Wildlife of Zambia

The beautiful landlocked south-central African country of Zambia is a true success story when it comes to wildlife preservation and conservation, with more than 6% of the country being protected as national parks and reserves.

The country has a tropical climate and consists mostly of high plateaus (average altitude of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) above sea level) with a few mountains and hills, dissected by impressive river valleys. There are 14 ecosystems in Zambia, leading to a high number (over 12,000) of fauna and flora species being present in the country, including:

A total of 242 mammalian species exist, with most endemic ones occupying the woodland and grassland ecosystems. The Thornicroft’s Giraffe and Kafue Lechwe are some of the well-known subspecies that are endemic to Zambia

Zambia has some of Africa’s best wildlife and game reserves, affording the country with abundant tourism potential. Because the country is relatively under-visited compared to east Africa and South Africa, you can still have spectacular wildlife sightings all to yourself – a very special experience! Zambia’s fantastic reputation is helped along by friendly and English-speaking local people with a positivity not easily seen elsewhere in south-central Africa.  Zambia is a very safe country to travel around in with a very low risk of terrorism.

• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Hippopotamus
• African Buffalo
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• White Rhino
• Black Rhino
• black lechwe
•  Crawshay’s zebra
• Thornicroft’s giraffe
• Crocodile
• Lion
• Spotted Hyena
• Nile crocodiles
• Lechwe
• Charcoal
• Genet Cat
• Serval Cat
• Vervet Monkey
• Galagos
• Nile monitor
• Bats
• Elephant shrew
• Banded mongoose

Best time for wildlife viewing in Zambia

The best wildlife viewing time coincides with the Dry season (May to October) when water is scarce, and animals congregate at waterholes and rivers. The bush is less lush at this time, and animals are easier to spot. From October until the rains, it can be unbearably hot. Some roads become impassable during the Wet season (November-April), and several parks and camps close at this time.