Here are your key takeaways from this article:

• Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, best suited to relaxed, exploration-focused travel.
• The best time to visit is May and June, when it’s cool and dry – it’s highly recommended to book with a credible tour company like Mat-Travel.
• Zambia has some of the best national parks on the continent and a number of unique experiences: walking safaris, waterfall tours, night drives and wild camping.

Zambia’s Unique Experiences Highlight the Heart of Africa

If you’re looking for a truly, deeply African experience, Zambia is the place to go. It’s perfect for slow, immersive travel.

You might have heard of the iconic walking safaris. For sure, you know about the legendary Victoria Falls. But the landlocked “heart of Africa” has much more to offer: Sporty river adventures provide a tantalizing adrenaline rush. The amazing variety of birds will enchant even the most seasoned traveler. And nothing says “safari” like their virtually untouched national parks off the beaten track.

Check out our Zambia Travel Guide below! It contains everything you need to know for your holiday.

Planning a Trip to Zambia

A good plan is half the success! Since Zambia is landlocked deep in the heart of Africa, thorough preparation is key to an enjoyable experience. This section covers all the logistical details you need to know.

Choosing Travel Times 

When looking at when to visit Zambia, you need to consider three things: the weather, flights and your own holidays.

Zambia lies right in the tropics, so it’s generally warm and wet. The seasons vary enough that there are definitely better months to visit.

Flights may also impact your chosen dates. There are no direct connections to Zambia and prices increase during August and New Year’s.

While we don’t know when you have time off work, we do explain the weather and flights below:

What’s the Best Time to Visit Zambia?

The fringe season, namely May and June, offers the best all-round experience. Temperatures are mild, even cool in the highlands. Camps and lodges are quiet and often have lower off-season prices. Flights during this time are already getting more expensive, but still affordable.

July and August are the coolest and driest months – perfect for safari. This and the European and American summer holidays make it peak season. That means much more expensive flights and higher rates at the camps. Luckily, it never quite feels full.

From September to November, temperatures start rising. Occasional rain showers do little to dissipate the heat. November is a good alternative travel month due to lower flight prices and more rain to cool things off. However, the weather is somewhat unpredictable. It can change from cloudy skies to rain to blazing sunshine in a matter of hours.

December and January are warm, but the consistent rain provides some relief and lowers average temperatures. It’s the perfect time for birding, if you’re willing to put up with muddy roads, extensive showers and more expensive flights.

We do not recommend visiting Zambia between February and April. While flights are cheaper, there is still a lot of rainfall and humidity. This late in the wet season, plants and trees are lush and dense – effectively hiding most of the animals. 

During the rainy season (November to March), there is a big risk of mosquito and insect bites. In fact, malaria cases regularly skyrocket during these months.

How Do You Get to Zambia?

Depending on your starting point, you can get to Zambia by air, road and even train or boat.

As mentioned, there are no direct flights from Europe or America. Most connections go through Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia or South Africa. Within Africa, there are a number of direct flights into Lusaka (the capital) and Livingstone (near Victoria Falls). Flight schedules are regular and reliable.

Since Zambia is landlocked, it has an extensive road network connecting it to its neighbours. The roads are generally in good condition, but border crossing can take painfully long. Zambia drives on the left-hand side of the road. There are buses from major cities in the surrounding countries.

From Tanzania, one has the option of boat or train. There is an historic ferry across Lake Tanganyika, although it’s often plagued by delays and outages. Trains offer first, second and third-class cabins with onboard dining – perfect for a slow, scenic experience.

Visa & Entry Requirements for Zambia

Zambia’s visa regulations can be a little confusing and change without notice, so it’s best to contact your nearest embassy or high commission to double-check.

There are three broad categories of visitors: those who don’t need a visa at all, those who can get a visa on arrival, and those who need to apply for and get a visa beforehand. Visas are charged in US-Dollars and can be single-entry, multi-entry or day tripper, amongst others.

There is a special visa that allows visitors multiple entries to Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as a one-day entry to Botswana through the Kazungula border post. This KAZA Univisa costs USD 50 and is valid for 30 days as long as you stay in either Zambia or Zimbabwe.

It can be obtained online, as well as at the Kenneth Kaunda or Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airports, or Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Control Posts. If obtained on-line, holders must arrive at a Zambian Port of entry.

Getting Around Zambia

The following is generally required when driving:

• Valid passport of the driver
• Up-to-date vehicle licence
• Certified copy of the vehicle registration papers (in the name of the driver)
  • Letter of authority from the registered owner if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle
• Compulsory third-party insurance, which can be obtained at the border post
• Special paperwork:
  • If the vehicle is still being financed or paid off, a letter of authority from the relevant bank stating travel date
  • Police Clearance Certificate (if travelling through the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia)
• Safety items:
  • red-and-white reflective tape on both sides of both bumpers,
  • warning triangles,
  • T-sign if towing a trailer,
  • fire extinguisher if carrying jerry cans of extra fuel

It’s advisable to also carry basic tools and a well-stocked first aid kit with gloves. Unleaded petrol can be hard to come by in the remote areas, so always fill up.

There are also buses and shuttles running between towns. These can be near-luxurious or a harrowing experience (check for the vehicle’s condition) and often only start their scheduled drive once they’re full of passengers. The single train line from Lusaka to Livingstone has only recently improved in service, safety and speed – you might as well drive. 

Where to Stay

Geared towards tourism, Zambia is full of accommodation options. You can choose anything from super-budget to opulent luxury and all the options in between.

In the national parks, lodges and safari camps offer hotel-level service in the wilderness. They often have adjacent camp sites, and there are a number of standalone campgrounds throughout the country.

You will find cosy bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and fancy hotels near the lakes and cities, as well as backpackers and hostels. Near the rivers and in remote villages, visitors can stay on houseboats or spend a night in a tribal hut to experience the traditional lifestyle.

It’s important to book in advance, especially in the high season. International money transfers take time, but many establishments now offer online payment by credit card.

How Much Does a Holiday in Zambia Cost?

Your budget very much depends on your travel style, but Zambia is generally more expensive than South Africa and cheaper than Botswana.

On a self-drive, you have to account for accommodation, car rental, insurance, food, activities and fuel. There are tolls that are best paid in small change. A mid-range booked tour normally works out just as cost-effective as a self-drive. The tour operator will inform you what’s included and what’s extra.

Tipping in Zambia

There isn’t a massive tipping culture. As more international guests visit, locals are getting more used to tipping, but it’s never mandatory. Nonetheless, Zambian salaries are generally lower than in America or Europe, so if you’re happy with the service, do tip.

In the cities and major attractions, you can normally tip in US Dollars. Use smaller notes that area easy to exchange later. On safari, tipping in the local currency Kwacha is more useful. A good guideline is USD 10 per guest per day for guides and the collective camp staff, and 10-50 Kwacha for waiters or porters in the city.

Zambia Packing List – Never Forget A Thing!

With its location, weather and relatively untouched wilderness, Zambia requires a few essentials when packing. 

Lightweight, breathable clothes will make the heat bearable. A few long-sleeved shirts and long pants are needed for cooler evenings, sun protection and to deter mosquitoes. Take a rain jacket, warm pullover and long underwear to layer up in the local winter. As for footwear, a solid pair of waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes plus sandals will serve you well. A good rule is 1.5 pairs of underwear for every day of your trip (so 10 days = 15 pairs). You may want to change after a game drive and so go through more than one pair a day. Absolutely essential: swimwear!

High-SPF sunscreen (30+) is a must, as well as insect repellant, sunglasses and a hat. Bring your own toiletries. On a self-drive, you will want a comprehensive first aid kit that includes the usual gloves and bandages as well as the medications you normally take for an upset stomach, dehydration, sunburn and insect bites. All medications should be in their original packaging to avoid issues with police officials. If you’re on a guided tour, check with your guide what they have and bring your own medications just in case. Please note, this is non-professional advice for informational purposes only. Consult with your doctor for accurate, up-to-date advice, especially on malaria prevention.

Make sure to have copies of your travel and personal documents that you keep separate from the originals. You can widely use credit and debit cards, but have some  cash – US dollars and local currency (kwacha) – in small notes. While cell phone cameras are pretty good these days, safari and landscape photography is still best done with a real camera (bring spare batteries!). A power bank, travel adapter and flashlight will make things a lot easier. Binoculars also greatly improve your game viewing experience. Drones are prohibited in national parks.

For your luggage, choose a soft-sided duffel bags on wheels. It’s much easier to pack into the tight space in vehicles, and a must-have for internal flights due to weight and size restrictions. A day bag, ideally a 40-litre hiking backpack, doubles up as hand luggage or personal item on the flight and lets you carry essential items on outings. A body bag lets you keep critical things like passport and cash hidden, which is an advantage on busy city streets.

Attractions & Highlights

National Parks

Roughly 30% of Zambia is a declared national park or game management area. In recent years, there has been more focus and investment on upkeep and anti-poaching. That means there are more and more wild animals to be seen. In fact, Zambia offers some of the best game-viewing on the continent.

What Are The Best Parks in Zambia?

The best known parks are South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and, more recently, Kafue. South Luangwa Park is at the bottom end of the African Rift Valley and boasts exceptionally high game numbers, relatively few visitors and the option of night drives.

The Lower Zambezi Park lies opposite the Zimbabwean Mana Pools Park and has a lot of big game like elephant and buffalo – but no giraffes. With vast woodlands and beautiful river features, it’s a prime spot for birding and boat tours.

Kafue National Park in western Zambia struggled with poaching and poor infrastructure in the 80s but is slowly bouncing back. As the largest and oldest park, it has a lot of untouched nature and big diversity of wildlife.

Other gems include Liuwa Plain National Park (an almost feral wilderness with big involvement from the locals) and Shiwa Ng’andu (a historic estate in the middle of nowhere).

Water Features

Although there is no ocean around Zambia, the country has abundant water in the forms of rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

The world-famous Victoria Falls bordering on Zimbabwe are one of the biggest waterfalls in terms of volume (around 550 million litres of water tumble over the edge every minute). Made up of many smaller waterfalls, the spray can be seen from kilometers away. The surrounding rainforest is home to many plants and birds only found here. 16 other waterfalls are dotted around the north of the country, often hidden by dense forest. They are sacred to the locals, so be mindful when you visit. 

Lake Tanganyika is the oldest lake in Africa and can be crossed by ferry to Tanzania. Thanks to its location, it provides Zambia with a real port and a much more tropical “central Africa” atmosphere. Lake Kariba, the largest artificial dam on the continent, is a luxury holiday destination, while Lake Mweru in the northwest still retains a traditional cultural lifestyle.

Three major rivers – the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa – supply Zambia with plenty of water, transport routes and a stunning number of water-based wildlife. The Zambezi in the south forms the border to Zimbabwe and is later joined by the other two before emptying into the Indian Ocean. Crocodiles, hippos, buffalo and an array of birds can be seen lavishing on the banks and in the depths.

Towns & Cities

Nearly half of all Zambians live in cities and towns. Lusaka, the capital town, is a bundle of energy and culture. One of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, it offers traditional markets alongside western-style malls and shopping outlets. Livingstone, so named after the famous explorer, lies close to the Victoria Falls and is a quieter town with many historic buildings.

Kitwe, Ndola and Chingola in the Copperbelt offer an interesting glimpse into the history and industrial side of Zambia. As the seventh-largest producer of copper in the world, the “red gold” has shaped people and culture since ancient times.

What To Do in Zambia: Explore the Wilderness

Rich in water, wildlife and holiday potential, Zambia has enough activities to keep you busy for a life time. From typical safari experiences and adventure tours to one-of-a-kind walking safaris, you can pick and choose the type of visit you want.

Wander-Safaris

If you want to get up close and personal with animals, plants and the natural wonders of Zambia, a walking safari is the way to go. Especially popular in South Luangwa National Park, these excursions are lead by world-class guides that impress with their unparalleled knowledge and skill.

Wild Camping

Think more “off the beaten track” than “illegal” camping. Many tour operators offer camps away from established sites, letting guests participate in setting up. This is one amazing way to really connect with the wild.

Adventure Activities

If meeting lions and elephants on a walking safari isn’t exciting enough, how about going bungee jumping in Batoka Gorge? The Zambezi River offers white-water rafting and kayak tours, while a helicopter flight will let you see the Victoria Falls from above. Dive Lake Tanganyika to discover a world of colourful freshwater fish. Less adventurous but no less special are river cruises and guided tours of historic monuments.

Luxurious Leisure

There are also a lot of options for relaxing and decompressing at the different resorts and lodges. From fancy spas to famous golf courses, scenic flights to colonial-style hotels, you will find opulent luxury quietly tucked away where you least expect it.

Traditional Safaris

Whether self-drive or guided tour, a safari in Zambia offers unforgettable sightings. With one of the biggest diversity of wildlife in southern Africa, you can see elephants, leopards, lions, giraffe, buffalo and thousands of antelope on the plains. Watch hippos and crocodiles hide in the rivers, and see so many birds that you will start a list even if you’re not a birder.

Culture & Country

As a landlocked country in southern Africa, Zambia shares borders with eight other nations. It has a rich cultural heritage and seven indigenous languages. As you now already know, there are a lot of rivers and lakes, dense forests and vast plains. Great numbers of animals and fertile soil have provided sustenance to the tribes of Zambia for millions of years. You may come for the safari experience but will leave having fallen for the people, who are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Quick Facts About Zambia

Location	south of the DRC	Population	ca. 21 million
Capital City	Lusaka	Size	752 612 km2
Currency	Zambian kwacha	Government	Multi-party
Languages	English (official), Bemba, Chewa, Lozi, Lunda, Tonga
National Bird	African fish eagle	Dominant Religion	Christian
Electricity	230 V, 50Hz with C, D, G plugs – travel adapter recommended

Zambia’s Geography and Weather

Located well within the subtropics, the climate is warm and wet. Temperatures are made milder by the high altitude – Zambia is mostly a vast plateau full of savannas. Most of the country is flat with some small hills, although there are isolated mountain ranges and lush valleys.

Crystalline rock (full of minerals like copper, and gems) lies close to the Earth’s surface and has been mined for thousands of years. The plateau formation means that water is quickly shed towards the oceans, resulting in many rivers with waterfalls and rapids.

From November to April, the intertropical convergence zone brings humid, wet air and rain to the northern two-thirds of the nation. Floods often occur and some roads become impassable.

Between May and August, temperatures are much cooler. Some areas may experience frost over night and the lack of rain reduces the vegetation a lot. From September, the weather starts getting hotter, but rain is sporadic if it occurs at all. October is the hottest month of the year, with the mountains generally being a little cooler.

A Quick Historical Overview

The area that is Zambia today has been inhabited for millions of years. Stone Age remnants were found at Kalombo Falls in the north and Victoria Falls in the south. A few cave paintings have survived the humid climate and skulls found along the rivers show that early people were small hunter-gatherers.

Around 2,000 years ago, migrants from the Bantu-language group invaded Zambia, displacing many of the Khoisan people, and farmed crops and livestock. Metalworking began as early as the 6th century CE; by 1000 CE, copper ingots were used for trade. Zambians today still use the same pottery techniques as their ancestors 800 years ago.

From the 14th century, trade with the east coast became more common. In the early 1800s, four kingdoms emerged: the Chewa, Bemba, Luyana (Lozi) and Lunda. Britain started colonising the area in 1888 and declared it the Protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in 1924.

The Republic of Zambia was formed in 1964. For a long time, president Kenneth Kaunda and the United National Independence Party imposed a one-party system. In 1991, a multiparty election was finally held, where the opposing Movement for Multiparty Democracy won by a landslide. After years of political unrest and economic difficulties, Zambia started investing heavily into conservation and more decentralised policies.

With so many immigrants throughout its history, Zambia is a true melting pot of cultures. 

Etiquette & Tradition

Zambians, made up of over 70 different tribes as well as a number of Europeans and Asians and their descendants, are friendly, helpful people. While many traditions are in danger of being lost due to colonial and modern western influences, there is a big push to preserve the country’s heritage.

Over 20 traditional festivals are observed every year, many of which are open to visitors and tell of historic times when new kingdoms were formed. It’s considered polite to learn at least a few words in the local languages 

In the cities and towns, increasing tourism has relaxed the strong traditional customs that may still be found in the more rural areas. Most Zambians or your guide will be only too happy to give you tips on the local etiquette, like that sitting in silence is often an important part of meeting someone.

Zambia FAQs

Is Zambia Good For Tourists?

Yes! It’s a little more on the adventurous side, so we recommend booking a guided tour (LINK) for your first time. But as one of the most diverse destinations on the planet, it’s definitely a bucket-list item. The locals are friendly, the landscape beautiful and the infrastructure in relatively good shape. Expect awe-inspiring encounters!

Is Zambia Expensive to Visit?

Zambia is more expensive than South Africa, but cheaper than Botswana when it comes to accommodation and activities. The impressive variety of sights and destinations makes it money well spent, without a doubt.

Do They Speak English in Zambia?

Yes! In fact, English is the official language of Zambia. Your guide will normally be able to teach you a few words in the local languages, which comes in handy when visiting remote villages or traditional markets.

Is Zambia safe?

Generally, yes. With some simple precautions, you can have a marvellous time. 

• Don’t leave valuable items lying around in your room or car.
• Don’t hitchhike and don’t take hitchhikers.
• Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Don’t walk around at night, don’t change money in the street and watch out for scams and pickpockets.
• Be generally more watchful than at home.

Drugs, including marijuana, pornographic materials and same-sex activities are illegal in Zambia and will be prosecuted. It’s also illegal to kill, buy, sell or capture a wild animal or its parts without a license.

You need a lot of documents when driving as a tourist, and can be stopped by the police so make sure you have them. Be mindful of road conditions and other drivers, road obstructions and pedestrians and animals, especially at night.

Although the water is generally potable and consumed by the locals, it’s better to stick to sealed, bottled water as a visitor and avoid ice in drinks. Emergency medical care is not as readily available as in Europe and America, so make sure you have travel insurance and don’t do anything unsafe.

Special Note: Safari Safety

Wild animals can be unpredictable. Always listen to your guide or the locals’ advice. It should be obvious, but respect the wildlife. Do not irritate, touch, feed or stress any animals, including calm-looking elephants or interesting snakes.

Never get out of the vehicle – that includes climbing or leaning out the window. Doing that breaks the outline of the shape and makes the animals dangerously aware of you. Also never swim in lakes or rivers unless a knowledgeable guide or local explicitly tells you it’s safe. There may be hippos or crocodiles hiding in the water, and it often contains diseases like bilharzia.

Why Visit Zambia?

Zambia is an absolute gem hidden in the depths of Africa. It’s not overrun by tourists, has relatively good infrastructure and is generally safe for the aware visitor. Its rich cultural traditions, movie-like animal sightings and incredible landscape make it a memorable destination.

Zambia is more lush than Namibia with plains more open than Botswana, not as wild as Zimbabwe, and safer than other central African countries.

Ready to Discover Nature on a Different Scale?

Mat-Travel, a registered African tour operator, offers tailored and ready-made tours in the “heart of Africa”.