Best hotels in Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park is well-loved for its diverse landscapes and, at its heart, the majestic, life-giving Zambezi River. This region of southern Zambia is a pristine wilderness, home to large numbers of Africa's animal icons, especially lion, elephant and leopard. And it's the setting of Anabezi Camp, a truly lovely place that provides everything you want from a safari holiday and more. The hospitality and guiding are first-rate, the array of activities both on ground and the river are exhilarating, the tented accommodation and interiors are quietly elegant. And the food – it's good, very good.

The solar-powered King Lewanika Lodge is the only permanent safari lodge in this region, and is situated in splendid isolation in Zambia’s untouched Liuwa Plain National Park. Stunning landscapes are characterised by vast seasonally-flooded plains and wooded islands, and the camp is designed to make the most of the incredible sense of space and total immersion in this wildlife hotspot. Just six open-fronted super-luxury tented villas on raised platforms are spread out along the fringes of the floodplains, with far-reaching views. Liuwa is famous for its thriving lion population, abundant predators, and the second largest annual wildebeest migration south of the Serengeti.

Back in the 1970s, this shady spot on the banks of the Luangwa was Norman Carr’s green season base. Today, the ultra sleek and very stylish Chinzombo Camp has replaced the tents of old and given the area a new lease of life. Peaceful and tranquil and offering a good dose of luxury, the camp is a good option for some pre or post safari relaxation. But with 60 acres of private land on offer, a river teeming with wildlife and direct access to the National Park via boat, the game drives are exclusive, breath-taking and not to be missed.

Living up to its name (‘amanzi’ means ‘water’ in the local Tonga language), this charming camp is tucked away in the waterways of the Zambezi River on the beautiful and secluded Ngwenya channel. Whether you choose to discover the wildlife of this watery paradise by boat, canoe, vehicle or on foot, a safari from Amanzi is intimate, exclusive and highly personal. And with only 4 perfectly stylish tents, the same can be said for the camp too.

This idyllic escape sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, just 20 minutes from Victoria Falls, offering front-row seats to nature's ever-enthralling display. With only six suites crafted from all-natural materials, each featuring private plunge pools and outdoor showers, guests can watch elephants drink at the water's edge while soaking in their own piece of paradise. Throughout the lodge, you'll be treated to a showcase of African elegance, combined with stellar service and award-winning cuisine. Family-owned and passion-driven, Mukwa brings together luxury with authentic local experiences, making every aspect of your stay feel crafted just for you.

Perched beneath ancient winterthorn trees where the Chongwe meets the mighty Zambezi, these two exclusive suites deliver pared-back luxury with a side of butler service. The Cassia Suite pampers honeymooners with river-facing romance, while the two-bedroom Albida welcomes families who fancy their own slice of wilderness. With private plunge pools, clawfoot bathtubs under the stars, and dedicated guides who'll paddle you past hippo pods at dawn, this is safari refinement without the stuffiness. Elephants regularly wade through the channel right in front of your suite – entertainment courtesy of nature while you sip coffee from your canopied lounge.

Tucked away on its own private island in the eastern reaches of the Lower Zambezi, Chula is where safari purists go to disappear. Just five mesh-walled tents beneath towering Natal Mahogany trees offer front-row seats to one of Africa's last true wildernesses. This is owner-run, passion-fuelled safari at its most authentic – think bucket showers under the stars, breakfast around a crackling campfire, and guides who paddle these channels like they were born to do just that. It's deliberately simple, refreshingly remote, and completely captivating; the kind of place where hippos provide the morning alarm and elephants might just wander through camp for afternoon tea.