The best hotels in Zambia

Zambia offers intrepid travellers an authentic African adventure — and one that remains relatively free of mass tourism. Home to the spectacular Victoria Falls and the Zambezi National Park, this is a beautiful destination for those eager to step beyond the beaten track, exploring stunning landscapes, discovering a rich culture and spotting a plethora of wildlife. Many of the best places to stay in Zambia are remote lodges and tented bush camps, perfect for outdoorsy holidaymakers of all ages.

For a sense of urban Zambia, being your travels in Lusaka, where cafés, art galleries and restaurants reflect the country’s hip modern identity and its connections to heritage and culture. Most visitors, however, are here for Zambia’s wild spaces and natural wonders. South Luangwa National Park features some of the greatest biodiversity in the region — including a substantial elephant population — as does Kafue National Park, home to the vast grasslands of the Busanga Plains. Fascinating Lake Kariba, to the south east, marks the end of the road for water flowing from Victoria Falls, and is an impressive sight in its own right. Initiatives like the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, a chimpanzee sanctuary, are well worth taking the time to discover, too.

Some of our Zambia Collections:

• Top Lodges in Zambia

Our Gurus selection of the best places to stay in Zambia includes intimate camps with expert guides and friendly teams, as well as a much larger hotel with dazzling views. Whether you’re dreaming of gathering around the fire to recount stories under the stars, tracking animals through the bush, or cosying up in a brilliantly preserved heritage home, we’ve got you covered. Remember — book your trip well in advance, as these spots fill up fast!

The Best Places to Stay in Zambia

For Simple Charm

• Old Mondoro remains top-notch when it comes to the classic bush camp safari experience. The four open-air huts - built of canvas and woven reed - have ensuite bathrooms and outdoor tubs. The maze of channels and islands which make up the Zambezi River are steps away, and opportunities to fish and kayak abound. Simple and special. 
• Lufupa Camp has nine eco-friendly Meru-style tents set on stilts. In the northern part of the Kafue National Park, it's a marvellously peaceful spot for fishing and birdwatching. The plunge pool adds a touch of luxury, but this is really about embracing simplicity whilst being immersed in the wilderness. 
• Nsefu dates back to the 1950s, and prides itself on being the very first safari camp in Zambia. Set on a bend in the Luangwa River, the camp offers six thatched rondavels - ideal for those who would prefer to not to sleep in tents. The quirky bar is hidden in an old termite mound, leopards gather by the riverbanks in the evening, and the guided walks and drives are sensational. 
• Sausage Tree Camp, with Bedouin-style tents and an excellent reputation for its cuisine, sits in the heart of the Zambezi National Park. Guided bush walks and canoe safaris are particular highlights. With just six tents, there's a lovely sense of privacy, too. 

For a Walking Safari

• Tafika Camp is an owner-run gem with just six reed-and-thatch rooms, complete with open-air showers and solar power. Famed for offering some of the best guiding in this part of Africa, the camp specialises in walking safaris - and in microlight excursions. An exceptionally intimate experience of the Luangwa Valley. 
• Luwi Bushcamp is focuses solely on walking safaris. Four simple chalets are tucked in the shade of huge mahogany trees, and face a grassy plain frequented by all sorts of animals crossing from the forest to the lagoon and back. An eco favourite epitomising the legacy of conservationist Norman Carr. Very special: characterful and understated. 

For Luxury 

• Chiawa is widely regarded as one of Africa's top ten safari camps, based on the excellence of the guides and its unrivalled location overlooking the Zambezi River. The eight water-facing rooms and one suite promise an indulgent safari experience, perfect for honeymooners and families alike. Fabulous. 
• The Royal Livingstone by Anantara offers an impressive 173 rooms and suites, all with comfortable contemporary-classic interiors. Just moments from Victoria Falls, this family-friendly luxury hotel has a huge swimming pool, riverside massage pavilions, multiple eateries and access to excursions aplenty. A luxury resort-style option. 

For Families or Groups

• Busanga Bush Camp, towards the northern edge of Kafue National Park, has just three reed-and-canvas rooms. A fourth room is opened for exclusive group bookings. Facing the Busanga Plains, this remote, understated camp will delight those eager to spot more unusual animals, and it's well-equipped to host guests of all ages. 
• Luangwa Safari House, a stunning four-bedroom house with refreshing plunge pool, is a favourite for families or groups seeking a touch of luxury whilst on safari. Perched on the edge of a lagoon, and framed by the spectacular Chindeni Hills, this unusual house sits beautifully within a dramatic landscape, and offers a real sense of tranquility. 
• Shiwa Ng'andu Manor House is an imposing country house, now in the hands of the grandson of the original owners. Set a 10,000-hectare estate filled with wildlife and close to the banks of Shiwa Ng'andu - Lake of the Royal Crocodiles' - this four-bedroom house is ideal for families or groups seeking a sense of privacy in a truly unique spot. Expect elegant, old-world charm in spades. 

For an apartment or villa

Travel Information

• Fly into Lusaka's Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, and hop in a taxi to your destination from there. Many lodges will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit during the dry season - May to October - if you can. September and October are warm, with temperatures averaging at around 29°C; come earlier for cooler climes. The rains are expected between December and April. 

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