For Boundless Southern Africa, award-winning journalist Dianne Tipping-Woods follows painted dogs across the Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools landscape, revealing how ethical tourism, local leadership and conservation research are helping protect one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores.

In my line of work as a travel writer and PR strategist, I am frequently reminded of what an awesome privilege it is to periodically trade the bustling, high-vibrational rooms of my industry for the sacred, untamed rooms of the wild.

I was well prepared to surrender to the vastness of Zambia’s untamed landscape. Having largely explored this nation’s wilderness through the lenses of adventures on the Zambezi River, the invitation by Africa’s Eden in collaboration with African Parks to explore camps and lodges in Kafue National Park couldn’t have come at a better time.

A growing middle class is increasingly mobile – and changing African ideas about leisure, travel and even the continent itself.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, offering visitors far more than just breathtaking waterfall views.

Waterfall travel is emerging as one of the biggest wellness trends of 2026, offering travellers a powerful combination of natural beauty, stress relief and digital detox experiences.

Zambia’s side of the Victoria Falls delivers a mix of natural spectacle, rich history, adrenaline-fueled adventure, and riverside luxury.

Beyond the thunder of the falls themselves, there’s enough wildlife, adventure, river safaris and luxury lodges here to create one of Southern Africa’s most complete travel destinations.

As safari crowds grow across Africa, Zambia’s walking safaris offer a quieter, more immersive way to experience wildlife.

A Zimbabwean conservationist working to reduce conflict between lions and livestock farmers is a winner of one of this year’s Whitley Awards, better known as the “Green Oscars.”

Brian Jackman, 91, joined the Sunday Times travel desk in 1970. As his new wildlife book comes out, he speaks to Chris Haslam about his adventures and the best camps for a dream trip.

Historically, Zambia was one of Africa’s most important strongholds for the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). In the early 1970s, the Luangwa Valley alone was estimated to hold between 4,000 and 12,000 black rhinos, making it one of the largest populations on the continent at that time.

Before most people have had their first cup of tea, I’m already lacing up my boots and packing my tracking equipment: handheld GPS, CyberTracker, radio receiver and antenna, camera trap, weighing bag, scale, spare SAT tag and VHF transmitter, and notebook.

In an era where luxury often equates to extravagance and curated perfection, the true essence of safari risks being lost beneath layers of design and convenience.

Where once it was about tracking animals on foot and listening to the wind in the mopane trees, today it often comes with individual pools, curated wine cellars, and the pressure to “collect” sightings like souvenirs.

Namibia has been recognised as Africa’s most authentic and demanding tourism destination by the African Tourism Board (ATB).

Set on the banks of the perennial Lunga River, Lolelunga Private Reserve is located 19 miles north of Kafue National Park in Zambia, where barefoot luxury and wildlife meet.

Driving through the outskirts of Victoria Falls in an air-conditioned minivan, we negotiated the curvy paved road heading up a plateau overlooking the wilderness which is Zimbabwe.

Sitting on the upstairs terrace of the Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel, I looked down on a lush garden filled with an assortment of tall Fever and Mopani trees and bedded with agapanthus, peace lilies, elephant ears, and white hibiscus.

There are those places that dazzle with opulence; infinity pools, bold architecture and flashy design, and there are those that reach you on a deeper level, with style and soul, rather than sparkle.

The Republic of Namibia, in the south of the African continent, borders the South Atlantic Ocean, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. A German colony during WWII, the country was occupied by South Africa and administered as a mandate until the end of the war when the territory was annexed.

Strung across a ridge overlooking the floodplains of the Luangwa River, Chichele Presidential sits within the landscape, inviting elegant reflection and exciting game sightings. Lorraine Kearney checked into the lodge that once hosted queens and presidents.

As the appetiser is served, you may notice a lion’s curious eyes watch over you from the dense brush. And then, before you can reach for your wine, it gets distracted by a passing herd of elephants crossing the dimly-lit orange landscape. Yes, this is definitely better than having dinner whilst watching tv.

There are only about 10 southern white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – not many, but more than there used to be. Historically, their range ended at the Zambezi River.

The dusty back roads of Livingstone’s suburbs seem an unlikely setting for a culinary revolution. Yet as our vehicle rounds the final corner, an extraordinary vision emerges: an open-plan sanctuary nestled behind the development of home-grown vegetable and herb gardens, where white curtains dance in the african breeze and pristine tables are laid out beneath the shade of the gardens trees.

Victoria Falls, a destination famed for its thunderous waterfall and dramatic landscapes, offers more than just exhilarating adventures and postcard-perfect views.

Jollyboys Backpackers Hostel is not merely a stopover; it is a vibrant sanctuary pulsing with soul, stories, and the shared laughter of travelers from every corner of the globe.

Chameleon Backpackers is no ordinary hostel. It’s a story — one built brick-by-brick from the dreams of a single woman and the laughter of thousands of guests who’ve passed through its doors since 1996.

Ask anyone who has lived near Victoria Falls when their favourite time of year is, and chances are they won’t say the cooler peak tourist months of June to August.

In Botswana, they named their currency, pula, after their most precious commodity. Their diamonds? No – it’s the rain. The word means “blessings”, too, and perhaps that’s hardly surprising given the Kalahari covers 70 per cent of this parched country.

The Warriors initiative was created by non-profit CATS (Conservation and Tourism Society) to engage and educate local kids—with nothing better to do, they’d taunt passing elephants, blind to the dangers the animals can pose.

Mfuwe Lodge isn’t just another safari lodge. It serves as headquarters of The Bushcamp Company – a community-oriented, conservation-focused safari company operating exclusively in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

The Zambian side of Victoria Falls in Livingstone Town is quickly emerging as a world-class meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions destination (MICE). Once considered the unloved cousin of the Zimbabwean side, Livingstone now offers exceptional accommodation and unforgettable experiences that create lasting memories for corporate groups.

Heading to Africa on safari on your bucketlist? We can relate. With plenty of options for accommodation, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve selected 12 of the newest safari lodges and camps in Africa to add to your list.

There is so much world I have yet to explore, and yet here I am in Zimbabwe, feeling the spray of the iconic Victoria Falls after hiking to the peak. Eating dinner with one eye on the warthogs drinking from a nearby watering hole.

Imagine waking up to the sound of a gentle knock—only to find an elephant at your safari lodge door. In this unspoilt corner of Africa, wildlife roams freely and unforgettable encounters are part of everyday life. It’s a place where nature leads the way, and adventure waits just outside your window.

In a heart-warming display of family bonding, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has taken to the scenic landscapes of Zimbabwe for a holiday getaway with his children.

When was the last time you and your best friend embarked on a journey so monumental that it became the stuff of legend, retold time and again at gatherings around a roaring campfire or over the sizzling sounds of a braai?