Best hotels in Zambia

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.

Ntemwa-Busanga makes no apologies for its small, simple stature - while short on the cushy excesses, it's big on adventure and expertise. Veteran guides of Kafue National Park, Tyrone Mckeith or Phil Jeffery, run this unique operation. These highly skilled, enthusiastic and charming characters facilitate your experience in this remote, beautiful area that is known for its population of lions, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, sable antelope - not to mention the host of others. This camp operates from July - November, when the floods recede and allow access to the vast plains, teeming with game.

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.

The quintessential bush camp, Luwi occupies an enviable location in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. Aside from sister camp Nsolo, Luwi is the only camp in the area and activities focus on walking through the untouched and pristine bush. With the nearby lagoon drawing animals from the surrounding plains there is never a shortage of wildlife to discover and the birdlife is an ornithologist’s dream. Quite simply, Luwi is secluded luxury at its best and a stay here is intimate and very, very exclusive.

Just 24 kilometres (15 miles) upstream from Victoria Falls, Chundukwa River Lodge is set on, and above (the buildings are stilted), the wide, fast-flowing Zambezi. Here you can have your cake and eat it – enjoy the tranquillity of the riverfront position, knowing that, just a short journey downstream, the Victoria Falls thunder into their gorge, offering activities galore for nature-lovers and adrenalin junkies alike. Tracing the reed-lined banks and surrounded by old-growth trees, the lodge is ideal for spotting birds and other water-loving wildlife like hippo, croc and, during the dry months, elephants in large numbers.

Zambezi Dusk is a small lodge in Livingstone, set directly on the Zambezi River. It's about 30 minutes upstream from Victoria Falls: close enough for easy access, but removed from the pace of town. The size is deliberate. Fewer suites mean more privacy and uninterrupted views of the river. Days typically aren’t tightly scheduled. You settle in and find your own rhythm.

Boat safaris leave twice daily from the lodge. From the water, you can see the animals of Zambezi National Park, like buffalo and elephants, coming down to drink and plenty of birdlife. The rest of the day tends to take care of itself. A swim when the heat builds. A walk along the bush paths. Time with a book by the pool. Or heading out for one of the many activities on offer.

Boasting one of the most picturesque locations of any bush camp in the Luangwa, Mchenja is set high on the banks of the river in a shady grove of mchenja (ebony) trees from which the camp takes its name. This northern section of the park is awash with animals and daily game drives offer wonderful sightings, from the baboons swinging in the trees to the predators stalking across the plains. A stylish tented haven, Mchenja perfectly balances a little bit of luxury with a true wilderness experience.