DISCOVER AFRICA
TOP 5 HIKING TRAILS IN ZAMBIA
Northern Zambia, with its breathtaking landscapes, incredible national parks and waterfalls, is the perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts. It is home to 5 lakes and 17 waterfalls, in addition to the spectacular Victoria Falls. The vast, unspoilt northern region of the country has some stunning hiking trails that are enough to make you fall in love with the country and want to return again and again.
Here are our top 5 hiking trails in Zambia.
1. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park pioneered the walking safari. There are so many reasons to go on a walking safari – one of the biggest benefits is that is much more immersive than a game drive. Exploring the African bush on foot brings you closer to the wildlife and shows the incredible intricacies of the flora and fauna. Various camps offer daily walking safaris, alternatively, you can go on a week-long mobile safari that includes morning and evening safari walks.
2. Mutinondo Wilderness
The Mutinondo Wilderness is a private 100km sq. area in the rolling hills, miombo woodland and rocky outcrops of the Muchinga Province. A hidden gem, it has approximately 37 miles of wilderness trails which results in a great variety of hiking trails. If you’re a novice hiker, the least strenuous option is to climb up the granite whalebacks. More experienced hikers can book up to a 7-day long walk which will take you past Iron Age and cycad sites, waterfalls and a river. Guides will point out the wildlife, plants and birds along the way so you make the most of this incredible experience.
3. Kalambo Falls
The Kalambo Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Zambia. The top of the falls has fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding gorge. The hike is 4 hours in total (2 hours up and 2 hours down). It is a relatively moderate hike of flatter areas interspersed with steep rocky outcrops. It is about a 1,640-foot climb to the top.
4. Nsumbu National Park
The Nsumbu National Park is one of Zambia’s most ecologically diverse national parks. From the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika and the Kampasa forest to the valley and swamps, it is perfect for hiking. Hiking along the edge of the wetland will bring sightings of puku, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, and on occasion, elephants and buffalo. You can also hike along the edge of an itigi forest and Kala sand dunes with the chance of seeing elephants. Alternatively, you can opt for the rather mysterious-sounding balancing stones walk. All hikes are accompanied by a ranger.
5. Nyika Plateau
The Nyika National Park stretches across parts of Zambia and its neighbouring Malawi. It is made up of rolling hills, forests, rocky outcrops and wildflowers – which makes for beautiful hikes. You have the option of 6 hiking trails, lasting from one to five days. One of the most popular hikes is the Jalawe and Chipome River Trail where elephants and buffalo can be spotted.
Note: The entrance to the park is only from the Malawian side.