Zambia Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours to Zambia

The essence of Zambia

As welcoming as it is wonderfully wild, uncrowded except for its teeming wildlife, and dissecting its cool, high plateau with lush, green, river valleys, Zambia teams spectacular nature with superbly rewarding safaris, for a truly immersive experience.

Why choose a tour in Zambia?

With about half its population living in the urban areas, Zambia’s towns and cities have seen substantial development since the 1990s, to become a cosmopolitan mix of people, cultures, and commerce, particularly notable in the capital, Lusaka. One of Africa’s fastest growing cities, its metropolitan sprawl encompasses everything from markets and malls to high rise buildings, high-end suburbs and humble shanty enclaves, all enveloped in an energetic, ‘boom town’ atmosphere.

Landlocked but criss-crossed with waterways, the country’s topography takes in Lake Tanganyika and the fantastic Victoria Falls; both splendid attractions for visitors, but the animal residents gather elsewhere. Parks and sanctuaries cover more than 30% of the landmass and are nowhere more exhilarating than along the Luangwa River Valley, the enclave of Zambia’s flagship reserve, South Luangwa National Park.

One of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness areas, it is known as the home of traditional walking safaris; its 9,000km2 spread filling the valley floor, 300 metres lower than the plateau it divides. Surfaced roads are limited, the more remote the rougher the tracks. The river alters its course and character from a languid flow in the dry season to a rushing torrent in the rains; and small lodges and seasonal bush camps are positioned for prime wildlife watching.

With an exceptional concentration of wildlife, and habitats as diverse as the animals they host, South Luangwa’s lagoons and riverbanks, ebony forests and open plains are home to buffalos, elephants, and antelope herds, hippos in their hundreds, and the largest natural population of leopards on earth; complemented by 400 bird species, from flocks of crowned cranes to colonies of carmine bee-eaters.

On Jules Verne’s journeys, Zambia, ‘the wild heart of Africa’, is teamed with Malawi, ‘the warm heart of Africa’, with thrilling wildlife in the wilderness miles of its Majete Reserve and Liwonde National Park. Together, the two neighbouring countries create an unforgettable adventure.

When to go on Zambia holidays

Zambia has a tropical to sub-tropical climate, varying with latitude and altitude; the cool air of the vast plateau earning it the epithet of ‘the air-conditioned state’, with annual temperatures averaging 28°; while the valley rifts can be several degrees warmer. The country has two main seasons: dry from April to the end of October, when game viewing is good as animals gather at the river; and rainy from November to March, when the rains are usually short & sharp downpours. This ‘green season’ is superb for birdwatching.

Who are Zambia tours suited to?

A little off the beaten track and ‘far from the madding crowds’, safaris in Zambia are an enthralling, untamed experience for the adventurous traveller. Walking safaris are wonderful here; wildlife watching is rewarding from dawn to dusk, with plenty of plains game and their predators, backed-up by brilliant birdlife.
Jules Verne’s safaris are in small groups of like-minded travellers, with stays in small, well-appointed lodges and camps adding to an air of exclusivity.

Why book Zambia tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne finds the most intriguing, adventurous, and inspiring places to explore. Our safaris typically take to the tracks in small groups with a knowledgeable driver/guide, well versed in the habits and habitats of the country’s amazing animals.

Offering unrivalled game viewing by vehicle, by boat, and on foot; and staying in well-placed lodges and camps, special experiences on our Zambia journey include a picnic at the salt pans of Nsefu.

Our guided tours in Zambia are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.