Best hotels in Zambia

Tune into your surroundings with a digital detox at this teeny-tiny bushcamp in the heart of the South Luangwa. Simple but rustically stylish, the four tents are located in one of the least-visited and most game-rich regions of the park - simply open your tent flaps and you're in the heart of the wildlife-spotted wilderness. Explore on game drives, night drives and walking safaris (they're famously good in the South Luangwa and Nkonzi Camp is no exception) and then return to your bush home for dinner in the sandy river bed and whiskies around the camp fire.

Lying on the border of the fabulously wild South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp is a constant for safari-goers who return time and again for its idyllic setting and its affordability. Jackalberry Treehouse, a private hideaway a short distance from the main camp, offers an even more peaceful refuge, one that's tucked beneath the treehouse's lattice of limbs. With unimpeded views across the dambo wetlands and lagoon system, this little slice of the bush is particularly precious. It's serviced by a dedicated team during the day – for the rest, you're left to enjoy the solitude of this natural sanctuary.

Located in the grounds of Mfuwe Lodge and with a focus on privacy, the house has two spacious, interconnecting bedrooms (both with ensuite bathrooms), an enclosed garden with a private pool and a firepit, pizza oven, and braai area. In the heat of the day, relax on the verandah with a book or take a dip in the pool – and watch out for the resident monkeys who sometimes wander through the garden.

Having opened its doors in 2022, Sungani is a stellar addition to the South Luangwa landscape. Translated to mean 'custodian' in the Chichewa language, Sungani was built to emulate the natural tones and textures of the wild, and prides itself on using mostly local ingredients. The main lodge is entirely open-sided so mealtimes are an added opportunity to watch the wildlife quench their thirst or wallow in the lagoon. The state-of-the-art tented suites enjoy panoramic views that will have you dreaming of the next day's adventures, whether that's boating down the Luangwa River or enjoying an iconic walking safari.

A unique lodge that redefines the safari experience, KuKaya gives you the freedom of choice to design your own timetable with flexible activites and dining options. KuKaya is set in pristine bush overlooking permanent water holes, only 2.5 kilometres from the main gate of the South Luangwa. The lodge has five beautiful and very spacious tented thatched chalets (4 doubles and one single). Each chalet has an outdoor shower, comfortable living and dining area, kitchen, and deck with a private plunge pool, firepit, pizza oven and barbecue area to make the most of the alfresco safari lifestyle. Embark on game drives and walking safaris, shared or private, visit the hide and brush up your photography skills, or simply choose to relax by your private pool, drink in hand, and watch the wildlife go by. Visit the Deli and choose from a selection of delicious ready-made meals, fresh salads and snacks for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Then, decide if you would like a private chef and waiter, or to prepare it yourself – the choice is yours!

Overlooking the Luangwa floodplains, Sunset House boasts magnificent views and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Accommodating up to 9 guests, this newly built and beautifully designed house is the perfect spot for an exclusive inter-generational or multi-family getaway. With three en suite bedrooms and a private swimming, the house invites you to spread out and make yourself at home. Because your party will be the only guests at the Sunset House, the staff will cater to your specific interests and fancies. Spend your days on game drives, bush walks, swims in the pool, and meals by the fire.

Surrounded by untouched wilderness, Msandie River Lodge blends luxury and sustainability. This eco-friendly lodge leaves behind nothing but great memories whilst maintaining a high level of comfort and style. The tents and chalets all have excellent river views for uninterrupted wildlife viewing from the luxury of your own room.

Kayila Camp is a 4-suites camp that combines tradition with comfort. Situated on a ridge on the banks of the Zambezi, Kayila offers sweeping views of the Mana Pools National Park on the opposite bank.The camp has a beautiful outdoor lounge area that overlooks the fire-pit deck and swimming pool, providing an excellent vantage point to experience the magic of the Zambezi River. Although Kayila is very luxurious it also has a relaxed and informal feel. The culinary experience is characterized by no frills home cooking with the option of some local delicacies. By virtue of its location and layout, the camp offers a plethora of activities and experiences: from “River to Ridge” walks through the property to sunsets on the escarpment with panoramic views of the river as well as sleep outs over watering holes giving guests the opportunity to experience a close up look into the exhilarating nocturnal world of Kayila.

Chisa is the Nyanja word for ‘birds nest’, and the rooms were inspired by the weaver bird nests that decorate the trees here. Sitting on a small tree-lined island, the camp uses only solar power as do the game drive vehicle and bicycles used to explore the watery dambos beyond. Chisa Busanga Camp celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the Busanga Plains, a place that will leave an indelible imprint on your mind. The four Nests blend seamlessly into the wild outdoors, while paying attention to the creature comforts needed inside for a luxurious nesting and sleeping experience. The days in Busanga are blissful. Mornings begin gently navigating the plains in the electric Land Cruiser and stopping in the bush to enjoy a breakfast prepared over hot coals. After a late afternoon walking safari, evenings wind down with stargazing and storytelling around the campfire.

Lake Camp is the new addition to Nanzhila Safaris and perfectly compliments the Plains Camp experience. The focus of Lake Camp is exploring the Southern Kafue wildlife that is found around Lake Itezhi-tezhi. Here, the mega herbivores like elephant, buffalo and hippo are more common than down on the Plains and so the incredible diversity and variety that Nanzhila is known for delivering simply gets broader with the addition of Lake Camp. In addition to the variety of species, the open floodplains and shorelines around the edges of Lake Itezhi-tezhi make for a stunning wildlife experience.

Kafue River Lodge is your reward at the end of your journey into the North-Eastern Kafue. The stretch of the Kafue River where the lodge is located is varied, gentle and favoured by wildlife. The 4 ensuite chalets overlook the river and the sounds of hippo carry clearly across the grounds with the miombo woodland behind camp also playing home to a steady stream of game and birds. Kafue River Lodge has 4 ensuite chalet and 2 central areas – an open, riverside “fire pit” for starlit dining and early morning coffee and the beautiful main lapa area which is built on a deck over the river offering cool shade and 180 degree river views.

We know the word 'wild' is tossed around like confetti when it comes to safari camps, but when it's true, it's true. Enter, Kasikizi! The latest arrival to Luambe National Park embodies the essence of a nature-first and blissfully remote safari experience. Appearing to sprout from the ground, there are just three grass chalets overlooking the vast floodplains where crowds of puku, impala and bushbuck gather. And when the rains replenish the river, this very spot becomes a popular crossing point for elephant and giraffe. One of Zambia's real under-the-radar gems, you'll have the region all to yourself on walking safaris amid the wilderness.We know the word 'wild' is tossed around like confetti when it comes to safari camps, but when it's true, it's true. Enter, Kasikizi! The latest arrival to Luambe National Park embodies the essence of a nature-first and blissfully remote safari experience. Appearing to sprout from the ground, there are just three grass chalets overlooking the vast floodplains where crowds of puku, impala and bushbuck gather. And when the rains replenish the river, this very spot becomes a popular crossing point for elephant and giraffe. One of Zambia's real under-the-radar gems, you'll have the region all to yourself on walking safaris amid the wilderness.