The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Zambia, Zambia

With the awe inspiring spectacle of a star-laden night sky above you, and the sounds of Africa's nocturnal creatures surrounding you, we will drive you out into our carefully constructed pre-release training area - 900 acres of pristine African wildnerness, to follow our pride of lions as they play, meander and hopefully search for game, stalk, chase and perhaps even make a kill.

Africa's first genuine programme to ethically re-introduce the offspring of rehabilitated captive-bred African lion back into the wild, helping safeguard the future of the king of the beasts.No leashes, no collars, just a natural African wildlife adventure operating in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park by Thorntree River Lodge, 10 minutes from Livingstone. Guests will have the unique experience of walking alongside and interacting with the lions as they play, learn to hunt and prepare for release.

Interested in seeing/interacting with white lions and tawny lions with in Lusaka? Look no further Parays Animal Sanctuary can offer you a very unique opportunity to see and interact with real live lions. Situated just 21 km outside Lusaka (on the road to Mumbwa/Mongu) you will find us. The lions are open most week days with the exception of Mondays and Tuesday and all weekend, along with the perfect picnic spot! (Usually closed on weekdays unless by prior arrangements)

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust is one of the largest chimpanzee reserves in the world and is internationally recognized as such. Chimfunshi is home to 120 chimpanzees, most of them living in 4 large forested enclosures, and as close to their natural environment as possible. Chimfunshi started as a family-run wildlife orphanage in the north of Zambia, and today Chimfunshi is managed by a Board of Trustees to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Sanctuary. Chimfunshi was founded in 1983 when a game ranger brought a badly wounded infant chimpanzee to the cattle ranch of David and Sheila Siddle. The Siddle's nursed that chimp - named "Pal" - back to health, thereby establishing a tradition of care and respect that forms the legacy of the sanctuary. Once word of Pal's recovery spread, the Siddle's were inundated with orphaned chimpanzees. Sheila Siddle quoted "All I know is that I held a dying chimpanzee in my arms that day and it changed my life forever." Although many of the chimpanzees were confiscated from poachers who attempted to smuggle the infants into Zambia for sale as pets, an equally large number were rescued from dilapidated zoos and circuses from all over Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. With 120 chimpanzees, Chimfunshi is now one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world. In 2002, an Education Centre was built to provide a facility to teach the youth of Zambia about ecology and wildlife conservation. Local and international students researching group behaviour and ethnic studies also use it. Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage operates entirely on donations and sponsorship, without the financial support provided by our valued Donors, volunteers and visitors, the sanctuary and its inhabitants could not survive. Join us for a day visit or overnight stay and be intrigued by humans' closest relative and learn about our similarities from our knowledgeable Keepers.

Livingstone Reptile Park boasts a collection of Livingstone’s most notorious reptiles. Our crocodiles have been rescued from the Zambezi River where they were posing a danger to both humans and themselves. Gwembe Safaris were asked to capture these animals to prevent any further threat to people or their livestock. Had we not done so they could have been destroyed. Getting close to these animals never ceases to invoke feelings of fascination, respect and fear.