Despite not being most travelers' first thought for an African destination, Zambia offers unsurpassed luxury safari and cultural experiences for those in the know.

Our top five luxury lodge stays in Zambia are well worth checking off your travel bucket list.

The River Club

A trip to Africa isn't complete without a visit to the Victoria Falls region, and we have a gorgeous location for you to drop your suitcases for a few days. The River Club is set in Livingstone, Zambia, high on the bank of the Zambezi River; you will be hard-pressed to find a location as tranquil yet so close to the action of Victoria Falls. 

Picture yourself sipping your morning coffee, watching pods of hippos from your private deck. The spacious interiors of each suite are perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the area; however, it is the world-class dining and stunning views you might find it hard to leave behind!

The River Club offers exclusive in-house activities such as:

• spa treatments
• sunset cruises
• island picnic lunches,
• fishing on the Zambezi River.

The decor, service, and hospitality will transport you back in time as you relax in timeless elegance. And for an added treat, The River Club has resident giraffes that enjoy eating directly from your hand and wander freely through the property.

Islands of Siankaba

When looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls, booking with a local travel agent or tourism association like Africa's Eden is ideal. They will know the unique, lesser-known gems that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Islands of Siankaba is one of these places that is certain to wow every visitor. Set across two islands of the Zambezi River, a unique series of walkways and bridges links the islands together.

The lodge staff all come from Simonga Village and have been working at Islands of Siankaba since its inception. The team welcomes visitors to join in a cultural tour of nearby villages on foot or bamboo bike or visit a community nursery school.

Island activity highlights include:

• a quiet sundowner cruise
• fishing (catch and release)
• mokoro trips
• guided nature walks
• island picnic lunches

This quaint, elegant tented camp is perfectly secluded but close enough to explore Livingstone and Victoria Falls nearby.

Royal Zambezi Lodge

If you are on the lookout for one of the most all-around stunning locations in Africa, then Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia is one to watch. The wildlife experiences include game drives, walking safaris, and water-based boating safaris on the Zambezi River. The African park is also one of the few locations where you can undergo a night safari drive, the ideal time for witnessing nocturnal animals like leopards, bush babies, and the endangered pangolin.

Royal Zambezi Lodge allows nature to play a leading role in ensuring guests a relaxed pace and magical experience. Regular guests include elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, leopards, and many bird species. Imagine watching the expanse of wilderness from the shady, private verandas of your spacious, luxury suite.

Africa wakes early! Welcome the early morning and watch the sunrise over the river from the privacy of your deck. Royal Zambezi Lodge is positioned to ensure the magnificent sunrises are not missed. Whether celebrating a romantic retreat or family holiday, you are assured of making fantastic memories at Royal Zambezi Lodge.

Baines River Camp

Another of our favorite African safari camp locations in Lower Zambezi National Park is Baines River Camp. Guests commune with nature while enjoying all the luxury comforts. This elegant camp is the perfect retreat to experience all the Zambezi River has to offer, including:

• canoeing
• boating
• fishing for the famous Tiger Fish
• game driving in remote areas
• brilliant photography
• phenomenal birding opportunities

Baines River Camp is the ultimate combination of game viewing and luxury by the Zambezi River.

Time + Tide Chinzombo

Heading to northern Zambia, we are delighted to introduce South Luangwa National Park, home of the original walking safari. We're confident that you'll be planning your next trip to this area before your visit is complete!

Time + Tide Chinzombo is located in one of the most game-rich regions of South Luangwa National Park. Relax on your private shaded veranda and listen to the hippo snorting in the nearby Luangwa River. You can pour a glass of wine and soak up views of the surrounding landscape from your outdoor bath or private plunge pool. Then, unwind in your luxury suite with an in-house spa treatment.

Return from a night safari and dine out under the stars while listening to the African night awaken around you. Your award-winning safari guiding team will ensure unsurpassed animal sightings, including the elusive leopard. Time + Tide Chinzombo is a luxurious, premier safari experience that you will never forget.

Ila Safari Lodge

Kafue National Park is not as well-known as many of the other safari destinations in Southern Africa; however, it is the largest national park in Zambia and the second largest globally, being almost the same size as Wales. 

If you are keen to get to a destination before it becomes the next big thing, then certainly look at Ila Safari Lodge. The panoramic view across the water of the Kafue River, abundant African wildlife, and secluded location are ideal for safari indulgence. This eco-lodge offers the highest quality luxury for a maximum of twenty-four guests.

However, Ila's community involvement, anti-poaching efforts, and focus on environmental sustainability tip the scales. The environmentally conscious traveler will appreciate this true eco-lodge built from locally sourced materials and using solar-powered electricity. In fact, the silent game drive vehicles and boats are Zambia's first electric transport!

A luxurious African safari needs to be on everyone's travel bucket list. However, don't be surprised if you complete your holiday yearning for another visit to Africa's Eden.