Why Visit Zambia
Embark on a wild journey to Zambia, a land teeming with natural wonders and offering an off the beaten track safari experience. At the heart of this destination lies the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In Livingstone town (alongside Victoria Falls) there are endless adventure activities along the Zambezi River, including the adrenaline activities like Devils Pool, white-water rafting and paragliding over the Victoria Falls.
The country’s safari experience is unparalleled and diverse, traverse through South Luangwa National Park, the home of the walking safaris. The park is a photographer’s paradise and offers common sightings of lion, leopard and wild dog. Explore the Lower Zambezi National Park, where one can enjoy overnight and/or daily canoeing safaris along the Zambezi River immersed in the tranquillity of nature, wildlife and birdlife.
Zambia’s blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality promises to be an expedition beyond compare.
Discover Zambia
Top Destinations
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. The National Park is the birthplace of walking safaris. On a safari in South Luangwa, one would expect to see lion, leopard, wild dog and great birding including the elusive Pels Fishing Owl. The park's raw and unspoilt beauty, coupled with the opportunity to explore on foot, allows for an immersive connection with nature. As night falls, the park transforms, offering thrilling nocturnal safaris, unveiling a different world filled with nocturnal creatures. With its stunning landscapes and unparalleled wildlife encounters, South Luangwa is a haven for those seeking an authentic safari adventure amidst untamed African wilderness.
The park is seasonal. Although some of the park and lodges are open to guests throughout the year, the best time for a safari is during the months of June to October. For the birders the wet season between December and March is an excellent time to visit and the lodges have better pricing and availability.
Attraction List:
- Walking Safaris (Day Walks and Overnight Experiences)
- Good National Park for Leopard Sightings
- Beautiful Scenery for Wildlife Photography
- Night Safaris
- Authentic Bush Camp as well as Luxury Lodges
Top Experiences
Best Time to Visit Zambia
Zambia is a seasonal destination. The temperatures are predominantly warm throughout the year, but the summer rains do make safaris difficult in the wet season.
A lot of Zambian Parks and lodges close during the wet season (December to April). The best time for safaris is during dry season (May to November).
Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls is a year-round destination.
Victoria Falls is a year-round travel destination, however it depends on your preferences as to when you should travel, if you are visiting to see the falls in full flow then it doesn’t perfectly coincide with the best time for a Zimbabwean or Botswanan safari, however all seasons good.
Monthly features:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
High Water Flow (February to July) – Perfect for viewing the waterfall in its full capacity as well as doing the scenic helicopter and microlight flights.
Low Water Flow (August to January) – Best time for white water rafting and devil’s pool.
Best Time for Nearby Safaris (July to October) – Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Kafue are all at their best during this time.
Best Weather Conditions (May to August) – Warm days and mild nights.
NB, Victoria Falls is located both in Zambia and Zimbabwe, during the dry months of August to January it is often better to view the falls from the Zimbabwean side. This is very easy and hassle free, and the border crossing is right by Livingstone Town.
Monthly features:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Wet Season (December to April) is when a lot of the safari lodges are closed during this period and not accessible due to the road’s conditions. It is also not the best time for game viewing as animals scatter due to water and food being abundant. This is however a great time for lush landscapes, birding and newborn animals.
- Shoulder Season (May, June and November) are good months for those looking to avoid the busiest periods and obtaining better pricing. The rainfall is only on a few days and for short periods. Temperatures can be very high in November. Wildlife is often abundant especially in early November.
- Dry Season (July to October) are the driest months. Due to less water and food sources, wildlife viewing is exceptional. This is especially the case for September and October, but these months are also very hot during the day.
Perfect Zambia Add-Ons:
Fequently Asked Questions
Zambia is a relatively expensive destination to visit (except for Livingstone that has both budget and luxury accommodation options).
The reason for the relatively high prices are:
Exchange Rates: Although the country has its own currency being Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), the tourism industry largely uses USD to price base their pricing. Therefore, one cannot take advantage of the local currencies’ depreciation.
Large Distances: The countries top destinations are usually very far from one another. Travelling between safari destinations often requires a light aircraft transfer.
Remote Locations: Due to lodges being in very remote locations this leads to higher costs of operations and ultimately, the lodges need to onward charge to customers for this exclusivity, luxury and solitude.
Can you travel Zambia on a budget?
Zambia is not an ideal safari destination for budget travellers, however it attracts visitors to Livingstone (Victoria Falls). For budget travel checkout South Africa and Namibia for more suitable options.
Safaris in Zambia are generally expensive. There is the option of staying alongside South Luangwa in one of the river camps, however with car rentals, distances, and paying in USD it will still not be very ‘affordable’. Another option to consider for budget travellers is to enjoy a bucket list safari of canoeing down the Zambezi River or otherwise a mobile safari.
Cost of Travelling Zambia in order of cheapest to most expensive:
- Self-Driving (Camping)
- Overland Tours and Trucks
- Mobile and Canoe Safari’s
- Fly-In Luxury Safaris
Safari Costs are dependent on:
Location: The best concessions are the highest priced, these concessions will have the best all year-round game viewing and are situated in private/exclusive concessions.
Seasonality: Peak season rates can be over twice the price of the low season rates.
Level of Luxury: Lodges offer different levels of luxury, the top end lodges would have world class chefs, private plunge pools, top safari guides and private safari vehicles for their guests.
Transport to and from: Most lodges in Zambia are fly-in, these transfers can be quite expensive, although the flights are very scenic and offer a bird’s eye view of wildlife and landscapes.
Zambia is a relatively easy country to get to.
The main airports are:
- Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (Lusaka)
There is also the option of flying into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which is a short transfer to Livingstone, Zambia.
Zambia is a very large and the main tourist destinations are very far from one another. Self-Driving in Zambia by vehicle will often require a stopover along the route as there will be two day transits.
A better way of getting around is flying into your destination. One may fly into all National Parks by light aircraft.
Options for travelling in Zambia:
Self-Drive: This is for adventurous travellers. The drives will be long with not many stopovers in between. One can hire a vehicle in Livingstone and/or Lusaka.
Fly In: For travellers short on time or wanting to fly straight into prime locations, there are daily flights hoping into all the safari lodges.
Mobile and/or Canoe Safari: A truly authentic way to experience safari. Join a guided safari throughout Zambia or experience an overnight Canoe Safari on the Zambezi. The support staff will be setting up camps in wild unfenced areas, preparing sumptuous meals and making your stay a memorable one.
Day Trips: Livingstone is the best place for day trips. One can visit Chobe National Park (Botswana) for a vehicle and boat safari or otherwise you can cross the bridge into Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) as there are many activities, adventure and safari.
Taxis: Available in Livingstone Town.
This is a common question of our travellers.
The short answer to this is YES.
Of course, Zambia has crime, as do many other countries throughout the world.
Due to the countries high level of inequality and poverty, there is a higher incidence of crime than some other African countries, however the country has millions of international travellers each year and the number of incidents is negligible.
Zambia, like most other country, has areas that are safer than others. Tourist destinations and tourist attractions are extremely safe due to high levels of security measures in place.
As with traveling to any unfamiliar place, being cautious and well-informed can contribute to a safer experience.
At AfriVenture we will never design an tour or itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.
Yes, malaria is present in most parts of Zambia. The risk of malaria is generally low during the dry season (June – October).
It’s important to take precautionary measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas, especially during the rainy season (November to May), when mosquito populations are higher.
Preventive measures against malaria includes:
- Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
- Using insect repellent.
- Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants)
- Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.
Visa requirements for Zambia vary depending on your nationality.
Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Zambia, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.
To determine whether you need a visa to visit Zambia, you should check with the nearest Zambian embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Zambian Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.
Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.
At the time of writing there are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers entering Zambia.
However, the country may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from, or have recently visited a Yellow Fever endemic area. This requirement usually applies to travellers coming from certain African and South American countries.
Malaria Prevention: Please see other frequently asked question on Malaria.
The currency used in Zambia is Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), however a lot of the tourist establishments accept United States Dollar (USD).
Livingstone is modernised and one can use cheque, debit and credit cards at most establishments, however in very remote regions one might need some cash for small items.
There are a variety of methods to pay for goods and services:
- Credit and Debit Cards: The most popular means of paying for goods and services. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
- Cash: Carrying some cash in USD or ZMW can be useful for small purchases, markets, tipping, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and accept most international cards.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip for services in South Africa.
- Restaurants: Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- Lodges: This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.
Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.
