Discovering Zambia

Article from Travel & Leisure

The May-August 2025 edition of Travel & Leisure (Zambia & Zimbabwe Edition) features an article by Latitude Expeditions with the theme of Zambia as a wonderful location for a first-time safari experience. Join us for a recap of the group trip we led in Fall of 2024.

(The full text version is provided toward the end of this blog.)

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Discovering Zambia - A Road Less Traveled

I knew this safari adventure in Zambia would be different from the many other safari locations I have been to while looking out the window on our flight to Lusaka. The landscape and rivers are beautiful from the air, and even more impressive when up close on walking safaris and water-based game viewing. This trip was designed by Latitude Expeditions (LE), and my wife, the founder of LE and I were leading a group of 10 others, all first timers to Africa and safaris. A great initial stop was at Lilayi Lodge, a half-hour drive outside of Lusaka, that is a 650-hectare private game farm and luxury retreat. Lilayi was a great introduction for the newcomers due to its extensive hiking trails where you can spot zebra, eland, sable, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, puku, kudu, and impala, all at close range. Since there are no predators on a game farm, the animals are quite active yet relaxed around people, with marvelous photo opportunities. The best interactions with wildlife came during our morning 10km self-guided hike. Lilayi also offers guided game drives, but we encouraged our guests to hike as a great way to experience the walking safaris for which Zambia is famous.

From Lusaka we flew to Anabezi Camp along the Zambezi river in Lower Zambezi National Park. I have wanted to visit this area for years, ever since my visit to Mana Pools National Park across the river in Zimbabwe. The undulating terrain offers a mix of riverine woodlands and vast grasslands, attracting a wide range of species. I most enjoyed the winter thorn (ana tree) forests that are very open, creating wonderful photo opportunities with sunlight dappling through the trees and the ability to spot animals at a distance. The natural environment here is unique and animals adapt to it with unique behaviors –picture lions climbing fallen trees for a resting place with a great view, or elephants standing on their hind legs reaching with their trunk up to grab the winter thorn’s tasty flowers.

Our 10 guests were treated to great viewings on the first day, with a lion pride feasting on the previous night’s prey and a large pack of 31 African Painted Dogs with many youngsters. Our group spent hours with the lions and dogs at separate sightings over several days, learning from our guides about each species’ habits and family life. Among our group’s favorites were several leopards we spotted both on the hunt and up in trees with their quarry.

A boating safari on the Zambezi is another unique treat in Zambia, as elephants swim or wade across to the opposing shores of Zimbabwe, making the vast wilderness of the adjacent parks their extended territory. We also saw many species of birds, huge pods of hippos lounging and many crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks. As the late-day sun began painting the sky in a palette of warm orange and yellow hues, there was no better place to be than a lovely sundowner on a sandbar in the middle of the Zambezi river. Cocktails and snacks among friends gives time to appreciate this land and adds a touch of elegance to the experience.

Our group then traveled to South Luangwa National Park for a 3-day stay at Lion Camp. The magnitude of the unspoiled landscape and abundant wildlife attests to why Zambia is considered safari Africa’s last true wilderness. This area is the origin of the walking safari, pioneered by Norman Carr, whose passion for conservation lives on through Time + Tide’s properties. I left the group for a day to visit six Time +Tide camps, highlighted by a walking safari along the ephemeral Lubi River. The highlight of the trek was an interruption by a thundering, massive herd of buffalo charging to the river. While very close to the action, I felt totally safe with our expert guides, yet fully exhilarated at the sight & sounds of these impressive animals. I had expected the typical sundowner after the walk but was totally surprised by the bush dinner and sleepout under the stars in a dry riverbed. This transformative experience immerses one in Africa’s raw beauty. The vastness of the night sky and closeness to nature foster a profound sense of peace and wonder; listening to nocturnal calls and marveling at constellations rarely visible elsewhere, this experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul. It’s not just about what you see in Zambia… it’s what you feel.

Before moving on, we made a stop at Mulberry Mongoose, a unique craft shop focused on conservation that makes beautiful jewelry from remnants of snare wire and natural materials. It was a big hit with the group, everyone bringing home a newly treasured piece of wearable art.

Zambia was a perfect setting for a first safari for our group. The relaxed pace, wonderful activities, game sightings and luxury lodgings brought our diverse group together and built lasting friendships and lifelong memories. Latitude Expeditions got rave reviews from the guests, with everyone excited about a future trip to other parts of Africa.