If you’re anything like us, a perfect honeymoon means being whisked off to somewhere far-flung and beautiful and spending each day making the memories of a lifetime. Well, say hello to Zambia, a magical country where everything from luxury tented suites to fly camps are surrounded by an epic assortment of wildlife. Around here, humans are a rare find! From thrilling moments at Victoria Falls to walking safaris that will take your breath away, you’ll quickly fall in love with this unique country. Take a look at our Zambia honeymoon guide to get your planning started…
A full house honeymoon in Zambia
Immerse yourselves fully into Zambia’s glorious wilderness with a honeymoon that takes you from one safari great to the next. Start things off at the thundering Victoria Falls and get your kicks with bungee jumping, white water rafting, or enjoying the ‘Flight of Angels’ in a helicopter, looking out for rainbows forming in the mist at the top. Follow the impressive Zambezi River into the Lower Zambezi National Park where water-based safaris are the name of the game. Float past lion, leopard and buffalo gathered on the banks and look out for 100-strong herds of elephant – one may even swim by if you’re lucky… Then, it’s off to the land of the walking safari, the South and North Luangwa national parks, which both promise intimate wildlife encounters (on foot, no less) with Africa’s greatest creatures. And did we mention that the South Luangwa is known as the Valley of the Leopard? We wouldn’t be surprised if you were to see one hunting in broad daylight…
Top spots to stay
It doesn’t get better than Sindabezi’s private island hideaway, just a boat ride away from Victoria Falls and complete with munching elephant and giant bathtubs. In one of the quietest corners of the Lower Zambezi, Anabezi Luxury Camp eases you into bush life with its private plunge pools and gourmet dining in unexpected locations. In the South Luangwa, Time and Tide Luwi Bush Camp really knows how to do walking safaris right – and they’re always rounded off with sundowners in the wilds. And then there’s remote and genuine Mwaleshi Camp, a place that perfectly captures the romance of North Luangwa.
Classic Zambia with a twist
Tick off a few of Zambia’s bucket listers and get to know its off-the-radar wild spaces on this fabulous honeymoon safari for two. Soak up the surreal vistas and overwhelming power at Victoria Falls, impressive from the air, the misty gorge below and, in the right season, the precipitous ‘Devil’s Pool’. Next up, the South Luangwa or ‘Valley of the Leopard’ awaits, a place where the wildlife is mind-boggling. Spot giant herds of elephant and antelope and see if you can spot leopards (plural!) on the hunt or enjoying a siesta in the trees. A tiny sanctuary in eastern Zambia (and just north of the South Luangwa), Luambe makes for a spectacular final stop. The wildlife is astonishing, from massive pods of hippo wallowing in the lagoons and river, to vivid birdlife and night drives where Africa’s most secretive animals appear from the shadows.
Top spots to stay
Skim along the Zambezi River to the refuge of Royal Chundu’s gorgeous villas on a private island, all of which have astounding views. Elegant and with amenities in all the right places (hello, private plunge pool), Time and Tide Chinzombo Safari Camp in the South Luangwa does R&R just as well as it does incredible game watching. Then it’s off to Luambe Camp. Set within splashing distance of a splendid pod of hippos, it’s the only one around for miles – yes please!
Wildlife galore from the Zambezi to Liuwa Plain
Let adventure take the lead on this incredible Zambian honeymoon. Set off from the South Luangwa, where walking safaris reign supreme, the landscape is a storybook come to life, and leopards swing their tails lazily from tree branches. To top it all off, the park has some of the finest guides on the continent that will be by your side at all times. Then it’s time to experience Zambia from the water on canoe and boating excursions along the Zambezi River, its banks lined with creatures of every shape and size (although the elephants always tend to steal the show). At Victoria Falls, let the wonder of the churning, mist-filled gorge and the sheer magnitude of water take your breath away. You’ll get it back at a lovely lodge just up river! Then, end your safari in the hidden wilderness of Liuwa Plain, where packs of spotted hyena and African painted dog are just a few of the photo-worthy sights you’ll encounter.
Top spots to stay
With just four tented suites, Chindeni Bushcamp in the South Luangwa is made for an intimate safari and with their guides at the helm, it’ll be one you’ll never forget. In a prime riverside spot in the Lower Zambezi, the honeymoon suites at Sausage Tree Camp are kitted out with a private pool, bar and deck – don’t skip a sunset there! At Victoria Falls, our vote goes to Thorntree River Lodge with its floating decks, own boat and a sublime setting, and in Liuwa Plain, it has to be Time and Tide King Lewanika and the endless, rolling vistas from the timber and canvas suites.
Rugged Zambia with a Lake Malawi beach retreat
Get your fill of Zambia’s natural highlights before taking things easy on the Malawian Riviera. This trip starts with a bang at Victoria Falls, the biggest waterfall in Africa, where around 650 million litres plunge over the crest at its peak. You can even make your own plunge with a day of bungee jumping, swinging through the gorge, white water rafting, or a heart-stopping microlight flight overhead. Then, it’s time to see the South Luangwa in all its big-sky, soaring landscape glory as you follow the river on foot or 4×4 drives. And the wildlife stakes are no less impressive, from prowling leopards and one of the largest populations of hippo and crocodile in the world, to the tiniest details pointed out by guides at the top of their game. Your final days will be spent lounging on a golden beach, snorkelling in gin-clear water and kayaking to secluded islands on the beautiful Lake Malawi.
Top spots to stay
Make the luxe Royal Chindu River Lodge your home along the Zambezi River, primed for as much adventure or pampering as you like. Overlooking the shimmering Luangwa River, the safari never stops at Kulandila Camp, especially when you can watch the wildlife from your bathtub. With an enviable location in South Luangwa, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities and the geothermal hot tub makes a rather memorable end to your safari at Kafunta River Lodge. Over in Malawi (and only accessible by teeny-tiny plane), Kaya Mawa is a true island getaway and promises the very best of Lake Malawi.
Bucket list Lower Zambezi & Kafue safari
On this trip, you’ll take your time exploring two of Zambia’s most out-of-this-world wildlife destinations. Dive straight in at a wonderfully-isolated camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park where the steady waters of the river will take you on a meandering journey past herds of elephant and pods of hippo, crocodiles sunning themselves, and big cats lapping along the banks. If you’d prefer to spend some time on land, head out day or night to spot even more wildlife – and always have your camera ready. Despite its size, Kafue remains Zambia’s little secret with phenomenal diversity and limitless chances to see it all. Spy iridescent birdlife on a boat cruise, tramp across the grasslands with an eagle-eyed guide, or survey the scene on a hot air balloon ride.
Top spots to stay
For a winning combination, begin your trip at the rustic, riverside Kutali Camp whose guides are some of the best in Africa. Then, end things off at Musekese Camp where you’ll shower under the stars and never feel far from the nature that surrounds you.
Wildlife, Waves & Waterfalls in southern Africa
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, this southern Africa trip is a honeymoon to remember! Victoria Falls makes for a fantastic starting point whether you fancy getting as close as possible to the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ or gazing towards the falls from a luxury, riverside lodge. The safari of your dreams awaits in the Okavango Delta, a setting of wetlands, waterways and islands where a cast of amazing wildlife dwells. There are mokoro rides, walking expeditions, game drives… you name it! After a pitstop in Johannesburg, it’s off to the Seychelles to soak up the sun, splash in the waves and spend as much time at the spa as you like. And that’s before we’ve mentioned the snorkelling and cruises along the bay just as the sunset turns it the perfect shade of gold…
Top spots to stay
Sitting along the banks of the Zambezi, Tongabezi Lodge is just downstream from Victoria Falls yet feels worlds away from anyone and anything. Permanently surrounded by waterways in the Khwai Private Reserve, Sable Alley enjoys an incredible parade of wildlife including the elusive African painted dog. In a quiet suburb of Johannesburg, The Peech is a glossy and stylish spot the spend the night before zipping off to the Four Seasons in the Seychelles. You’ll want for nothing and the views are sensational, especially from the hilltop spa.
