Explore the Wonders of the Wild

“It was wildest, untouched Africa, and it was magic.” - Jane Goodall. Zambia is often overshadowed by more iconic safari destinations such as Kruger National Park in South Africa, Okavango Delta in Botswana and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. However, Zambia is home to some truly picturesque national parks and impressive wildlife spectacles. And perhaps most importantly of all, it still offers both authentic and luxurious safari experiences without the crowds! Yet, until very recently, Zambia hasn’t been receiving the attention it deserves as a luxury safari destination. And we're here to change that!

Wild Wonderful World founder and private guide, Michelle Pengilly, takes us with her on her most recent trip to Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa. This August, I guided one of my favourite families on safari. This trip continued a 12-year annual tradition, one that I missed last year as I welcomed my daughter into our wild and wonderful world! It was great to get back into the safari saddle, and our destination this year was Zambia. We split our time between Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, two of Zambia's leading wildlife hotspots.

These days, you’ll struggle to find a safari company that doesn’t in some form or other claim to “give back” to conservation. Well-intended as those initiatives might be, they don’t (and shouldn’t) obscure reality: there’s a big difference between a service built to solve a problem and one that’s simply been rebranded to soften its harm. In this article, we flesh out how to spot a truly conservation-driven safari tour operator, and how to find the brand that matches your personality.