Zambia

Zambia Overview

Zambia’s remote, wilderness areas with there exclusive lodges and stunning flora and fauna are one of countries greatest attractions. Lower Zambezi canoe safaris are the perfect way to optimise the wilderness and a visit to Zambia wouldn’t be complete without a walking safari.

Lusaka and Livingstone, the countries most frequently visited towns have good tourist and coffee shops and a selection of restaurants. Nightlife is limited but still available.

Victoria Falls’ optional activities are vast and range from white water rafting and bungi jumping to rhino tracking. A houseboat on Lake Kariba provides the perfect mixture of relaxation and sport fishing.

With over 70 ethnic groups, Zambias culture, art and music is fascinatingly diverse.

Highlights & Places in Zambia

The Zambezi, which demarks most of the southern border, is the place to go for adventure activities, fishing trips, canoe safaris houseboat holidays and of course Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Zambia has 19 National Parks, with South Luangwa in the north and Kafue, the second largest park in the world, being the most famous. These vast wilderness areas are home to abundant game and bird species, including many rare and endemics. The Busanga plains in northern Kafue are one of the most important wetland areas in Africa.

Livingstone, Zambia’s former administrative capital, is now the countries tourist centre. Here you’ll find a variety of accommodation, safari and adventure activities.

Best Time to Visit Zambia

When to Go

June and July are the coldest months yet daytime temperatures remain comfortable. Game viewing is at its best during the June to October dry season with the best time being October, which is also the hottest month.

The Dec to April rainy season is great for ornithologists. Victoria Falls are at their fullest in April at the end of the rainy season, but this isn’t the best time to view them as there is too much spray.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Zambia

International flights can land at Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata, Kasama, Mfuwe and Ndola. Livingstone caters for smaller planes, mainly from South Africa and neighbouring countries. Mfuwe airport near South Luangwa National Park has international flights from Malawi. All other tourist area airstrips are for domestic flights.

Tourist trains join Johannesburg to Livingstone. Normal train services connect Livingstone to Lusaka, and Lusaka to the countries northern towns and Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

Getting Around Zambia

There are numerous air strips throughout the country serviced by a variety of charter airline companies and this is by far the quickest way to get about.

Coach services between Livingstone and Lusaka run daily and the road condition is good. Coach’s join Lusaka to Chirundu on the Zambezi river and Chipata near the Malawi border. All the main roads are tarmac, some with potholes. 21% of the countries roads are tarred. 

Zambia Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
ATMS are found throughout the country in all the major towns.

Forex/Money:
Forex bureaus are in all the tourist towns. Otherwise banks throughout the country change money.

Credit/Debit cards:
International credit cards are accepted throughout the country. In the very remote areas there usage efficiency is intermittent.

Internet availability:
Widely available throughout the towns, internet is more sporadic in the remoter areas.

Drinking water:
All town and city water is chemically treated. Bottled water is available throughout towns.

Hospitals & Medical:
There are a good selection of hospitals and medical facilities throughout the towns. Mission hospitals operate in some of the more remoter areas.

Visa Requirements:
Citizens of USA, Australia, New Zealand and all European countries - excluding Ireland - require visas. Single entry is US$50 and double entry US$70. 

Zambia Map