Visit Zambia

Zambia is located in south-central Africa. Zambia is a growing economy with a rich cultural background and a vibrant street and entertainment scene. The country also has great tropical weather and a rich wildlife population.

Other Information

CURRENCY

The currency is the Zambian kwacha and trades at about 13 kwacha: 1 USD.

LANGUAGE AND POPULATION

English is recognized as the official language and is used in business and education. Nyanja or Chewa and Bemba are the two most widely spoken local languages. In total, there are about 73 languages spoken.

Capital City

Located in the south-central part of the country, Lusaka is the capital and largest city in Zambia.This is the most densely populated area and the center of economic activity, together with the Copperbelt Province.

Plugs and Socket

The main power plugs and sockets used are Types C, D, and G. Standard voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Size

Zambia is a landlocked country with an area of 752,618 km2. The population was estimated at 17 million as of 2017.

Highlights

  1. Great wildlife population including the Big Five game animals
  2. Vibrant bar and braai scene
  3. Beautiful waterfronts and water activities
  4. Unique cultural and traditional experiences

Top 5 Destinations

  1. Victoria Falls
  2. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  3. Kafue National Park
  4. Lake Kashiba
  5. Blue Lagoon National Park

Unique Experience

Bungee jumping and white water rafting at the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls

Enjoy a soothing boat house experience on Lake Kariba

See a range of Zambian reptiles including crocodiles and snakes at the Kalimba Reptile Farm located just 20 km from Lusaka. You can also see the rest of the farm which rears cattle, pigs, fish, and other animals

Wildlife safaris in national parks and reserves across the nation

Enjoy the Zambian open-air bar and grill scene at Polo Grill located in Lusaka near the showgrounds

Local Cuisines

Nshima

This is the staple food of Zambia. Nshima is a maize meal pulp known by various other local names in the southern African region. Different meat and vegetable relished can be served together with nshima.

Dried fish

Although Zambia is landlocked, many rivers and lakes make fishing very popular. Fish can be enjoyed in various ways, but dried fish such as the small kapenta and larger buka buka are very popular as an nshima relish.

Insects

Flying ants or inswa and caterpillars or infinkubala can be enjoyed as snacks or fried with onions and tomatoes to make relish.

Peanut butter spinach

Peanut butter is often added to various vegetables such as spinach, kale, and okra.

Type of Travel

Pre-plan with Agencies

Travel operators and tour guides can assist you in getting great holiday packages and with navigating your way around Zambia.

Accomodation

There are many different accommodation options, including five-star hotels and many smaller lodges and villas.

Rent a Car

Hiring a car is a great option, and it’s quite easy to do from major cities and airports. There are several car hire companies operating in Zambia, including Europcar and Avis.

Transportation

A DIY trip is also possible making use of different local transportation options such as local buses, trains, and airlines to move from different cities and towns, as well as car rental and taxis for shorter trips.

Business

English is commonly spoken, so it is easy to get assistance with directions, etc.

Least Favorite

  • If you want to visit a specific grocery or international fast food franchise, those are few and far between, but there are other alternative options
  • Accessibility to areas of interest can be difficult without a car. Public transportation is also limited at night
  • Business happens at a slow pace in general

Planning Your Trip

Time allocation and itinerary suggestion

Lusaka is the hub of most of the social and cultural points of interest and is a great starting point and base to a holiday in Zambia.

To cover most of the main tourist points of interest, a five-day trip, at least, is a good idea. This allows about two days in and around the capital city and a few other days for Victoria Falls and other national parks of interest.

The rainy season occurs between November and April. Travel year-round is possible. The drier season months run from about May to October and are further divided into the cool, dry season followed by the hot, dry season leading into the rainy season. The hot temperatures throughout the year mean that precautions against heat stroke and dehydration must be taken. Lots of sunscreen and water are recommended.

Malaria precautions such as tablets are important as many areas of the country are risk areas.
English is commonly spoken, so it is easy to get assistance with directions, etc.

Budget

Budget recommendations will vary depending on the preferred accommodation and travel options. With a Tour Operator, a typical Zambia tour is from 5-10 days and costs 2000-5000 USD per person staying in luxury accommodation. This includes all meals too, vehicles, and fees.

The best way is to ask for a quote from safari booking offering Zambia or any other company as if you’re a regular tourist. You can launch without this and just add when you have the info already.

Safety & Security

Zambia is generally a peaceful and safe country, but valuables should be looked after.

Mugging, robberies, hijacking, and similar crimes do not happen very often, but caution is advised, particularly past 7pm and in unfamiliar areas. Daytime is generally safe.

Zambian cities do not have many tall buildings and standout monuments. Because the skyline is generally flat, it can be difficult to get oriented as far as direction is concerned. If you decide to wander the streets, be sure to keep track of which direction you are going to avoid getting lost.

Getting Around

The main form of public transport is minibuses, which are usually in the color blue. These operate on a fill-as-you go, non-scheduled timetable. For increased accessibility and independence, private car hire, with or without a driver is a great option.

When travelling between major cities and towards neighboring companies, buses and the local train service the Tanzara are also available.

Within the cities and towns, the easiest way to get around is by taxi or private car. Metered taxis can be found at busy street corners, and it’s a good idea to collect phone numbers for different taxi drivers in the areas you travel to.

There are also local uber-like alternatives like Ulendo. Tour guides are available and can help tourists with getting around.

Atishani “or” Muli Buna” means what’s up amd are used frequently and colloquially

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Here are Safari parks you can choose from

Top Safaris and Cruises In Zambia

With over 30% of the country’s land allocated to national parks, Zambia is the dream destination for any safari enthusiast. Most safari and river cruise adventures are tailormade to suit both your time and budget. Top destinations include:

Busanga Plains

A visit to the Busanga Plains is to experience a safari adventure in one of the largest parks in Africa, Kafue National Park. It is home to a variety of antelope herds, zebras, hippos, as well as lions. You can also spend your days cruising the river doing some catch-and-release fishing or simply bask in the comfort of your camp, taking in the wilderness that stretches as far as your eyes can see.

Victoria Falls

Looking for a romantic getaway? The mystical Victoria Falls is the place to visit. Enjoy long strolls and the occasional refreshing showers under the falls. One of the wonders of the world, the thundering echo of this natural phenomenon just leaves you awestruck. Open-fronted cottages are available for your accommodation so your experience with nature is even more intimate.Unique attractions include the Boiling Pot and The Devil’s Pool.

South Luangwa National Park

This renowned park is the original birthplace of the walking safari. Large populations of wildlife have made this place home, so you simply have to pick your spot and enjoy the view. There are herds of zebra and giraffe, as well as  lions, and hippos to see on your game drives and walking safari. At night, you get to retreat to the remote and cozy safari bushcamp deep in the park as the bright stars above help create an outdoor ambiance like no other.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Located along the northern banks of the Zambezi River, this seldom-visited wildlife park is home to buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and antelopes and you can enjoy your game viewing from the comfort of a drive or a boat cruise along the rivers, while enjoying the constant chirps and singing from the vast array of birdlife all over the place.

North Luangwa National Park

Looking to take your walking safari experience up a notch? North Luangwa is a remote region with just a handful of tiny bushcamps, so you are assured a long day of trekking. Enjoy the almost addictive thrill of ambling through lush grass or dusty sandbanks on the trail of wild animals. Even if you don’t get to see them, your guide will explain the paw prints and

animal scat and what to expect.

Shoebill Island Camp

The Bangweulu Wetlands is home to the elusive, prehistoric-looking shoebill. Get your camera and head on down to begin your search.

Kasanka National Park

Here you get to witness the mass migration of about 8 million fruit bats. From November to December, you can book a fly-in trip to witness the spectacular gathering of blue wildebeests.

Liuwa Plain National Park

A rarely visited region in the extreme west  that boasts vast, grass-covered plains and various wildlife and birdlife species.

Shiwa Ng’andu

Although it is not explicitly a safari destination, there’s still plenty of wildlife to be seen here. Visitors often visit Shiwa as an add-on trip to their Kasanka or Shoebill traverses.