Traveling to Zambia means exploring the most remote yet enchanting wilderness and wildlife in all of Africa. Adventuring across the savannahs, seeing wildlife wander without being bound behind fences, sitting around the fire in the evenings as the African sunsets and white water rafting down world-famous, quick-moving waters are all experiences you can have in this beautiful country! Most travellers visit Zambia and Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and the largest waterfall on the planet! The minute you arrive, you will be completely entranced.

Best Time to Visit

When it comes to visiting Africa, following weather patterns is key, especially if you’re looking to go on a safari. The peak time to visit Zambia for safari is from June to October, which are the winter months. Winter in Zambia means clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and rarely a drop of rain. November, April, and May are considered shoulder months due to the rain. But it is still a wonderful time for game viewing, and it’s the best time to save some pennies since many of the lodges have deals (although some very remote camps do close during the rainy season). However, if your main goal is to see Victoria Falls, then December brings the most rain, causing the falls to be in full flood and it is arguably the most spectacular time to view them.

What to Expect

Language: English is Zambia’s official language, but Bantu languages are the most widely spoken throughout the country.

Currency: The official currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK or ZMW). 1 USD is equivalent to 13.11 ZMK

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Credit Cards & ATMs: Some shops, restaurants, and upscale lodges and hotels accepted credit card, though it is not too common. Visa is the most recognized with MasterCard and Amex falling behind. If using a card, there’s a good chance you will run into a fee of about 4-7%. It’s also worth noting that you will be required to have a PIN to authorize any transaction. Since cash is king in Zambia, you’ll likely need an ATM at some point during your stay. Although US dollars are widely accepted, if you find yourself short, you can obtain cash at ATMs located at the banks in the cities and larger towns.

Plugs: In Zambia, the plugs are type C, D, and G, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: Zambia is a very safe destination, with the biggest issue being con artists and petty theft. So long as you’re sensible and aware of your surroundings, you should have no problems during your visit.