Zambia Eco Lodges –  Located in “The Air-conditioned State”

Embark on a wild adventure with Zambia Eco Lodges, where untamed nature and sustainable comfort come together. Although within tropical latitude, the general height of the plateau gives Zambia a moderate climate which has earned Zambia this appropriate nickname. Zambia is a fantastic destination with its rugged nature, pristine landscapes, rare species, impressive national parks and small-scale conservation initiatives that truly respect nature. 

From the iconic Victoria Falls to the unspoiled beauty of South Luangwa, eco-conscious travelers can experience Africa at its most authentic. Stay in Zambia Eco Lodges that support local communities and conservation efforts while immersing yourself in Zambia’s raw, breathtaking landscapes. So, with its moderate climate it is a true, still relatively undiscovered, eco paradise! (Zambia was formerly known as Northern Rhodesia).

Zambia Eco Lodges, eco-resorts and Tours

Often Zambia eco lodges and eco-resorts are in or near national parks and conservation areas, so you’ll be surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. At this moment we have no listings for Zambia Eco Lodges or Tours. Do you own one of the Zambia Eco Lodges? Be the first to list with us!

Ecotourism in Zambia

Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, and the Zambezi River. It has abundant wildlife, and walking tours. It is home to seventeen waterfalls that will often give you a glimpse of life in the small rural villages. Zambia is a pioneer in low-volume, high-quality tourism.

The country focuses on:
– Small-scale, low-impact safari camps.
– Community projects that share income with local villages.
– Walking safaris and boat safaris with trained rangers.
– Wildlife management in partnership with local tribes.

Flora and Fauna of Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is often called the “birthplace of the walking safari” — and for good reason! Here you experience nature at your fingertips, with maximum respect for flora and fauna. Zambia has 20 national parks and over 30 game reserves. Some highlights:

Fauna

– Elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions and hippos – the full Big Five!
– Rare species such as sable antelope, roan antelope and Thornicroft giraffe (endemic to Zambia).
– Great migrations of crowned cranes (endangered) and fruit bats (Kasanka National Park).
– Primates – Zambia has quite a few, though no gorillas.

The ones you can see in Zambia are the night ape, which is similar to a bush baby but smaller. There are three types of monkeys: vervet monkey, blue monkey and Maloney’s monkey. The bush baby is an elusive primate that lives in the trees at night when their eyes are illuminated. They got this name because of their high wailing cry. There are two types of baboons, the chacma baboon and the yellow baboon.

Flora

– Vast miombo woodlands, mopane forest, savannah and wetlands.
– The Luangwa River valley is a botanical gem.
– Tropical plants and orchids grow in the north, around lakes such as Tanganyika.

Some Top Ecotourism Destinations in Zambia

Region: South Luangwa National Park.
What to do: walking safaris, wildlife, photography.  Pioneer in natural resource management and community tourism.

Region: Lower Zambezi National Park   
What to do: boat safari, go canoeing, and bird watching.  There are many Zambia eco lodges on the river.

Region: North Luangwa National Park     
What to do: wander around in the wilderness, there are almost no tourists.  Fantastic for experienced travelers.

Region: Kafue National Park     
What to do: there is Great diversity, and rare animals.  Less visited, so untouched in many ways.

Region; Kasanka National Park     
What to do: see the Bat migration (Nov-Dec), and the many birds.   

Region: Bangweulu Wetlands 
What to do: see the Shoebill, also known as the whale-headed stork and shoe-billed stork , and go on community safaris. These are managed by the community with the help of African Parks.

Region Victoria Falls 
What to do: sustainable activities such as zipline and kayaking.  There are nature parks nearby.

A 2-week Sustainable Travel Itinerary in Zambia

WEEK 1

Day 1–3: South Luangwa National Park 
Fly to Mfuwe.
Go on walking safaris with local guides.
Stay at Zambia Eco Lodges.
Days 4–6: North Luangwa National Park 
Book a tour with a safari operator or get there by yourself with a fly-in charter. Track the endangered black rhino (reintroduction project).

WEEK 2

Days 7–9: Bangweulu Wetlands
Getting here isn’t very straightforward – your fastest option is by chartered plane. Or be adventurous and prepare for a long drive. Search for shoebill storks with local guides.
Days 10–12: Kafue National Park
Travel to southern Kafue.
Spot sable antelope and wild dogs (one of the world’s most endangered mammals).
Day 13–14: Lower Zambezi National Park
Canoe or boat safari on the Zambezi. Finish in Lusaka or Livingstone.

Ecological threats in Zambia

Zambia has a rich biodiversity, but is under pressure from various factors:

Deforestation
One of the biggest environmental problems. Mainly caused by charcoal production, agricultural expansion and illegal logging. Zambia loses an estimated 618,000 to 741,000 acres of forest annually.

Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
Particularly a threat to elephants, rhinos and felines. This includes big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as smaller cats such as the African wildcat, serval, and caracal. Some of these felines are vulnerable.
Poaching is partly sustained by poverty and a growing demand for illegal products.

Climate change
Climate change leads to longer droughts and extreme weather events.
It also has a negative impact on agriculture, water resources and ecosystems.

Mining
Especially in the Copperbelt region. Causes pollution of water, air and soil.
Deforestation and habitat destruction are direct consequences of mining activities.

The Government of Zambia’s Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability

Zambia is also a leader in “conservancy-based tourism”: areas are not only protected, but also managed by local people, with direct benefits for villages in the area.  

The Zambian government sees ecotourism as a key asset for sustainable development. This is especially true for rural development and conservation.

National Tourism Policy (2015) states that Zambia aims to be among the top 5 tourist destinations of choice in Africa by 2030
Promotes ecotourism as a driver for community development.
Encourages investment in eco-accommodations and low-impact infrastructure.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)
CBNRM empowers local communities to manage their natural resources.
For example, they receive a share of the income from parks and hunting safaris, which encourages nature conservation.

Protected Area Management
Zambia has 20 national parks and 36 “Game Management Areas” (GMAs). GMA’s are buffer zones surrounding national parks where hunting is permitted. This is a way of controlling the animal population.
The government works with NGOs and private partners to protect these areas and develop sustainable tourism initiatives.

Partnerships with NGOs
The government supports collaborations with WWF, African Parks and Frankfurt Zoological Society, among others, for the protection of biodiversity.

Examples of Small-scale Nature Conservation Projects in Zambia

Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ)
Works to protect the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Combines anti-poaching patrols with education in local communities.
As a tourist, you can participate in educational tours or volunteer programs.

North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP)
Collaboration between Zambia Wildlife Authority and Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Reintroduction of black rhinos, anti-poaching, and community projects around nature conservation.

Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP)
Focuses on the conservation of large predators such as lions, leopards and wild dogs.
Surveys populations, supports protection in national parks such as Kafue and South Luangwa.

Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust
Educational project at South Luangwa aimed at children and young people.
Promotes environmental awareness and nature education in schools and in communities.

Game Rangers International
Manages, among other things, an elephant sanctuary in collaboration with the government.
Also organizes community programs to reduce human-animal conflict.

Support projects like Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust or Conservation South Luangwa

Sustainability tips for travelling in Zambia

Travel outside peak season (June–August). In that way there will be less pressure on ecosystems and better spread-out tourism.
Respect wildlife from a distance and follow ranger rules.
Don’t use drones, don’t feed animals, do not get out of your vehicle off the trail.

Are you wondering how to reduce your ecological footprint while visiting Zambia Eco Lodges? Have a look at 40+ Sustainable Travel tips that we collected for you!

Zambia Eco Lodges and Travel Safety

It is always good to check in advance about the safety situation in the country and in the areas you plan to visit. If you get some first-hand information, do some fact-checking. Not everything you read on social media channels is true.

You can also consult your country’s official government website. For American citizens, this is the Zambia page:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Zambia.html

To read more about Africa Ecotourism.