When most people think of national parks in Zambia, their minds immediately jump to the likes of South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi. But this country is home to some incredible, lesser-explored national parks that offer unique experiences for those looking to escape the usual safari crowds. These parks may not have the name recognition of their more famous counterparts, but they’re every bit as captivating – just in their own way.

Each park has its own character, shaped by its unique landscapes, wildlife, and local communities. By venturing off the beaten track, you’re not just ticking boxes on a travel itinerary – you’re immersing yourself in the kind of adventure that feels deeply personal.

Here’s why you should consider them for your next Zambian adventure.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park: Untamed and Remote

For true adventurers, Sioma Ngwezi National Park in Zambia’s southwest offers a taste of raw wilderness. It’s one of the least-developed parks in the country, meaning there’s no luxury lodge in sight – just you, the bush, and a sense of true exploration.

Bordering Angola and Namibia, Sioma Ngwezi is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an ambitious project linking parks across five countries. The park is known for its roaming elephant herds and occasional sightings of lions and wild dogs. Sioma is also close to the striking Ngonye Falls, making it a fantastic destination for those combining safari with scenic wonders.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Beyond the Falls)

Most people know Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for its famous neighbour, Victoria Falls. But beyond the thunderous cascades lies a surprisingly rewarding safari experience. While small in size, the park is home to Zambia’s only white rhinos, which are carefully protected and monitored.

What sets Mosi-oa-Tunya apart is its accessibility. It’s ideal for travellers who want to combine the grandeur of the Falls with an afternoon spent spotting giraffes, elephants, and zebras. The park’s location near Livingstone makes it an easy, low-effort addition to your trip, perfect for families or those short on time.

North Luangwa National Park: Untamed and Exclusive

North Luangwa National Park offers a safari experience that’s as wild as it gets. With limited access and just a handful of camps, the park is a haven for those seeking a remote and authentic adventure. Its defining feature is the walking safari, where expert guides lead you through woodlands, plains, and along riverbanks, immersing you in the sights and sounds of untamed nature.

The park boasts healthy populations of buffalo, elephants, lions, and hyenas, along with Zambia’s only black rhinos, reintroduced after years of local extinction. With no crowds and an unspoiled landscape, North Luangwa isn’t just a safari – it’s a step into the heart of wilderness. After years of being closed off to the public, the park is opening up and there are various activities and adventures one can experience.

West Lunga National Park: A Hidden Woodland Wonder

In Zambia’s remote northwest lies West Lunga National Park, an enchanting mix of miombo woodland, grassy dambos, and winding rivers. Unlike the vast open plains of other parks, West Lunga offers a more intimate safari experience with thick forests and secluded waterholes.

Wildlife sightings here are elusive, but that’s part of its allure. Visitors are drawn by the chance to experience nature in its rawest form, with an ecosystem that supports creatures like bushbuck, warthog, and various primates. Canoeing along the Lunga River is a peaceful way to explore this little-known park and soak in its unspoiled beauty.

Nsumbu National Park: Lake and Land Combined

Fancy combining a lakeside retreat with a classic safari? Nsumbu National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offers exactly that. The lake itself is a marvel – one of the oldest and deepest in the world – and provides a dramatic backdrop to your wildlife adventure.

Here, you can spend your morning cruising the lake, spotting hippos and crocodiles, and your afternoon tracking elephants or buffalo along the sandy beaches and rugged escarpments. Nsumbu’s mix of aquatic and terrestrial habitats means you get the best of both worlds, with the added bonus of fewer tourists.