Visit Zambia: A Journey into Untamed Wilderness

A  beautiful lioness patiently watched as her two cubs nervously tested the waters at their first swimming lesson. Just a few meters away, we sat quietly, captivated as the cautious little ones finally dove in, frolicking together like a family at an aqua park.

In most of Africa, we’d be jostling for space among dozens of other spectators, but here on the seasonally flooded, butter-yellow grasslands of Busanga Plains, we encountered hardly another vehicle all morning.

A seven-hour drive from the nearest gate, the far northern region of Zambia’s Kafue National Park offers some of the continent’s best lion sightings, all without the crowds.

This hidden gem isn’t the only place to enjoy solitude. While popular destinations like South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Victoria Falls draw attention, many of Zambia’s wild spaces welcome far fewer visitors, making them perfect for those seeking a unique safari experience.

This year, Zambia proudly celebrates 60 years of independence with the campaign “60 Years Strong: Honoring Our Heritage, Embracing Our Future.” Increasingly recognized as Africa’s best-kept secret, this stable, wildlife-rich country is poised for growth.

“We’re promoting Zambia as a more affordable alternative to Botswana,” shares Thoman Bevan, marketing manager for Expert Africa, one of several operators highlighting this safari destination for 2025.

Vincent Kouwenhoven, founder of the Green Safaris portfolio, saw Zambia’s potential long ago. His fully solar-powered Chisa Camp is one of five lodges in Busanga Plains, featuring stunning pods inspired by weaverbird nests, offering views of a waterhole frequented by elephants and antelopes. The main lodge showcases sustainable design, including walls made of insulating sandbags and wooden fishing traps that reflect a commitment to reducing poaching.

Established as a game reserve in the 1920s and receiving greater protection in the 1950s, Kafue is Zambia’s oldest and largest national park, covering 2.4 million hectares. Though wildlife faced challenges from neglect and poaching, efforts are now revitalizing this incredible landscape.

Kouwenhoven believes the wilderness experience in Kafue is unparalleled in Africa. “I fell in love with this place on my first visit,” he shares, emphasizing the vastness and authenticity of the park. “Yes, it takes a bit more effort for sightings, but this is real Africa. There’s so much space.”

Thanks to the work of African Parks, animal populations are on the rise. In 2021, this NGO entered a partnership with the Zambian government, transforming parks like Kafue into thriving ecosystems.

During a visit to the park, manager Craig Reid showed us a new facility dedicated to law enforcement. “The previous conditions were quite alarming for a park of this size,” he noted, highlighting the increase in ranger patrols and the removal of poaching villages.

Since African Parks took over management, the number of rangers has more than doubled, and they’ve made significant strides in combating poaching. Efforts include ambitious animal translocations, with plans for a black rhino sanctuary by next year.

Located conveniently for visitors, Ila offers an opportunity to engage with conservationists and learn about their vital work. Just a three-hour drive from Lusaka, it’s the perfect gateway to Kafue.

Following a fire last year, Kouwenhoven redesigned the Chisa Camp with a modern look inspired by the yin and yang symbol. Inside, high ceilings and large windows provide stunning views of the Kafue River and surrounding bush.

This elegant lodge embodies the essence of a park once dubbed the jewel of Zambia, a rising safari destination ready to shine brightly once more.

**How to Experience It:**
A six-night, all-inclusive stay in Kafue National Park with Visit Zambia Ltd, including three nights at Ila Safari Lodge and three nights at Chisa Busanga Camp, starts from £3,825 per person. This includes all transfers, activities, and park fees. Economy flights from Heathrow to Lusaka with Emirates begin at £718 per person. For more details, visit [Visit Zambia](https://www.visitzambia.co.zm).

Credit phtotos  and Original post on @The Telegraph