Zambia isn’t your average safari destination… It’s one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. With over 30% of the country designated as national parks or game reserves, it has been the longstanding home of some of the richest biodiversity on the continent!
What’s so special about Zambia for spotting wildlife?
Zambia wildlife is nothing short of spectacular – from the Big Five to rare antelopes and, did we mention – the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa? There is a reason why Zambia has made its mark as a bucket-list destination for safari lovers.
But what sets Zambia apart from the rest? Well, late-night drives are legal in most national parks, offering rare and wonderful sightings of Zambia’s native species.
Plus, the low-density tourism model of Zambia ensures fewer crowds, wide open spaces and more exclusive wildlife encounters – something that’s a bit rarer compared to Africa’s more commercialised safari destinations.
In this guide, let us take you through the widely acclaimed ‘Big Five’ of Zambia and some more you may have never heard of at all!
Zambia Wildlife Profile:
Scientific name: Panthera leo melanochaita (Southern African Lion)
Size & Strength: Males can exceed 250kg (550 lbs) in some Zambia regions.
Hunting Specialities: Riverine hunting in Luangwa – with hippo and buffalo kills recorded, Kafue lions target roan and sable.
Rarest Population: Liuwa Plain lions – once nearly extinct, now slowly recovering, famous for the lone lioness “Lady Liuwa.”
Lions in Zambia
Zambia’s lion population is thriving, with large prides ruling over the South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Parks. South Luangwa, in particular, boasts one of Africa’s highest lion densities (rivalling the Serengeti), with recent research suggesting its lions are among the largest in the whole of Africa! In the remote Busanga Plains of Kafue, lions can often be seen roaming the floodplains, making it a highlight of our Rivers & Plains Package, which offers guests a chance to explore both Kafue and the Lower Zambezi for a truly unforgettable big cat experience! Some studies estimate that between 600 and 1,000 lions inhabit the Luangwa Valley alone.
Why are Zambia lions so large?
Recent research indicates that Zambia’s lions are exceptionally large due to their protein-rich diet of buffalo, hippos and even crocodiles! Tourists on game drives each year can be lucky enough to witness a lion herds’ dynamic riverine hunting strategies – often involving hippo and buffalo. Unlike lions in drier savannah regions, Zambian lions have adapted to the lush, riverine landscapes – meaning their hunting tactics frequently involve stalking prey near water. However, here at Royal Zambezi Lodge, we’ve experienced a more unusual tale of one of our resident Lions befriending a little tortoise – unharmed and in fine condition (read our story here).
Did You Know? In 2019, researchers recorded a pride in South Luangwa successfully taking down an adult hippo – a truly rare event. While lions are apex predators, hippos are massive, aggressive and can weigh over 1,500kg (3,300 lbs) – making them quite the challenge! Typically, lions fully avoid grown hippos due to their sheer power and unpredictable aggressive behaviour. The fact that a Zambian pride coordinated a successful hippo hunt is a testament to the adaptability and teamwork of the lions.
Zambia Wildlife Profile:
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
Size & Strength: Males can weigh up to 90kg (200 lbs), with long, muscular bodies and strong jaws for their stealthy hunts.
Hunting specialities: Leopards are master ambush predators, skilled at climbing trees to catch their prey and avoid scavengers. Zambian leopards are renowned for hunting antelopes, baboons, monkeys and even small crocodiles along the Zambezi.
Most Common Leopard Species: The African Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is a common leopard resident of Zambia, often sighted in South Luangwa.
Conservation Status: Leopards in Zambia are listed as near-threatened in some areas due to poaching and habitat loss, but South Luangwa remains a stronghold with healthy and thriving populations.
Leopards in Zambia
South Luangwa is often called “The Valley of the Leopard”, and for good reason. Travellers have found that leopard density here is among the highest in Africa – with a sighting success rate of over 90% on night drives. The Lower Zambezi (the proud home of Royal Zambezi Lodge) also offers outstanding views of Leopards- read about our Leopard Sightings, especially along the Zambezi river’s floodplains. For optimal sightings, choose May to October for your stay, when the leopards are more likely to hunt due to limited vegetation during these seasons.
Zambia Wildlife Profile:
Scientific Name: Loxodonta Africana
Size & Strength: Adult males can weigh up to 6,000kg (13,200 lbs) and stand 3-4 meters at the shoulder, making them the largest land animals on earth!
Habitat & Diet: Zambia’s elephants are found in miombo forests, riverine plains and woodland areas. They are herbivores, consuming large quantities of grass, fruit and bark.
Rarest Population: Kafue Elephants, some of which have distinctive larger tusks and more isolated populations due to their remote habitat.
Conservation Status: Zambia has a stable population of elephants, but poaching and habitat loss continue to be a significant threat. Key refuges include Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, near the iconic Victoria Falls.
Elephants in Zambia
Zambian elephants are known for their sociable and complex family structures – the matriarchs are the bosses of the family (leading the herds!). This plays a crucial role for the elephants, with the key decision-making from the matriarch often leading the group to water sources and safe grazing areas, especially during migration seasons. The elephants are also well known for their ability to adapt to a series of challenging environments; they are sometimes seen breaking up trees for food or digging for water in dry riverbeds.
Zambia offers one of the most exclusive elephant encounters, with sightings in remote and less commercialised areas. In terms of conservation, Zambia has become a key player in protecting its elephants – with efforts in areas like Kafue and the Lower Zambezi National Park enforcing specific regulations to curb illegal poaching.
Zambia Wildlife Profile:
Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer
Size & Strength: Weighing between 500-900 kg (1,100 – 2,000 lbs), with large horns and solid, muscular bodies.
Habitat & Diet: Buffalo are herd animals – their primary defence being their sheer size and strength. They are also known for their aggressive tendencies, especially when protecting their young from predators like lions or wild dogs.
Rarest Population: There is a small population of Congo buffalo in the northwest of Zambia, a subspecies that is adapted to dense forest habitats.
Conservation Status: There is the least concern over buffalo conservation, but populations are under threat due to habitat loss and poaching in some areas – Zambia’s national parks, however, are the longstanding stomping grounds for buffalo populations, with significant efforts to protect them.
Buffalos are super resilient, being able to endure harsh conditions and migrate long distances for food and water. They are commonly spotted grazing in Zambia’s grasslands and riverine areas – this plays a key role in the country’s ecosystem, where the buffalo prevent overgrazing, they spread seeds and create waterholes for other Zambia wildlife.
Did You Know?
In South Luangwa, lions have been observed preying on buffalo calves, while older buffalo defend their young with aggressive strategies. The herd’s collective strength often allows them to repel sneaky predators, even standing their ground against mighty lions to protect their members.
Zambia Wildlife Profile:
Scientific Name: Ceratotherium simum simum (Southern White Rhino) & Diceros bicornis (Black Rhino – now extinct in Zambia)
Size & Strength: White rhinos can weigh up to a whopping 2,300kg (5,000 lbs) and stand up to 1.8 meters tall at the shoulder. They have a stocky build and a broad mouth suited for grazing.
Habitat & Diet: Historically, Zambia’s rhinos roamed savannahs and riverine woodlands. White rhinos are grazers – they primarily feed on grasses, while black rhinos (once native to Zambia) were browsers.
Remaining Rhinos: Zambia’s remaining rhinos are strictly protected within fenced sanctuaries in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Lusaka National Park and North Luangwa National Park.
Conservation Status: Unfortunately, Zambia’s rhino population was decimated by poaching, and wild black rhinos are now extinct. However, there are conservation efforts in place hoping to reintroduce them to Nsumbu and Kafue National Parks as early as next year.
Rhinos in Zambia
Rhinos were once widespread in Zambia, but sadly, relentless poaching during the 20th century drove them to the brink of extinction. Black rhinos – once common across the country, were officially declared extinct in the wild by the late 1990s. Today, conservation efforts remain a top priority.
Zambia’s only remaining rhinos are Southern White Rhinos, carefully protected within fenced sanctuaries in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (near Victoria Falls), Lusaka National Park, and North Luangwa National Park. These rhinos live under 24/7 armed protection, ensuring their survival against poaching threats.
Looking ahead, Zambia has ambitious plans to reintroduce rhinos to Nsumbu and Kafue National Parks. Anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, and habitat conservation are at the core of Zambia’s rhino recovery strategy.
While the Serengeti takes the spotlight, few know that Liuwa Plain National Park hosts Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration. Every November–December, tens of thousands of wildebeest move across the vast floodplains, often accompanied by cheetahs, hyenas, and Africa’s most endangered predator—the African wild dog.
Once critically endangered, African wild dog populations in Zambia are now rebounding. South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi, and Kafue are now some of the best places in Africa to see these charismatic hunters. With an 80% hunting success rate, they are among the most efficient predators on the planet. Best Time to See Them? June to September, when they are denning and raising their pups. However, at Royal Zambezi Lodge, we’re lucky to spot them year-round – especially at the airstrip!
Did you know? African wild dogs are also superstars when it comes to teamwork – read about their pack mentality in our blog.
Zambia is also home to several species found nowhere else in the world:
Zambia is truly a hidden gem when it comes to wildlife safaris, offering some of the most exclusive encounters of the Big Five and more! Whether you’re witnessing a pride of beautiful lions or tracking leopards along the Zambezi – every safari moment is unforgettable. For wildlife lovers, Zambia isn’t just a destination – it’s a much-loved adventure that calls you back time and time again!
For those looking to experience Zambia’s spectacular wildlife in absolute comfort, Royal Zambezi Lodge provides a luxurious yet authentic safari escape. Situated in the heart of the Lower Zambezi River and bordering the Lower Zambezi National Park, our lodge provides front-row seats to incredible wildlife encounters and also gives guests the chance to experience thrilling game drives, canoe safaris and sunset river cruises. Want to find out more? Get in touch with one of our friendly team today!
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
AUSTRALIA
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
