Zambia Travel Guide

Every minute detail was taken care of and I felt so pampered and relaxed. They took care of all our drop-offs, pick-ups, and COVID tests and guided us through visas. Alym was so great to work with and so attentive to detail. He and his staff were always a text away from answering our questions. The camps were top notch and the food was amazing. Everything exceeded my expectations. Love Kenya!!! Best adventure of my life!!!

GISELLE HILLMAN

Zambia is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and diverse culture. It is home to the mighty Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, as well as numerous national parks and game reserves where visitors can spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Zambia is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional rhythms blending with modern influences. The country has a rich history and cultural heritage, with various ethnic groups and languages adding to its diversity. Overall, Zambia is a country full of adventure and wonder, with plenty to offer for any traveler seeking an unforgettable African experience.

Before You Go

Your holiday decisions — where you go, how often you travel, the hotels or lodges you stay in, even the season you travel in – can make a huge difference to your African Journey… This is going to be the best guide to find out before visiting any African countries!

 

When To Travel To Zambia

The best time to travel to Zambia depends on your interests and preferences, as different seasons offer different experiences.

The dry season, from May to October, is generally considered the best time to visit Zambia as the weather is cooler and drier, making it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around water sources. This period is also the peak season for tourism, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds.

The wet season, from November to April, is characterized by hot and humid weather with occasional thunderstorms. While the rain can make some roads impassable and limit access to some national parks, it is a great time for bird-watching and seeing lush green vegetation. Additionally, this is the low season for tourism, meaning lower prices and fewer crowds.

Overall, the best time to visit Zambia depends on your priorities, budget, and preferences.

Top Things To Do In Zambia

Zambia offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some of the top things to do in Zambia:

  1. Visit Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a must-see attraction in Zambia. It is the largest waterfall in the world and offers a spectacular view.

  2. Go on a safari: Zambia is home to several national parks, including South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park, where you can go on a safari and see a wide range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes.

  3. Go white water rafting: The Zambezi River offers some of the best white water rafting in the world, with rapids ranging from grade three to grade five.

  4. Visit Livingstone Island: Livingstone Island is located at the edge of Victoria Falls and offers a unique view of the waterfall. Visitors can swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural pool on the edge of the falls.

  5. Take a sunset cruise: The Zambezi River offers stunning sunset views, and a sunset cruise is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What To Eat & Drink In Zambia

Zambia has a rich culinary tradition, influenced by its diverse cultures and natural resources. Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks to try in Zambia:

  1. Nshima: Nshima is a staple food in Zambia, made from white maize flour and served with a variety of stews, vegetables, and meats.

  2. Grilled meats: Zambia has a strong barbecue culture, and grilled meats such as beef, chicken, and fish are popular.

  3. Ifisashi: Ifisashi is a stew made with groundnuts (peanuts), spinach, and spices, served with nshima.

  4. Chikanda: Chikanda is a snack made from ground peanuts, cassava, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

  5. Munkoyo: Munkoyo is a traditional drink made from fermented maize or cassava, with a sour taste and low alcohol content.

The Best Souvenirs To Buy In Zambia

Zambia is a country rich in culture and natural resources, which makes it an excellent place to find unique and authentic souvenirs. 

  1. Handmade crafts: Zambia is known for its high-quality handmade crafts, including baskets, pottery, wood carvings, and textiles. These items are often sold in markets and shops throughout the country and make great souvenirs.

  2. Copper crafts: Zambia is one of the largest copper producers in the world, and copper crafts, such as sculptures, bowls, and jewelry, are popular souvenirs.

  3. African masks: Zambia has a rich cultural heritage, and African masks are popular souvenirs for tourists. These masks are often handmade and come in a variety of styles.

  4. Traditional fabrics: Zambia has a vibrant textile industry, and traditional fabrics, such as chitenge, are popular souvenirs. These fabrics are often brightly colored and feature bold patterns.

  5. Wildlife carvings: Zambia is home to a wide range of wildlife, and carvings of animals, such as elephants, lions, and hippos, make great souvenirs.

What To Pack For Zambia

Zambia is a country with a wide range of climates and terrains, so what you should pack will depend on the time of year and the activities you plan to do. 

  1. Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothes, such as cotton or linen, as temperatures can get hot. Long-sleeved shirts and pants will help protect you from the sun and mosquitoes. For safari or wildlife watching, neutral colors such as khaki or beige are best to blend in with the surroundings. In the rainy season (November to March), pack a waterproof jacket and shoes.

  2. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential, especially for outdoor activities. If you plan to hike, pack sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Sandals or flip flops are useful for beach and pool activities.

  3. Sun protection: Pack sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat or cap, and sunglasses to protect you from the strong African sun.

  4. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in Zambia, especially during the rainy season. Pack insect repellent containing DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bites.

  5. Documents: Don’t forget to pack your passport, visas, travel insurance, and any other important travel documents. It’s also a good idea to make copies of these documents and keep them separate from the originals.
Travel Tips For Zambia

The official currency in the country is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) although US dollars are accepted in most tourist establishments. There are plenty of ATMs all over Zambia for your convenience. However, you will find that ATMs are down or run out of money often. If you wish to pay by US dollar or want to exchange money, only carry notes printed in 2013 or later or they may not be accepted.

Visa is the most commonly accepted card in Zambia. Mastercards are accepted in some establishments while most will not accept Amex cards. Many credit card transactions may require a pin for the payment to go through.

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