what happens straight in front of you, the Zambezi River comes down in a thundering waterfall. Creating a huge cloud of water smoke with rainbow colors (even during bright moonlight). A good viewpoint on the Unesco World Heritage site is the Knife-Edgebridge which can be reached by walking. Going to the falls is an amazing trip. For real adventures, it is also possible to see the fall lying in the water of the Zambezi. The so-called devil's pool is a unique experience you will never forget. Or maybe you like to go bungee jumping in one of the most iconic places in the world.

2) Go on Walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park

Maybe the best possible way the discover wildlife along the Luangwa River is a guided walking safari. Immerse yourself completely into nature and learn all about this amazing national park. Slowly and quietly you will track the footprints of animals, learn about plants, and might even see Lion pride or wild dog. Of course all from a respectable safety distance, but close enough to see the animals from a whole new perspective. It's a completely different experience to walk through an African bush when you wade through the grass, instead of observing from a Jeep. Walking safaris are conducted by professional guides and last between 2 and 6 hours if you book a day trip, but it's also possible, to entirely immerse yourself into the wild and go on a multiday walking safari of up to 2 weeks.

3) Experience the Largest Mammal Migration on Earth

Every year from October through December you can observe the largest mammal migration on earth in Zambia.  During this time Kaskaka National Park is filled with more than a million straw-colored fruit bats. That means the East African Wildebeest Migration is not the biggest mammal migration on earth! While the sheer number of bats in this area can be overwhelming it can still make for a surprisingly exciting atmosphere in its surroundings: huge bird prey swoops through the sky and takes away bats for breakfast. You can also see the regular Kasanka specials including rare, swampy Sitatunga antelope grazing early on the dambos (wetlands). This safari adventure is for all those who love wildlife.

4) Explore the Busanga plains with a Game Drive

Kafue National Park is among Africa's largest national parks but the least visited. In Kafue northwest lies the Busanga Plains, an important wetland reserve in Zambia. The park provides great game-viewing opportunities. Huge herds of wild antelope graze the wetlands of this remote wilderness, and with their large populations, they attract plenty of predators like wild dogs or lions.

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5) Canoe on the Lower Zambezi River

The Lower Zambezi River is a perfect place to experience nature at its finest. One of the best ways to explore this area is by canoe with a local guide. Paddle your way through the wilderness, and see animals coming to the river for a drink. You might see elephants, hippos, zebra, puku, impala, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, baboons, crocodiles, and a lot of different bird species. The scenery in the Lower Zambezi National Park is stunning, It's possible to do one-day as well as multi-day tours in which you canoe downstream the river along with the current and sleep over on one of the many islands in the river. Depending on your canoeing skills and adventure lust, you can choose to go in the dry season when the river is calm, or during the wet season, when the currents are faster.

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6) Be part of the Kuomboka Ceremony

The Kuomboka (to get out of the water onto dry ground) is one of Zambia's most popular cultural ceremonies. The colorful event takes place every year at Barotse Plain when the waters of the Zambezi and Luapula rivers start to rise. This happens usually in March or April but can differ from year to year depending on the rainfall. Then it is time for the Lozi people who live on the floodplains to move their villages to higher grounds to be safe during the end of the rainy season when the plains flood. The Lozi King is leading the whole village, including all the animals in a massive procession over water to their higher home. The Litunga (king) travels in an enormous decorated barge, which is populated by hundreds of people. The Kuomboka is a spectacular event that is open to everyone and is definitely worth witnessing when you are in Zambia at the right time of year.

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7) Visit Musokotwane Village

Meet the Toka people from the Musokotwane Village, located on the banks of the Zambezi River just below Victoria Falls. The Toka are friendly, welcoming, and hospitable people who are proud to show their way of life to visitors. Be receive a traditional Chibwantu drink after which you can learn about their culture and traditions, see their gardens, join them in dancing, and learn to cook their food. Visiting Musokotwana Village is a great way to get an insight into the local culture, and local village life and to meet the friendly people of Zambia.

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8) Tiger Fishing on the Lower Zambezi

One of the top things to do in Zambia is tiger fishing on the Lower Zambezi River. The Lower Zambezi is home to some of the biggest and most ferocious tiger fish in the world. These fish can grow up to 10kg and put up a fight that will test your strength and skills. Fishing for tigerfish is an adrenaline-pumping experience that is not to be missed.

So there you have it, the top things to do in Zambia. Whether you want to experience the wildlife, the culture, or the thrill of tiger fishing, Zambia has something for everyone.

For more information on Things to do, visit our Experience Zambia page on the Ntanda Ventures website.

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Book your Zambia Holiday

Zambia is much more than wildlife and the Victoria Falls. If you’re looking for an amazing, life-changing experience that will have you rejuvenated and inspired, then women-led Ntanda Ventures is an excellent choice. We offer sustainable safaris and holidays in Zambia that are organized with just that extra attention to care and detail, that make the difference during a dream vacation. Want to know more? Visit our Ntanda Ventures website.