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Where waterfalls are wondrous, walking safaris were born, and basket-weaving is more than an art form...
Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, Zambia, named after the Zambezi River that flows through it, is a destination with vast savannas, lush forests, striking valleys, and escarpments of the Great Rift Valley. It's also home to a vibrant cultural tapestry thanks to more than 70 ethnic groups, each with their own diverse festivals and cuisine.
The country is landlocked and famed for its thundering Victoria Falls-one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sitting on the border with Zimbabwe, the falls not only have cultural significance for locals but are a main draw for international travelers.
In Zambia, you can swim at the edge of the falls or snorkel the crystal-clear depths of the deepest lake in Africa, Lake Tanganyika. Whether you're looking to go on the safari of a lifetime or wander the local markets checking out artisan traditions like basketry, this African nation is worth your next adventure.
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Black Friday Sale: Fly to Europe from just $129
Are you ready for an adventure this Black Friday? With Norse Atlantic Airways, one of the world's leading long-haul low-cost airlines, you can explore Europe's most iconic cities at unbeatable prices.
For a limited time, they are offering incredibly low fares on flights from the US to five unmissable destinations-London, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Oslo-starting from just $129 one way for travel between 26th November 2024 and 15th April 2025.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience transatlantic travel without sacrificing comfort or service. Norse's modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners are designed for your comfort, whether you choose a budget-friendly Economy Light fare or indulge in the luxury of Norse Premium, offering best-in-class legroom with a generous 43-inch pitch.
Fly from New York, Miami, Orlando, or Las Vegas and let your wanderlust take flight.
Hurry-these offers won't last long! Book by midnight on December 3rd to secure your seat.
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Land of the smoke that thunders
As a tourist destination, Zambia is perhaps most popular for Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, which sits on the country's border with Zimbabwe. Its Indigenous name, given long before European explorers arrived, is Mosi-oa-Tunya, translating to "the smoke that thunders," and is used to honor its cultural significance to the locals.
Its name is befitting, too, as it captures the sheer ferocity with which the Zambezi River thunders down a dramatic basalt gorge, creating a thick cloud of mist, rainbows, and spray water. This rain will have you completely soaked at viewpoints like Knife Edge Bridge, which requires goggles and a poncho.
The best time to visit is in the rainy season between March and May, when the river volume is at its peak flow and the waterfall is most impressive. While you can walk to see the falls, you can also swim in Devil's Pool or Angel's Pool, small pools that sit right atop the waterfall and offer an up-close view of the cascade.
Visitors can enjoy white-water rafting, a 30-minute microlight flight over the falls, and bungee jumping into a rainbow formed by sunlight refracting through the mist created by the waterfall. When staying in the area, consider Thorntree River Lodge, one of the only high-end safari lodges in Africa that's owned by a Black African.
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Home to the walking safari
Zambia's myriad parks and game reserves make it an idyllic destination for a safari, but South Luangwa National Park-the birthplace of the walking safari-offers thrilling chance encounters with the Big 5 while on foot thanks to its low woodlands and flat, open plains.
The best months to book a walking safari are in the dry months between June and October. Depending on your interest level, these can run from a two-hour walk early in the morning to a one-week mobile safari spending your nights in luxury or temporary tents in the wild.
Led by an expert guide, you can walk across the savanna, stopping every so often to identify animal tracks, distinguish between edible and poisonous plants, and see what information you can glean from wildlife dung. Zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and more can all be spotted as you walk, as a chorus of birds sets the playlist. There are an estimated 400 lions here split into various prides-nothing beats the thrill of spotting them only a few feet away.
A walking safari is a unique opportunity to sharpen your senses and become one with the wild, rather than being a spectator from a vehicle. You can't make appointments with wildlife, though, so if you're set on seeing certain animals, you might want to reconsider this type of activity.
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The only card you need this holiday season
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of earning 2x miles on every purchase. No wrapping required.
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Woven in tradition
Intricately patterned Zambian plateau baskets, which were traditionally used to winnow grain (separating the grain from the chaff by tossing it in the air for the latter to be blown away by the wind), are popular forms of wall art in contemporary African home decor. Different ethnic groups throughout the country have made these baskets for centuries, passing the tradition down through generations from mothers to daughters and using the baskets to gather, store, and serve food.
If you visit the Tonga women in the Southern province, you'll find them chatting in small groups under the shade, dexterously weaving organic materials, like palm leaves dyed with tree bark or wild grass, into beautiful baskets. There's a master weaver, too, who gets this title from her prowess in preparing the raw materials and weaving with consistency in design and shape.
Other ethnic groups, like the Mbunda women in the Western province, produce more rugged baskets made from Makenge, a bush with long shallow roots that grows near water. It is typically harvested sustainably by trimming only part of the root, which allows it to regenerate two new roots that can grow up to three feet per month, ensuring a long-term supply for the weavers. Given how strong and stiff the Mbunda baskets are, you'd think they were made of wood.
Read more
- What fills the Zambian dinner table
- The world's largest mammal migration (even bigger than the wildebeests!)
- Vibrant festivals put on by Zambia's various ethnic groups
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LUN flight price history
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$851 Average Going deal
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$1,500 Normal ticket price
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Interested in a trip to Lusaka?
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This is our last 2
and 5-year sale ever
Don't let the ultimate travel deal pass you by
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With local expert:
Wendy Watta
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Wendy Watta is a travel writer and vlogger from Nairobi, Kenya, covering everything from adventure and hotels to food and conservation. Whether kayaking in Zanzibar, wine tasting in Cape Town, or working as a digital nomad in Zambia, she's always willing to pack for the next trip at the drop of a hat. She has written for Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, Fodor's Travel, and more.
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