Medical emergencies in Zambia

Many safari operators include emergency medical insurance in their rates, but this may only cover the immediate situation and exclude further treatment and/or repatriation. In any event, it’s essential to be fully insured, especially if you’re headed into Zambia’s more remote regions. Every travel insurance policy is different so make sure you know how yours operates. Some policies will expect you to pay up front and seek reimbursement later, others have ties with Zambia’s private hospitals and direct payments are possible.

Speciality Emergency Services (SES) is Zambia’s main country-wide emergency medical support service and your best option if you need urgent assistance. They also offer short-term medical and evacuation insurance if you’ve concerned with the cover offered by your main provider. Their local emergency number is 737, or dial +260962740300 or +260977770302 from outside the country. ses-zambia.com.

Zambia has very limited mobile-network cover outside the major centres. Safari camps and lodges will always have a means of contacting emergency services, but if you’re self-driving to remote areas, a satellite phone is highly recommended.

Packing list for Zambia

The first thing to do when preparing for Zambia is to book an appointment with a local travel clinic and go and speak to a doctor. The internet is full of African health and safety horror stories, but for safari holidays the risks are generally very low and/or easily manageable. If you’re at all concerned, speak to a professional. They’re likely to advise you to get your immunisations…

Highlights of Zambia

Zambia is perhaps Southern Africa’s best kept secret, although in recent years it’s a secret that’s increasingly being told. For a long time, Botswana and South Africa have been the region’s most popular wildlife and safari destinations, but Zambia is fast emerging as an excellent alternative and indeed, for some experiences, there’s no better place to travel. Zambia has 20…

Why go to Zambia

Although not entirely unique to Zambia, the country stands apart from others in the region in that the majority of its lodges and bush camps are owner-run. This tends to create a more personal experience – a homely kind of service that draws people back again and again. There are a number of luxury lodges to choose from, but also a good selection of smaller, eco-conscious operators.…

Romantic holiday in Zambia

Zambia’s tented camps and lodges are growing in stature. They may not yet be as well-known as those in neighbouring Botswana and South Africa, but they offer excellent value and are ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for an all-inclusive romantic break. Zambia has a reputation for smaller, more intimate camps and lodges. These are often owner-run, with attentive, friendly guides…

Active holiday in Zambia

Zambia’s village communities hold centuries of traditional wisdom to stop you in your tracks, but it’s Mother Nature’s ‘Smoke that Thunders’ (known as Victoria Falls to most) that steals the show as Zambia’s standout attraction. Thrilling safari activities play worthy supporting roles to Victoria Falls show-stopping spectacle. Zambia is home to what is arguably the best white water…

Cash and payments in Zambia

The Zambian kwacha The currency in Zambia is the kwacha (K). Official regulations state that all payments within the country must be made in kwacha, but US dollars are widely accepted by many of the larger hotels, lodges and tour operators. Indeed, prices for visas at the border, import taxes, and national park fees are all quoted in US dollars, which confuses the matter even more. If…

Popular Zambia Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates