Zambia holds a different kind of magic for safari. It is raw, wild, and wonderfully untamed. South Luangwa is often known as the birthplace of the walking safari in Africa, and there's still nothing quite like setting off on foot at first light, your senses alive as you follow the tracks of the wildlife that came before you. The national park is known as the Valley of the Leopard, and if you're lucky, you'll be treated to sightings of some of Africa's most iconic predators. The guiding is exceptional, honed over generations of exploring these same river valleys.

Head south to the Lower Zambezi and the pace shifts again. Drift past pods of hippo, watch elephants swimming between islands, and enjoy sundowners on the water as the sky turns gold. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at catching the famous tiger fish.

And of course, no visit to Zambia is complete without experiencing Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders." If you're brave, Livingstone is the perfect place to embrace the thrill of the region's world-famous adventure activities.

Zambia doesn't shout the way some of its neighbours do. It's quieter, wilder, and deeply authentic. It gets under your skin, leaving you with a longing to return for another unforgettable safari.