Few people have ventured into the Liuwa Plains due to its relative inaccessibility in Western Zambia. The prolific birdlife, vast open grasslands and wildebeest migration make it one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas. The park is inundated with water for much of the year. Visit in May or June at the end of the rains or in November or December when the wildebeest migration is in full swing and the Liuwa Plains’ pools are fringed by yellow flowers. It’s a surprising place, which is often reminiscent of the Okavango.

This World Heritage Site, which is visible from up to 30-kilometres away at peak flood, is breathtaking. The Zambian side of the river overlooks the Eastern Cataract and is an ideal location, especially between January and July when the water levels are high. There are also great views from Livingstone Island, which is where the explorer first viewed the falls. During the dry season when the river is low, views of the Eastern Cataract from Zambia can be quite disappointing. But it’s easy to cross the river to get a view from Zimbabwe at this time.

Situated on the floodplain between the escarpment and the twisting Zambezi River, this national park which lies opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools World Heritage Site, is a treasure. Game viewing is good, especially elephants and plains game (although not quite so diverse as South Luangwa), and the river is a fantastic attraction with boat trips, game drives, canoeing and walking on offer. While game viewing is best from June onwards, there are some camps that are open during the Emerald Season. It’s best to choose a camp close to or inside the national park gate so you can get to game viewing areas in time for the best light.

This is one of the premier parks in Africa famous for its spectacular river scenery, walking trails, night drives, game drives, riverine landscapes and high concentrations of game, especially leopards. It is in southeastern Zambia and is flanked by the high ramparts on the Muchinga Escarpment, which define the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. While the best game-viewing season is from June to October, the river trips during the Emerald Season are highly recommended. The park is famous for its relaxed, owner-run camps, which are very authentic. The Mfuwe, or central area, produces excellent lion and leopard sightings throughout the year and probably offers the best density of wildlife, but over weekends and during peak season, there are many visitors. The north, near Lion Plain and in the Nsefu Sector, provides a more remote and highly prized experience. Off-road driving in the park is not allowed, but the road network is good, and you will get up close to predators.