Best hotels in Zambia

Welcome to Chongwe River House, a four-bedroom private house on the banks of the Chongwe River with more than a touch of the Fred Flintstone, accommodating a minimum of 4 people. Designed by renowned architect Neil Rocher, the house is a grand architectural medley of curving walls and enormous leadwood furniture – there’s barely a straight line in sight. But you’re not coming on safari for style we hear you say? Well that’s ok then as the house comes complete with a private guide, armed guard, vehicle, boat and kayaks for the ultimate exploration of all corners of the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Created by a safari company thoroughly committed to preserving the pristine bush areas in which they operate, Ila Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Kafue River, bordering the wilderness of the Kafue National Park. Welcoming guests of all ages, with a maximum number of 24 people, ensures unequivocal privacy. Easily accessible from both Lusaka and Livingstone, Zambia’s oldest and largest park is home to lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and wild dog and the diversity of the habitat also guarantees some of the best birdwatching in Africa.

There is a corner of the Lower Zambezi National Park where the rushing waters of the Zambezi meet the tranquil Chongwe channel, where curved ox-bow lagoons shimmer in the heat and where spiky winterthorn woodlands stretch endlessly to the horizon. And in the heart of it all is Chongwe Camp, a 9-roomed tented haven offering a variety of water and land based activities amid scenery that truly takes your breath away.

Mawimbi is a bespoke and exclusive lodge situated in the heart of the Kafue National Park, one of Zambia's finest parks. It's the perfect getaway spot, unhurried and far from civilisation. The tents are large and comfortable, the people are friendly and the surroundings are sublime. On the animal and bird front, there's lots to focus your lens on and plenty of ways to view them too, both on land and water. And when you're not exploring Kafue by boat, sit back and watch the light dancing off its ever-changing surface. Magical.

One of only a handful of camps open in the Green Season, Kakuli is a relaxed and intimate oasis in area renowned for frequent sightings of the notoriously elusive leopard. Perched on a high bank, the 4 chalets all have expansive views across the Luangwa river and down to a grazing lawn where antelope congregate to nibble on the green grass. Game viewing is spectacular year round and this, combined with the encyclopaedic knowledge of the resident guides, puts Kakuli high on the list of ultimate safari hot spots.

Situated just 12 kilometres upstream from those famous Victoria Falls, Sussi & Chuma Lodge holds prime position on the banks of the wide Zambezi in Mosi-oa-Tunya ('the smoke that thunders') National Park. Named for the servants who buried David Livingstone’s heart in Africa, Sussi & Chuma is far different from the usual accommodation found in the reserve. This is not for those who like to rough it, but an ultra version of a classic safari-style camp. It is perfectly positioned for access to the falls, while being itself a peaceful retreat surrounded by jackalberry trees and palms, animals and birds.