The Best (Alternative) Things to Do in Zambia

Planning a trip to Zambia and looking to do more than your typical visits to Victoria Falls and South Luangwa? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. This guide showcases the very best alternative natural wonders that this friendly and lively country has to offer. Think epic Zambia waterfalls, an enchanting tropical lake, stunning hot springs and a vast wilderness wonderland.

Sound like your cup of tea? Ready to get off the beaten track in Africa? Well then, read on for our list of the best (alternative) things to do in Zambia. 

The Best Alternative Things to Do in Zambia: Zambia’s Waterfalls 

Yes, of course, Zambia is home to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls. What you may not know is that there are so many other incredible Zambia waterfalls, particularly in the northeast. Each of these Zambia waterfalls is unique in its own way and offers excellent opportunities to experience the raw beauty of the country and visiting at least one is an essential thing to do in Zambia.

Entrance Fees and Camping  

All Zambia waterfalls (excluding Vic Falls) cost $15 USD pp to enter + $ 5 USD per car. You might be thinking the same thing we are: that’s quite expensive, just to see a waterfall. 

However, you are able to camp at all Zambia waterfalls at no additional cost (excluding Vic Falls). If you factor this in, then the pricing doesn’t seem so extortionate. 

Camping is basic, often simply in the parking lot or on a patch of grass with access to toilets.  

Travelling to Namibia? Check out our list of the 10 Best Namibia Camping Sites

Chishimba Falls

Chishimba Falls is a collection of several waterfalls, two of which are very impressive. There’s a nice nature walk of approximately 3 km return that connects all the falls and includes several viewing platforms to help take in the landscape.

It’s also possible to walk below the lower falls which offers are really cool perspective of the falls and the lush valley below. 

Chishimba Falls Location 

Chishimba Falls is located in Zambia’s Northern Province, near the town of Kasama, around 900km northeast of Lusaka.  

Kalambo Falls

At 235m, Kalambo Falls is the second-highest uninterrupted waterfall in Africa. It’s a pretty impressive Zambia waterfall and its beauty is only enhanced by the dramatic surrounding escarpment and valley. We think visiting Kalambo Falls is a great thing to do in Zambia.

There are several different viewing platforms to help visitors take in different perspectives of Kalambo Falls and the valley below. From our experience, the furthest platform (closer to Kalambo Falls Lodge) offers the best views. 

Pro Tip: you can avoid the $15 USD pp entrance fee to Kalambo Falls by opting to camp at the Great Kalambo Falls Lodge (located next to the falls) and accessing the viewing platform from a trail that’s connected to the lodge. 

Also, if you have some extra time on your hands, there is a really cool walk between Kalambo Falls and Lake Tanganyika (around 5km each way). The trail winds through some really interesting villages filled with friendly locals and provides excellent views of Lake Tanganyika. The trail can be found on maps.me.  

Kalambo Falls Location 

Kalambo Falls is located in Zambia’s Northern Province, on the border with Tanzania and close to Lake Tanganyika. The area around the falls is divided by the Kalambo River, which defines the border between the two countries.

Read: How to Go Chimpanzee Trekking for $20

Kabwelume and Lumangwe Falls 

Kabwelume and Lumangwe Falls are two distinct and remote Zambia waterfalls. These waterfalls, which are connected by a scenic walkway, are located next to each other and can be accessed for the price of a single admission. Score!

We didn’t get a chance to make it here ourselves but have been told that it’s well worth the visit. Visitors can camp right next to the falls and take in awesome views of these Zambia waterfalls right from the comfort of their tent – a pretty cool experience!

Kabwelume and Lumangwe Falls Location 

Kabwelume and Lumangwe Falls are a bit harder to get to than some of the other Zambia waterfalls but can be reached en route to Ndole Bay on Lake Tanganyika. The falls are situated on the Kalungwishi River within the Northern Province of Zambia, near the border with the DRC. 

The Best Alternative Things to Do in Zambia: Lake Tanganyika 

A visit to Lake Tanganyika is an experience not to be missed and is, hands-down, one of the best things to do in Zambia. This tropical lake resembles more of a Southeast Asian island than what you may expect from an African freshwater lake. With palm trees swaying gently in the wind, translucent tropical water and golden sand beaches, Lake Tanganyika is undoubtedly a great place to chill and unwind. 

This mammoth of a lake is bordered by four countries: Tanzania, the DRC, Burundi, and Zambia. It also holds a staggering 15% of the world’s freshwater supply. Lake Tanganyika is also the second deepest and second largest by volume lake in the world. Need another stat? Well, at 675 km, it’s the longest freshwater body in the world.

While the Zambian portion of the lake may be a small portion of Lake Tanganyika, it still provides an excellent glimpse into the lake’s beauty. A visit to Lake Tanganyika really is one of the best things to do in Zambia. 

Where to stay at Lake Tanganyika 

There aren’t a ton of options to stay on the Zambia side of Lake Tanganyika, but fortunately, there are at least two really good accommodation choices. 

Ndole Bay Lodge Lake Tanganyika

This remote lodge is situated on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Tanganyika, near the town of Mpulungu in Zambia’s Northern Province.  Ndole Bay Lodge offers various accommodation options, including chalets and cottages with lake views as well as beachfront camping.  Rooms start at $ 80 USD per night including wifi and camping costs $15 USD pppn. 

Amenities 

Ndole Bay Lodge features a full restaurant and bar. They also offer activities such as boating, snorkelling and fishing trips and have a midsize pool. 

Isanga Bay Lodge Lake Tanganyika

We spent 3 nights camping at Isanga Bay in Lake Tanganyika and really loved it. This little hidden gem takes a bit of work to get to as the road is rough and requires a good 4×4. But isn’t that half the fun?

The lodge offers beautiful lakefront chalets which start at $60 USD per night. Camping is also available for $15 USD pppn and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a lakefront site. It’s worth noting that if the lodge is busy, you might need to be a bit creative in finding a level location for your tent, however, we’re told that the camping area is rarely full. 

Amenities 

The lodge features a full restaurant and bar. They also offer activities such as boat trips and kayak hire as well as tours to Kalambo Falls. Visitors can also enjoy strolls through the neighbouring community. 

The Best Alternative Things to Do in Zambia: Mutinondo Wilderness

For those who love hiking and the great outdoors, a visit to Mutinondo Wilderness is a great option. This unique reserve offers visitors a diverse landscape that features multiple scenic inselbergs, well-preserved bush and two pristine rivers that flow through its core. The protected area encompasses 10,500 hectares of beautiful bush and features over 100km of (well-marked) hiking trails. 

We spent 3 peaceful nights here and really enjoyed the feelings derived from the expansive remote wildness and the ability to roam safely and freely around the beautiful landscape. So if you’re looking for a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, this is the place for you. 

Yes, a visit to Mutinondo Wilderness is one of the best things to do in Zambia. 

Activities at Mutinondo Wilderness

Activities at Mutindo Wilderness include hiking, swimming, mountain biking, trail running and birding 

Canoes and stand-up paddle boards can also be accessed free of charge. The river at Mutinondo is really special so a canoe trip (around 3km) is highly recommended! If it’s not too cold, the swimming holes are absolutely gorgeous.

There is also an honesty bar that features comfy rocking chairs set next to a fire pit with excellent sunset views. 

Mutinondo also offers a 5-day hike into the Luangwa Valley. This needs to be arranged ahead of time by contacting the lodge at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +26 097 8 198198

Accommodation at Mutinondo Wilderness

Mutindo offers 3 different accommodation options: camping, a campsite room and chalets. 

Camping 

Campsites are large, semi-private spaces and offer fireplaces with braai areas and plenty of shade. Handwash basins, hot showers, toilet facilities and dish wash-up areas are shared and central to all sites. Prices are $20 USD pppn for a regular site OR $25 USD pppn for the more scenic site number 8. 

Campsite Rooms  

This is a basic small thatched round building, fitted with 2 single beds. The outside includes a braai area and picnic tables. Prices start from $36 USD pppn. 

Chalets

Mutinondo Wilderness has tasteful yet simple chalets that offer comfortable beds and lovely views. Each chalet includes an ensuite, solar power and a wood water heater. 

Chalets cost $125 USD pppn for full board (sharing) and $140 USD pppn for full board (single). 

The Best Alternative Things to Do in Zambia: Kapishya Hot Springs 

Kapishya Hot Springs is a popular overlanding destination in Zambia as it makes a great spot to wash the road grime away. The natural geothermal springs offer an oasis to weary travellers who enjoy soaking their bodies in the spring’s fresh waters.

The pools are set in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and are a welcome 40 degrees Celsius.  Day visits to the springs cost 150 ZMK per adult and 75 ZMK for children. Otherwise, entrance is free to overnight guests. 

Side note: As we believe in full transparency, we didn’t get a chance to visit Kapishya Hot Springs ourselves but have heard great things from MANY other travellers. 

Where is Kapishya Hot Springs

Kapishya Hot Springs is located in the northern part of Zambia, near the town of Makupula. It’s part of the Shiwa Ng’andu estate (aka Africa House), an English-style country house and estate known for its historical significance. 

Accommodation at Kapishya Hot Springs

There are 2 different accommodation options: the lodge and campsite.

The Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge features 6 high-quality chalets with en-suite facilities, all built from local materials. Prices start from $70 USD per person.

The campsite is set on the banks of the Mansha River and offers plenty of shade and grassy patches. Camping costs $20 USD pppn. 

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