The three most popular game parks in Zambia, though still far from crowded, are the Lower Zambezi, Kafue and South Luangwa. These all have a well-developed tourist structure that matches their high wildlife numbers.

Until recently the safari trade was a very low-key affair in Zambia. Adventurous types would come to the country, see the Victoria Falls and perhaps go on one of the very few organised trips into the wilds to look at the flora and fauna and if they were lucky the mega fauna. Since then several things have changed; the safari market in neighbouring Zimbabwe has all but collapsed whilst the political situation in Zambia has calmed, this has led to a sudden growth in the game viewing industry.

The Holy Grail of game viewing in Africa is 'The Big Five' or spotting Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo. Sadly, this is unachievable in Zambia. The Rhino population was wiped out by the predations of poachers in the 70's and 80's. The Big Four however is still very achievable. Specialist tour companies, each offering a slightly different flavour to the safari experience, serve the parks - of which there are many. Some are rough and ready others extremely luxurious; there are those that offer driven trips into the bush whilst the more adventurous can opt for walking safaris.

The Lower Zambezi National Park offers walking safaris, vehicle safaris and game viewing trips down the mighty Zambezi river combined with some truly magnificent lodges. Drifting gently downstream is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get up close to animals of all kinds not just hippo's and croc's.