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Victoria Falls in Zambia

Zambia Travel Guide

With thundering waterfalls and secluded safaris, it is a wonder why more people are not flocking to Zambia for the ultimate African experience. We are glad that they are not as small numbers and truly unspoilt cultures and landscapes are exactly what makes this lovely landlocked country so charming.

Zambia is the home of the original walking safari, where you can’t get any more up-close and personal with Mother Nature. With experienced safari guides who can take you through the rolling landscapes of wetlands, bush, hills and rivers you will question why you never came sooner!

Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT+2

Money

Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

Dialing Code

+260

  • Zambia is the hidden gem of Africa and attracts far fewer tourists than other safari and wildlife destinations.
  • The perfect country to fit into any African schedule, this landlocked country has borders with 8 other nations and transport links mean travel is cheap and easy.
  • With excellent weather and even more excellent wildlife you will get to experience the ‘real’ Africa in lush surroundings with lots of Zambian hospitality to boot!

The capital city is called Dodoma. It achieved this status in 1996 and is an administrative capital, rather than a natural capital. Dar Es Salaam (known as Dar), the previous capital, is by far the biggest and most important city and is the commercial centre of Tanzania. 

  • South Luangwa National Park is a great place to see wildlife as well as take part in some fishing in one of the many stunning lakes.
  • Ever wanted to bungee jump? Livingstone is a haven for adventure travellers from across the globe. You can also do gorge swinging and white water rafting too!
  • Explore Africa’s most famous natural wonder- Victoria Falls.
  • Shop until you drop in the Sunday market in Lusaka, where you can find good quality artisanal products.

In the larger cities, a range of food can now be bought due to the liberalisation of the economy, although in smaller towns your choice may still be limited.

The staple dish in Zambia is Nsima which is a porridge made by grinding and boiling maize and corn. Nsima is usually served with meat or fish and green vegetables.

As safari lodges are used to cater to the Western palate, western food is common and often delicious in these game reserves.

Zambia’s climate can be split into three seasons. The wet season (mid-November – mid-April), the dry season (mid-April – August) and the hot season (September – mid-November).

Regarding wildlife spotting, the best time to visit is the hot season as vegetation is sparse and it is easier to spot animals. Temperatures during the day remain high throughout the year (reaching 30º C) and the nights are much cooler.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or visa specialist before travelling.

The official language of Zambia is English and it is the language used in business and taught in schools. Other major languages are Bemba and Nyanja, although there are over 70 languages spoken in the country as a whole.

Confusingly, Zambia uses the British plug and European plug (2 circular pins) as well as the South African/Indian plug (2 circular pins with circular grounding pin). We recommend you take an international travel adaptor just in case.

Safety

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

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