Our list of Zambia's finest hotels, lodges and tented camps - properties we consider truly special and recommend to our clients.

Zambia is not an easy place to run a tour company and many who try, fail. At Ultimate Africa we work very closely with several of Zambia’s tried and true tour operators - from Robin and Jo Pope of Robin Pope Safaris and the Cumings family of Chiawa. They may not offer the most luxurious accommodations but make up for this with a passion for Africa’s wildest areas and genuine hospitality. Please note that many Zambian safari camps close during the rainy season – November through May each year.

Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue, Zambia - Busanga Bush Camp lies in the heart of the Busanga Plains, a wildlife paradise that is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa. The Busanga Plains covers an area of approximately 750 square kilometers and is one of Zambia's most significant wetland resources, one of the few areas in the world that remain untouched by development and human activity. Busanga Bush Camp in the north-western section of the Busanga is about as wild as you can get in today's world: an unfenced mosaic of expansive grassy seasonal floodplains and "dambos" (open grassy areas that sometimes will fill up with rainwater). It caters for eight guests in 4 well-appointed rooms with wall-to-wall views of the spectacular wildlife that frequents the plain in front of the camp. The dining and bar area is under the shady canopy of majestic trees. Generally, dinners are served under the stars overlooking the floodplains, or indoors. Activities include day and nighttime wildlife viewing drives and walking safaris led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. This camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game and their predators - including some of the best lion and cheetah viewing in Africa!  It has good concentrations of plains game and the largest species diversity in Zambia, including animals that are rare or non-existent in other southern African countries such as Lichtenstein's hartebeest, roan antelope, Defassa waterbuck and oribi. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, and include such specials as Wattled and Crowned Cranes, Fulleborn's and Rosy-throated Longclaws, Lanner Falcon and large flocks of Open-billed and Yellow-billed Storks.

Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia – According to Conde Nast’s "Best of the Best" Series Chiawa is “One of Africa’s top ten safari camps!" Set within the Lower Zambezi National Park, under a grove of mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp can accommodate 16 guests in 8 well appointed safari tents, each en-suite, set on its own elevated wooden deck with a panoramic view of the Zambezi River. The tents are insect proof, have twin beds and solar-powered lighting. The charming lounge, bar, and dining areas are of thatch and pole construction, and overlook the Zambezi (and the wildlife that regularly drinks by camp), providing an unmatched safari ambience. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, professionally guided walks, boating, canoeing, and angling for the infamous tigerfish.

Chichele Presidential Lodge, South Luangwa, Zambia – Live like a king, well at least like the former president of Zambia…The South Luangwa National Park is a place of primeval forest and lush savanna, stretching for hundreds of miles and encompassing the Luangwa River basin, its adjacent highlands and a mosaic of different habitats extending outwards from the central river. Formerly a private Presidential retreat, Chichele (pronounce to rhyme with belly) occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire park. Since the original structures, built circa 1960, became very dilapidated, the lodge has had a complete makeover. A spectacular new central lodge of stone and thatch has been designed to complement its natural surroundings. In order to exploit the wonderful floodplain vistas offered by the site, 10 elegant Victorian style lodges were built along the edge of the hillside, each giving guests a private panoramic view. Each room offers air conditioning, en suite bathroom with shower and bath, and minibar. Quality furnishings and discreet service provide the necessary level of comfort expected by upmarket travelers. Wildlife in the area includes elephant, lions, wild dog, buffalo, giraffe and a wide variety of antelope in addition to many other endemic species. Activities include wildlife viewing drives in the South Luangwa National Park using open 4 x 4 vehicles. Nighttime wildlife viewing drives using spotlights enable guests to see such nocturnal animals as leopard, night ape and spotted hyena. Professionally guided walks are conducted by armed professional guides - walks range from short excursions to longer overnight trips. There is also a swimming pool.

Islands of Siankaba, Victoria Falls, Zambia - Islands of Siankaba is comprised of two densely-forested, sand islands in the Zambezi River, upstream from the internationally renowned Victoria Falls. Islands of Siankaba has been developed as a luxurious camp, offering 7 secluded chalets linked by a suspension footbridge to the main bar / lounge, dining area and swimming pool. The uniquely designed chalets are constructed of teak and custom-made canvas tenting and are raised well above ground levels in the tree canopy. Private balconies extend over the river. Activities at the lodge include guided birding and tree walks on the main island’s nature trail, village / school walks, guided fishing trips for the elusive Zambezi Tiger, sunset river cruises and dugout canoe trips around the Islands. The rate includes one trip to the Zambian side of the Falls per guest.

Kalamu Tented Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia - Opening in mid 2007 this small 4 room tented camp takes its name from the adjacent Chankalamu River, a seasonal tributary of the Luangwa. A typical tented camp, Kalamu’s en-suite Meru tents will give you the feeling of ‘camping in the bush’. Simple structures are complemented with understated luxury interiors. Shaded by giant Fig, Mahogany and African Ebony trees the camp faces west and overlooks a well-used crossing point on the Luangwa River. Elephants and a host of other game cross here adding excitement to camp life. A seasonal lagoon on the fringe of the site also attracts buffalo, puku, impala and warthog with their respective predators. Both wildlife viewing drives and walks are offered, with the latter being a specialty synonymous with the South Luangwa. The camp opens on July 1, 2007 and closes for the wet season on October 31, 2007.

Kapinga Camp, Kafue, Zambia - Kapinga Camp is situated in the extreme north of the Kafue National Park, and the north-west corner of the Busanga Plains. Kafue is one of the largest national parks in Africa, while the Busanga Plains is one of Zambia's most significant wetland resources, and one of the few areas in the world that remain unspoilt by human development. The camp is designed to blend in with the environment and natural products have been used as much as possible in the construction of the camp. Interiors are spacious and have all the modern conveniences that one would wish for. With only 4 luxury safari tents accommodating a maximum of eight guests, one can be assured of exceptional personal attention. Guests can take part in wildlife viewing drives and walking safaris in and around the plains, while night drives offer the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area. All these are led by qualified guides who are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. This camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game and their predators, including leopards, wild dogs, cheetah and prides of lion up to 20 strong. The park, boasting 491 species, is a birder's paradise and includes endemics such as Chaplin's Barbet.

Kawaza Village, South Luangwa, Zambia – Since 1990 Robin Pope Safaris has supported a school in the Nsefu Village area. Kawaza School now has the reputation in Zambia of being a great example of how tourism can improve a community. A number of the guests that visited the school said that they would be interested in learning more about the local way of life. Robin Pope Safaris now offer the opportunity to stay at Kawaza Village for a day visit or a night. The Kawaza Village Project is self-run by a committee of villages with Robin Pope Safaris playing a marketing and advisory role. The income from the project not only supports the village and the project members, but also helps run the school. Kawaza was the winner of the prestigious 2000 Silver Otter Award, given for the Best Overseas Tourism Project by the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Lunga River Lodge, Kafue, Zambia - Lunga River Lodge is situated on the west bank of the magnificent Lunga River in the north-eastern region of the Kafue National Park. The Lunga River is one of the three main tributaries into the Busanga Plains, an area in the extreme north of the Park, and one of the last truly unspoilt places in the world. Lunga River Lodge has 6 spacious thatched rooms with private decks that overlook the river, ensuring breathtaking views and en suite shower and bathroom. There is a bar with sundeck that is suspended over the river, a dining room and deck, reading room and plunge pool. A maximum of twelve guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the "guided" experience - being led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Activities include wildlife viewing drives, walking safaris and boating trips as well as fishing. Night drives provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area. The beauty of the Kafue National Park - and the Busanga Plains in particular - is evident in its diverse habitats with floodplains, miombo woodland and open grassy areas known as dambos - creating a paradise for wildlife and birdlife. The area is home to thousands of red lechwe, ubiquitous puku, stately roan and sable as well as the diminutive oribi and blue duiker. Defassa waterbuck, herds of Lichtenstein's hartebeest, zebra and buffalo make for a full set of antelope. This wealth of game on the plains is also a big attraction for predators, with cheetah, leopard and African wildcat often seen, wild dog, pangolin, and caracal spotted occasionally, and prides of lion up to 20 strong. Overall the park boasts 55 large mammal species including 20 antelope, 6 cats and 491 bird species, including the endemic Chaplin's Barbet.

Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia - The Luangwa Valley, which marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, is one of Africa's last unspoilt wilderness areas. It covers an area of over 9,000 square kilometers through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The ox bow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of wildlife - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo - and over 400 species of birds. Nkwali Camp is located on Robin's Pope's private land, overlooking the National Park. Access to the park is by boat. The ebony woodlands and open grassplains offer superb wildlife viewing. Guests are accommodated in 6 woven bamboo chalets which are airy and very spacious. Each of the rooms has a riverview. The attached bathrooms are partially open to the sky - to shower in the moonlight is a luxurious experience. The bar, near the riverbank, has been built around a massive ebony tree. From the bar, sunsets are spectacular and are frequently accompanied by a large herd of elephants crossing the river. The dining room overlooks a lagoon where many of the resident animals drink during the day. At night, some of these animals wander through the camp feeding on the vegetation. Nkwali is surrounded by thickets and wooded glades which provide cover for many birds, including some very unusual species. This area is renowned for leopards and they are often seen hunting. Activities include professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives.

Nsefu Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia - Built on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, 12 kilometers north of Tena Tena Camp, lies Nsefu. Nsefu was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia and dates back to the early fifties. The Nsefu Sector was recognized then as a phenomenal wildlife viewing area and it still is. Robin Pope reopened the camp in 1999, in keeping with the original style. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where wildlife often grazes during the day. The bar, tucked in beside a huge extinct termite mound, overlooks a waterhole that is very productive for wildlife, especially leopard at night. The original rooms have been extended, with a spacious bathroom added to each. Each of the 6 rooms have river views. The camp lies in the heart of the undeveloped Nsefu sector and so offers charm and total comfort in remoteness and seclusion. Nsefu Camp is open June through October. Activities include professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives.

Puku Ridge Tented Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia - Puku Ridge Tented Camp is small and intimate, built unobtrusively close to the wild. Situated near Chichele Presidential Lodge, within South Luangwa National Park, guests may view large numbers of wildlife, right in front of the camp, on the plain below. The camp offers unrivalled tented accommodation for 12 guests. Each of the six comfortably furnished safari tents has its own lavish bathroom which provides the option of taking a shower with the sun on your shoulders. Activities at Puku Ridge Tented Camp Include day and night wildlife viewing drives and professionally guided walks. Wildlife in the area includes elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo giraffe and much more.

River Club, Victoria Falls, Zambia - The River Club was voted as one of the 20 best hotels' in the world by Fodors. Harper's and Queen noted that the River Club is one of the “World’s Most Luxurious Action Spots”. Overlooking the Zambezi River, 18 kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls in Zambia, this small luxury lodge exudes colonial elegance as it takes guests back to a forgotten time. Each of the 10 airy open fronted chalet enjoys en suite facilities and fantastic sunset views over the Zambezi River and Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. At night screen doors can be closed to keep insects out. An extra toilet has been added to the double story chalets. The main lodge building with its colonial style tin roof, house the elegant dining room, lounge, drawing room, and library. There is also a swimming pool, tennis court and 2 kilometer jogging track through the lodge grounds. Activities include guided visits to the Mosi oa Tunya National Park (home to white rhino), the historical town of Livingstone and the Railway Museum, the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, a local school and village, and sundowner boat trips on the river. In the evening guests may enjoy croquet on the expansive lawns while hippo snort in the background.

Royal Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Zambia - Located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, the 5 star Royal Livingstone brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region (although Sun International’s service can be hit and miss). From the grand entrance to the expansive lawns, every detail has been lovingly crafted to create the impression of being in another place in time - a time of romance and adventure. The bedrooms are two-story clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises 10 en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the great river and beyond. Each of the 173 rooms offer a quiet retreat from the ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. As the rooms have been built no higher than two stories the accommodations are very spread out and thus guests must walk long distances between their rooms and the main areas (or be driven by golf cart).The main area includes an incredible bar and lounge where guests can relax inside or outside under thatched shade, decorated in harmonious greens, creams and ebony. With its comfortable armchairs and low ottomans the lounge is a place to enjoy an impeccably served high tea or to linger longer over some fine port or cigar. The a la carte restaurant offers a range of exquisite delicacies from around the world. There is a wonderfully large outdoor pool area and a viewing deck along the river bank with the mist of Victoria Falls rising a short distance away. There is also a spa. The Royal Livingstone is a place to enjoy the majesties of Africa with all the charms of a bygone era. The hotel is within walking distance of the Falls.

Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia - Sausage Tree Camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, at the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Accommodations consist of 6 Bedouin-style white canvas tents positioned along the riverbank, each with private open-air bathrooms with views. Each tent has its own personal Muchinda (butler) to attend to your every whim. This exclusive safari camp offers guests incredible wildlife viewing away from the more touristed areas of this park. Animals to be seen include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, hyena, wild dog, and many others - often wandering through the unfenced camp. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, professionally guided walking safaris, canoeing, boating and fishing for the world-renowned "Tiger fish". Three course candle lit dinners may be enjoyed with other guests or in front of your own tent - a wonderfully romantic experience on the banks of the river. Sausage Tree Camp offers a civilized approach to a true bush experience with lavish attention to detail. The camp is open April to November during the peak wildlife viewing months.

Shumba Camp, Kafue, Zambia - Shumba Camp is situated in the northern region of the Kafue National Park, in the famed Busanga Plains area. The Plains, covering approximately 750 square kilometers, are considered one of Zambia's most important wetlands as well as a wildlife paradise with a wealth of plains game, predators and birds. Shumba Camp comprises 6 spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. A maximum of twelve guests can be accommodated at any one time and great emphasis has been placed on the "guided" experience - being led by qualified, enthusiastic people with in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife. The dining and bar area is situated under the shade of enormous trees, elevated to give splendid views of the plains. A large focus here is to involve guests in the safari way of life, so many of the meals are prepared and cooked in front of the guests. Zambia is known as the birthplace of the "foot" safari, so guests have the option of walking safaris in and around the Plains, or wildlife viewing drives, while night drives provide the added excitement of the nocturnal wonders of the area. This camp is perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game and their predators - including some of the best lion and cheetah viewing in Africa! For those interested in birding, Busanga Plains boasts some 390 species, including such specials as Wattled and Crowned Cranes, Fulleborn's and Rosy-throated Longclaws, Lanner Falcon and large flocks of Open-billed and Yellow-billed Storks.

Tena Tena Bush Camp, Luangwa Valley, Zambia - "Tena Tena is altogether beyond superlatives, and must be one of the best safari camps in the whole of Africa", The Times, London. In the local language Tena Tena means "temporary home". The name is apt as, with a capacity of only 10 guests, the camp atmosphere is at once intimate and highly personalized. This remote camp, located within the Nsefu section of the South Luangwa National Park, enjoys a stunning location on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River. A grove of mahogany trees shade the large custom-made tents with ensuite bathrooms. From the thatched roof dining room and bar guests can watch the elephants, hippo and antelope on the river banks. Wildlife is almost always in the vicinity and guests dining on Tena Tena's superb cuisine are able to watch antelope, elephant, and other species as they come to drink at the river. The hide behind Tena Tena overlooks a waterhole and guests can spend many hours with their cameras as different species move through the area. Robin Pope's Tena Tena is open June through October and activities include professionally guided walking safaris, and day and night wildlife viewing drives.

Tongabezi, Victoria Falls, Zambia - Situated 20 kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi is one of our long time favorites! Up to eighteen guests are accommodated in 5 cottages and 4 spacious open-plan riverfront houses each with its own valet. Each has a private lounge, spacious bedroom with mosquito net canopy, and en suite bathroom with awesome river views. The main lodge includes a dining area, bar and lounge under thatch, a swimming pool with waterfall, croquet area and grass tennis courts! Activities such as sunset / sunrise boat trips, island picnic lunches, a tour of Victoria Falls, a tour of Livingstone Town including the local museum and market, a visit to the Mosi oa Tunya National Park and Tongabezi Trust School (the school, Tujatane, has grown from a pre-school with 15 children into a primary school with over 100 children. The school is self-funding and, apart from the first classroom, the rest of the school has been built purely from donations. Guests are encouraged to donate toys, books and writing materials), are included in the nightly rate. We suggest 2 or 3 nights allowing time to partake in the varied included activities and other Falls activities which are at extra cost – our favorites are an elephant back safari and a Livingstone Island Lunch at the edge of Victoria Falls!

Zambezi Sun Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zambia – This three star family oriented hotel is a great value on the Zambian side of the Falls. The African themed resort accommodates guests in 212 air conditioned rooms. The main area of the hotel includes restaurants, bars, a casino and a wonderfully large pool area. The hotel is located a short walk from the Falls.