Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Zambia

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

Ready to go off grid?

Walking eco tours were pioneered in Zambia in the 1960s by safari legends Norman Carr and Robin Pope. Not only is it the best place to do a walking safari, but Zambia also offers travelers an alternative and adventurous travel experience reminiscent of Africa of old.

The mighty Zambezi River carves an impressive crevice between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls has awestruck guests for years, and the country's safari regions strike a unique balance between water and land-based activities.

Zambia is a luxury destination in its own right. It offers a selection of exclusive and socially-responsible boutique lodges in its three key regions: Livingstone, South Luangwa National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park. The sustainable activities in our Zambia itineraries allow you to experience the best of this country with minimal impact on its natural habitat.

Enjoy family-friendly guided walking safaris in the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, white water rafting down the Zambezi River, or get up close and personal with hippos and elephants on a canoe safari.

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Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

What our travelers are saying

  • “Our trip to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia was simply amazing. We really experienced what Africa is all about. For our girls, who are still relatively young, an experience like this can and likely is life changing. Overall the trip was everything we could have dreamed and doing this together as a family made it that much more special.”

    –Sophie Beraznik and family, Malawi

  • “I can't recommend Dominique and Elevate Destinations enough. Her passion and compassion is what stands out the most about her. She put together what I think is the perfect trip to Africa (S. Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls/Zambia side). Every step of the way we were met and I never had to lift my luggage the entire trip — now that's a vacation!”

    –Nancy Symonds, Botswana

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

  • A group of zebras graze near an acacia tree in the grassy savanna of Kenya, with a dirt road curving through the landscape and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

    “An adventure of a lifetime. The highlights were the people and the animals. Elevate Destinations made all connections seamless. Itinerary design was catered to all of our interests and abilities. All accommodations were diverse but wonderful.”

    –Bonnie Cauffman, Kenya

  • South Africa: A vibrant garden with clusters of red and yellow flowers in the foreground, green and orange bushes in the middle, and a mountain under a blue sky with few clouds in the background.

    “The safaris were the best! Each camp was wonderful, the guides were excellent and all exceeded my expectations! Every guide we had was excellent! Being in such close contact with nature is really a spiritual experience — very grounding and helps one put things in perspective.”

    –Judy Szor, South Africa

  • Kenya: A giraffe with a distinct pattern stands among tall grass and green bushes in Kenya, with flat-topped trees and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

    “It not only fulfilled a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa, but it exceeded any expectations I ever had of the experience. Elevate designed the perfect trip for a first time safari. ”

    –Cindy Watson, Kenya

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Zambia

When is the best time to visit Zambia?

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when wildlife viewing is at its best. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast or looking to see newborn animals, consider planning your trip between November and April instead.

What wildlife can be seen on a safari in Zambia?

A safari in Zambia provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. During game drives, you can expect to see a variety of iconic African animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and, with some luck, wild dogs. The national parks, particularly South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, are famous for their abundant populations of big cats, elephants, hippos, and buffalo. Canoe safaris and walking safaris offer unique chances to encounter hippos and elephants up close.

What are the best things to do in Zambia?

Zambia is renowned for its walking and canoe safaris, which give visitors a unique way to experience the African bush. Other things to do in Zambia include white-water rafting, private river cruises, fishing trips, rainforest hikes, and rhino tracking, as well as cultural visits to nearby villages. For adrenaline junkies, Zambia doesn’t disappoint, with activities such as bungee jumping and helicopter flights over the stunning Victoria Falls.

What does a typical Zambia itinerary look like?

A typical Zambia itinerary usually includes a stay near Victoria Falls to enjoy excursions to the falls, river cruises, and cultural activities. Travelers will then often visit national parks for game drives, walking safaris, and river activities. It is common to add neighboring countries to the trip, such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Botswana. Accommodations during a Zambia itinerary are typically in boutique lodges or camps that blend luxury with sustainability. Evenings are spent sharing stories around the campfire, enjoying sundowners, and dining on African-inspired cuisine.

Are Zambia’s national parks worth visiting?

Zambia’s national parks are definitely worth visiting, especially for safari enthusiasts. Successful conservation efforts have led to thriving wildlife populations and some of the most impressive wilderness areas in Africa. The country’s national parks are renowned for their abundant wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), and they offer unique experiences with fewer crowds compared to more popular destinations.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Zambia travel guide?

The expert travel advisors at Elevate Destinations design sustainable and socially responsible travel experiences in Zambia for families, groups, and couples. Our itineraries are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing your connection to Zambia’s natural beauty and culture. With a focus on eco-conscious travel and community engagement, Elevate Destinations ensures that your journey is both luxurious and meaningful.

Where are the best places to visit in Zambia?

The best places to visit in Zambia include Livingstone, home to a range of adventure activities and the gateway to the impressive Victoria Falls, and South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts.
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