Zambia offers some of Africa's most pristine wilderness experiences, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park. Known for pioneering the walking safari, Zambia combines exceptional game viewing with authentic cultural encounters and warm hospitality.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Lusaka National Park
Highlights: See rhinos, lions, zebras, and giraffes without a multi-day safari commitment · Compact park ideal for a half-day outing · Night drives available for an additional fee
Chisamba Hot Springs
Highlights: Natural thermal pools at 40 degrees Celsius · Picnic grounds in a quiet rural setting · Local village market nearby
Kasisi Mission and Orphanage Gardens
Highlights: Historic 1905 Jesuit mission with colonial architecture · Tranquil gardens and chapel open to visitors · Opportunity to support local craft cooperative
Kabwe Heritage Sites and Broken Hill Man Cave
Highlights: Site where the 300,000-year-old Broken Hill Man skull was discovered · Mulungushi Dam walk and birdwatching · Old colonial copper-belt era architecture
Siavonga and Lake Kariba Dam
Highlights: Walk across the top of Kariba Dam — one of Africa's largest man-made structures · Views of the vast lake with the Matusadona Mountains on the far shore · Fresh kapenta (small sardines) lunch at the lakeshore restaurants
Chongwe River and Wildlife Corridor
Highlights: Canoe day trip on the Chongwe River where it meets the Zambezi · Hippo and crocodile sightings from a traditional canoe · Excellent birdwatching including fish eagles and kingfishers
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day trips from Livingstone and Lusaka from $60-120/person through operators like Bwaato Adventures (Livingstone) or Pioneer Tours (Lusaka)
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from $80-120/day; essential for Lusaka National Park, Lake Kariba, and hot springs
- Public
- Intercity buses from Lusaka Kulima Tower serve Kabwe ($8) and Siavonga ($12); Livingstone minibuses serve Maramba and Livingstone town
- Rental
- Car rental from $40/day sedan at Kenneth Kaunda Airport Lusaka or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport Livingstone
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — Lusaka National Park wildlife is most active 6-9AM before the heat
Carry your passport to Siavonga/Lake Kariba Dam as immigration is present at the dam crossing
Chisamba Hot Springs are busiest on weekends — visit mid-week for a quieter experience
Book Lusaka National Park game drives in advance — vehicles are limited