The Best 14 Places to Stay in Zambia are Chundukwa River Lodge, Livingstone, Flatdogs, South Luangwa and more below.
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1. Chundukwa River Lodge, Livingstone
Rooms start from $180 per person per night, and this charming lodge epitomizes the best 5 places to stay in Zambia with its authentic African atmosphere. Located just 25 kilometers from Victoria Falls, Chundukwa River Lodge offers five spacious cottages with thatched roofs, wooden floors, and adobe-style walls that create a genuine home-away-from-home experience. The lodge's prime location makes it one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for visitors wanting to combine wildlife experiences with waterfall adventures. Guests can enjoy horseback riding through the largest stable in Livingstone, while hippos graze in the gardens at night and monitor lizards create excitement in the undergrowth, truly justifying its place among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia.
2. Flatdogs, South Luangwa
Rooms start from $220 per person per night, positioning this establishment firmly among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Flatdogs boasts a prime location overlooking the Luangwa River at an elephant crossing point, where dozens of elephants pass daily just meters from your accommodation. Being only 1 kilometer from the main park entrance gate, it's perfectly positioned for game drives in an area famous for high densities of leopard, lion, and African wild dog, making it undoubtedly one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia. The camp's chalkboard restaurant with Mediterranean-style outdoor seating and two swimming pools provide the perfect relaxation spots after exciting game drives, cementing its reputation as one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia.
3. Chisa Busanga, Kafue
Rooms start from $350 per person per night, and this architectural marvel represents one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for travelers seeking unique accommodations. The solar-powered lodge features four individual "nests" - tall stilted treetop units whose oval shape resembles weaver bird constructions, making it one of the most distinctive among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia. Located on the edge of a forested island in the remote Busanga floodplain, which is considered the top wildlife-viewing area in Kafue National Park, this lodge truly deserves its place among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia. The area's dense population of black-maned lions, cheetahs, and African wild dogs, combined with spectacular birdlife including wattled cranes and grey crowned cranes, makes it an exceptional choice among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia.
4. Ila Safari Lodge, Kafue
Rooms start from $280 per person per night, making this eco-friendly lodge one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for environmentally conscious travelers. Situated on the forested bank of the Kafue River in the heart of Zambia's largest national park, the lodge's ten luxury tents are mounted on elevated decks powered entirely by solar energy. The surrounding area supports large herds of elephants and buffalo, with the trademark black-maned lions of Kafue National Park regularly spotted during game drives, establishing it as one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia. Built from eco-friendly local materials and operating solar-powered electric Land Cruisers for game drives, this lodge exemplifies sustainable tourism while maintaining its position among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia.
5. Kiambi, Lower Zambezi
Rooms start from $150 per person per night, making this lodge one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for budget-conscious travelers seeking quality experiences. Located in a Game Management Area bordering Lower Zambezi National Park, Kiambi offers comfortable stilted wood-and-thatch chalets overlooking the river, along with family cottages and camping options. The lodge serves as an excellent base for tiger fishing, canoeing, and boat cruises, with superb in-house birding opportunities that make it one of the best 5 places to stay in Zambia for nature enthusiasts. The mellow atmosphere and budget-friendly rates, combined with guided game drives that access the national park by river, create memorable experiences that justify its inclusion among the best 5 places to stay in Zambia.
6. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Livingstone
This fabulous stilted lodge represents luxury among places to stay in Zambia, featuring twelve thatched tree houses with air-conditioning and riverfront viewing decks. Located 12 kilometers upriver from Victoria Falls within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the lodge offers regular wildlife encounters with bushbuck, warthogs, and passing elephants. The elevated wooden walkways provide excellent canopy bird watching opportunities, while the all-inclusive experience includes superb food and guided activities. This establishment showcases why places to stay in Zambia offer world-class safari experiences.
7. Sindabezi Island, Livingstone
Comprising five tented units on a sandy forested island in the Zambezi River, this eco-friendly lodge epitomizes barefoot luxury among places to stay in Zambia. Built entirely from canvas, wood, and thatch using solar power, it targets travelers seeking off-grid relaxation experiences. The island setting provides intimate wildlife encounters with hippos, elephants, and buffalo, while nighttime brings the sounds of lions and hyenas across the water. This unique accommodation demonstrates the diversity of places to stay in Zambia.
8. Anabezi, Lower Zambezi
This wonderful lodge represents the pinnacle of bush chic among places to stay in Zambia, featuring glass-and-canvas open-plan suites with private plunge pools. Located in Lower Zambezi National Park's prime wildlife area, the accommodation is connected by an 800-meter stilted wooden walkway overlooking the Zambezi River. Game drives here offer exceptional encounters with African wild dogs, leopards, and lions, while boat trips on the Zambezi provide unforgettable experiences. This lodge exemplifies the luxury segment of places to stay in Zambia.
9. Sungani Lodge, South Luangwa
Possibly the most exclusive lodge in the Luangwa Valley, Sungani offers eight massive open-plan tented suites with private plunge pools overlooking a perennial lagoon. Built entirely on stilted platforms with stylish Africa-themed decor, this lodge functions almost as a private reserve in the remote Lusangazi sector. The absence of other vehicles and intimate wildlife encounters, including close-up leopard and lion sightings, make this one of the most sought-after places to stay in Zambia.
10. Shawa Luangwa, South Luangwa
This intimate eco-friendly property features five remarkable tepee-like A-frame tents set on tall stilted platforms looking into the forest canopy. As the first camp in South Luangwa to operate silent safaris using electric Land Cruisers, it offers unique wildlife experiences. The immersive environment includes elephants pruning trees around tents, turacos and hornbills in the canopy, and the nocturnal sounds of the African bush, making it special among places to stay in Zambia.
11. Mayukuyuku Bush Camp, Kafue
This small owner-managed camp situated downstream of rapids on the Kafue River offers four luxury tents with open-air bathrooms and private terraces. The camp's name means 'water hitting rocks,' perfectly describing its location. Regular visits from hippos and antelopes, along with resident African finfoot, create memorable wildlife experiences. The camp's position in Kafue National Park provides excellent access to game drives and boat trips, representing authentic places to stay in Zambia.
12. Nanzhila Plains Camp, Kafue
This family-owned camp in the little-visited Nanzhila Plains offers accommodation in three bandas and three standing tents facing a marsh. The camp provides the most reliable global site for the rare black-cheeked lovebird, endemic to southwest Zambia. Wildlife viewing includes cheetahs, mating lions, and various antelopes including sable, roan, and eland. The wilderness feel and absence of other tourists make this one of the most authentic places to stay in Zambia.
13. Konkamoya Lodge, Kafue
This Italian-run lodge on Lake Itezhi-Tezhi's southern shore features four large standing tents with netting walls and delicious Italian cuisine. The lake's ghost forest of stumps creates a unique setting reminiscent of Lake Kariba. Wildlife highlights include mega-herds of elephants and fearless leopards, while excellent birding includes African fish eagles and various wading birds. This upmarket lodge represents the diverse international influences among places to stay in Zambia.
14. Time + Tide King Lewanika, Liuwa Plain
This lodge in remote Liuwa Plain represents the ultimate wilderness experience among places to stay in Zambia, accessible only by air or 4x4 across the Luanginga River. The six open-fronted solar-powered cottages built with organic materials offer vintage safari-style luxury. The area hosts Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration and provides opportunities to observe habituated spotted hyenas. This all-inclusive lodge appeals to experienced safari connoisseurs seeking authentic places to stay in Zambia.
The Best Time to Visit Zambia
The optimal time to experience the finest places to stay in Zambia depends on your safari preferences and the specific regions you plan to visit. The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing conditions, as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense, making game spotting easier. During this period, places to stay in Zambia experience cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The wet season from November to April brings lush landscapes and excellent bird watching opportunities, though some places to stay in Zambia may have limited accessibility due to flooding. For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, the dry season provides optimal conditions for experiencing the best that places to stay in Zambia have to offer.
How to Get There to Zambia Safari
Accessing the premier places to stay in Zambia typically begins with international flights to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone. Most places to stay in Zambia offer transfer services from these airports, either by road or chartered flights to remote locations. For lodges in South Luangwa National Park, domestic flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport provide convenient access to places to stay in Zambia in this region. Many places to stay in Zambia also arrange charter flights directly to airstrips near their properties, particularly for luxury lodges in remote locations. Road transfers are available for places to stay in Zambia near major towns, though 4x4 vehicles are often necessary for reaching remote safari camps.
What to Bring to Zambia Safari?
When visiting places to stay in Zambia, packing appropriate clothing and equipment ensures a comfortable and safe safari experience. Essential items include lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives, warm layers for early morning and evening activities, and sturdy walking shoes for bush walks. Most places to stay in Zambia provide mosquito nets and insect repellent, but bringing your own supply is recommended. Sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen is crucial, as is a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards for capturing wildlife encounters. Many places to stay in Zambia offer laundry services, so packing light with quick-dry fabrics is advisable. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing experiences at all places to stay in Zambia.
Booking Zambia Safari with Dav Safaris
Dav Safaris specializes in creating customized safari experiences that showcase the finest places to stay in Zambia, ensuring each journey is tailored to individual preferences and interests. Our expertise in Zambian tourism enables them to recommend the most suitable places to stay in Zambia based on your budget, desired activities, and travel dates. When booking through Dav Safaris, you gain access to competitive rates at premier places to stay in Zambia, along with comprehensive support including transfers, activities, and guide services. Our local knowledge and established relationships with places to stay in Zambia ensure seamless experiences and insider access to unique opportunities. Dav Safaris' commitment to sustainable tourism means they partner with places to stay in Zambia that prioritize conservation and community development, making your safari both memorable and meaningful.
Contact Dav Safaris to start planning your Zambian adventure today and discover why these exceptional places to stay in Zambia consistently rank among Africa's finest safari destinations!