I’ve led many overland tours through Zambia down through the years and these trips were usually part of a much longer route between Nairobi and Cape Town. If you want to visit Zambia specifically, your best bet is to join an overland that either departs or ends in Victoria Falls which is right on the border of Zambia/Zimbabwe. Alternatively, you might start out in Johannesburg, South Africa and in this post, I will provide some options that will help you see some of the highlights of Zambia.
That’s how overlanding works in Africa which is to say most travelers will join sections of a tour that passes through Namibia. From the options below, you will see it is possible to see just Namibia on an overland tour but there is much greater value in joining trip that begins in either Cape Town or Victoria Falls. This is why I recommend overland tours that pass through Botswana and/or South Africa for people that want to visit Namibia.
Capital City – Lusaka
Currency: Zambia Kwacha
Language: English, Nyanja, Tribal languages
Major Attractions: Lusaka, Livingstone (Vic Falls) & South Luangwa National Park
Let’s take a look at my picks for the best overland tours in Zambia that you should consider.
My Picks for the Best Overland Tours in Zambia
If you can afford the time and cost, I always recommend you join one of the longer overland tours which travels all the way across the country. These trips usually incorporate Zambia in the middle of a much larger overland tour in Africa. Let me firstly give you one of these options so that you can compare the price versus value for yourself with the Zambia only option that follows:
Nairobi to Jo’Burg Adventure (27 Days inc Zambia)
Start: Nairobi / Finish: Jo’burg
Get ready to explore the Serengeti, camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, track the “big five” in Kruger National Park, relax on Zanzibar’s sandy beaches, and feel the power of Victoria Falls—all on this epic Africa adventure. You’ll experience thrilling wildlife safaris, connect with local cultures, and take in the rugged beauty of six diverse countries. Along the way, you’ll be guided by incredibly knowledgeable Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), enjoy meals made with fresh local ingredients, and spend nights under the stars camping. By the end, you’ll feel a deep connection with this land and its people that you won’t find anywhere else.
Livingstone to Liuwa Plains & South Luangwa NP (16 Days)
Start: Jo’burg / Finish: Jo’burg
This 16-day safari in Zambia is with a company called Bundu Adventures! Your journey kicks off in Livingstone and wraps up in South Luangwa National Park. You’ll be staying in tents, complete with stretchers and mattresses for a comfortable night’s sleep. Meals will be prepared in our bush kitchen, giving you a true taste of the wild. It covers some ground in Zambia but I believe you will be more impressed with the value and experiences on the Nairobi to Jo’Burg option I provided above.
But seriously, if you can afford the extra time and cost, I recommend you go further….
My Favourite Overland Tour in Africa
Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour (40 Days)
Start: Cape Town / Finish: Nairobi, Kenya
This amazing journey was actually my very first overland tour in Africa (except I did the trip in reverse from Nairobi to Cape Town). You kick things off by travelling up the South African coast to Namibia where the desert landscapes are a standout for many travelers, offering a stark contrast to everything that came before. Victoria Falls is packed with things to see and do, and the Okavango Delta is one of the wildest experiences Africa has to offer. In Malawi, you’ll get a taste of local life, and South Luangwa National Park offers even more wildlife encounters. Thrilling game safaris in Serengeti National Park, and a fun escape to the beaches of Zanzibar are just a couple more of the incredible experiences en-route. Seriously, if you have the time and money…
One last thing….
Travel insurance is mandatory for all overland truck tours but not all policies will cover this type of adventure. I recommend you read my article about the best travel insurance for Africa or perhaps just get a quick quote from World Nomads below….it takes just a few seconds!
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