The three most popular game parks in Zambia, though still far from crowded, are the South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and the Kafue. 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.

South Luangwa offers a diversity of landscape and therefore of wildlife, unmatched in most of Zambia. Apart from the big four, keep your eyes open for Thornicrofts Giraffe, a rare subspecies of that race. This park is certainly one of the most popular due to the animals on view and the quality of the visitor facilities.

South Luangwa is part of a Zambian success story with regard to one particular endangered species. With its long gangly legs, big round ears and array of fur colours from black through brown to brindle and near white, the Wild Dog is a fascinating creature. Hunting in highly social, organised groups, the Wild Dog feeds by chasing its prey for miles, harrying it's victims until they are too tired to fight, before moving in for the kill. Being such a clever canine made the Wild Dog a very successful carnivore. This has been its downfall. Hunted to near extinction the Wild Dog is, in Zambia at least on its way back from the brink. Apart from South Luangwa, these fascinating animals are being seen increasingly in Kafue and the Lower Zambezi National Parks. A Zambian, Norman Carr, is credited with inventing the walking safari in the South Luangwa.