Top 13 Things to Do in Zambia: Bucket List Destinations

1. Marvel at Victoria Falls from Zambia’s Livingstone

Things to do in Zambia go far beyond just visiting Victoria Falls. Zambia is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, perfect for travellers who want to skip crowded tourist spots, enjoy expert guides, and explore raw, open wilderness. While the country is famous for the powerful Victoria Falls, it also offers nearly two dozen national parks like South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. Each park has its own vibe and is home to unique wildlife, making Zambia a top choice for those seeking both adventure and authentic encounters with nature.

Philip Briggs, who writes about Africa, calls Zambia one of the best spots for safaris, highlighting the mix of well-known parks and quieter, untamed areas that keep visitors returning. Explorer historian Thomas Pakenham notes that David Livingstone described Victoria Falls as “the most wonderful sight I had witnessed in Africa,” putting it on Europe’s mental map.

Victoria Falls was described by David Livingstone as “the most wonderful sight I had witnessed in Africa,” putting this spectacular landmark on Europe’s mental map. Shahzeb Shaikh, creator of SimCorner, adds that understanding the stories behind a nation’s flags and landmarks makes each safari moment or waterfall view more meaningful—especially when you can instantly share photos using a reliable eSIM connection.

For today’s traveller, staying connected is essential. A Zambian eSIM lets you check current water levels at Victoria Falls, review safety tips for Devil’s Pool, and confirm safari walk schedules in South Luangwa. You can even reach remote lodges smoothly, without relying on shaky hotel internet.

Why Victoria Falls Is a Must-See

No Trip to Zambia is Complete Without Victoria Falls

No trip to Zambia is complete without seeing Victoria Falls, locally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "The Smoke That Thunders." From the Zambian side, you get up close to the roaring water and feel its power along pathways leading to the rim. When water levels are high, the noise and spray are intense. During low water, hidden rocks appear, and there are safe spots to swim.

Top Things to Do in Zambia

Victoria Falls is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Here’s what you should try:

• Walk along the jungle path to the Knife-Edge Bridge to see the waterfall drop.
• Visit from February to May for the strongest water flow.
• Come during the dry season, August to October, for better views and to experience Devil’s Pool—a rocky basin on Livingstone Island where water spills over like a natural ledge.
• Take a sunset boat ride along the Zambezi River. Watch hippos and crocodiles, then enjoy the sky turning deep red.

Stay Connected While Exploring Zambia

An eSIM in Zambia makes it easy to track updates on the go. You can grab last-minute deals on microlight rides or instantly share photos of the “Smoke That Thunders.” Staying connected ensures you don’t miss any of Zambia’s top activities.

2. Track Big Cats on South Luangwa Safaris

The place where walking safaris begin

South Luangwa National Park is one of Zambia’s top wildlife destinations. It is often called the place where walking safaris began. Leopards are common here, and lions appear regularly. Elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and many types of antelope share the area.

Hiking, yet something unique about it

• Take a walk with a guide to spot animal trails while checking out local plants - experience nature up close without missing details.
• Night drives can lead to spotting leopards - also hyenas, which roam after dark. Civets slip through shadows, while genets climb quietly nearby. These hours bring action most missed by sleeping.
• Dry months from June through October? Best time to spot wildlife. Critters flock to lasting water sources, then - so you’ll catch more action. Fewer spots have water, which means easier tracking.

This spot’s a go-to for anyone keen on real safari action in Zambia. Using eSIM internet, grab maps ahead of time, stay linked to your lodge or ride pickups, and stash solid copies of killer animal shots every evening.

3. Canoe the Lower Zambezi National Park

River-based wildlife encounters

Facing Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi National Park gives a unique kind of wildlife adventure, centred around the river instead. Broad wetlands stretch out beside tree-covered islets and winding waterways, shaping a typical riverside scene. Here, elephants move slowly through shallow flows while hippos claim sandy spots along the banks.

What to do in the Lower Zambezi

• Go on paddled river tours, floating by herds of elephants, groups of buffalo, while birds flock overhead.
• Join boat cruises and fishing excursions for tigerfish and bream.
• Take classic game drives across forests or wide grasslands.

This spot’s great for visitors looking for more than just game drives while exploring Zambia. Getting online via SimCorner eSIM helps sort out travel plans between lodges - handy when linking up Lower Zambezi with South Luangwa and Livingstone on the same trip.

4. Explore the Vast Kafue National Park

One of Africa’s largest wild areas

Kafue ranks among Africa’s largest reserves - yet it stays untamed in spirit. It stretches through patches of miombo forest, river corridors, and shifting wetlands where birds and animals thrive when you linger.

Core spots or moments that matter

• The Busanga Plains stand out for wildlife drama in wide-open spaces - lions here, cheetahs there - while big groups of lechwe plus various antelope roam free across the grasslands.
• Nanzhila, along with the southern part of Kafue, seems far from everything - ideal when you’re after room to breathe and hardly any cars around.
• Floating down the Kafue River means you’ll spot hippos plus crocodiles right from the water’s edge.

If you're planning another safari in Zambia, pick Kafue - it sets your journey apart from the usual "Falls and one reserve" route. Instead of relying on signal, grab birding apps and identification tools using your eSIM while you still can, ahead of diving into this huge wild area.