Zambia
Zambia is a safari country for purists: walking safaris were pioneered in South Luangwa, canoe trips glide past elephants on the Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Park covers an area larger than Wales. Victoria Falls thunders on the Zimbabwe border, and from late October millions of fruit bats fill the skies over Kasanka.
Overview
Zambia is a landlocked plateau drained by the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers, and its national parks are among Africa's least crowded. Most trips combine two or three: South Luangwa for walking safaris and leopards, the Lower Zambezi for canoeing among hippos and elephants, and Kafue for sheer scale, finishing at Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Light aircraft link the parks with Lusaka, so a typical itinerary flies in, spends three or four nights in each camp, and saves the falls for the end. Remote North Luangwa, Liuwa Plain and the Bangweulu Wetlands reward return visits.
Safari Zambia is not cheap: good bush camps charge all-inclusive rates in US dollars, and park fees and flights add up. Independent travellers can still do it for less by taking buses to Chipata for Mfuwe, using community campsites and self-driving, especially around Livingstone and South Luangwa. The payoff is quality — expert guides, small camps and game drives without convoys of vehicles. People are often surprised by how hot October gets, how green the parks turn in the rains, and how friendly and relaxed Zambians are.
Map of Zambia
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
The Zambezi plunges over a 1.7 km basalt lip into a narrow gorge, throwing up spray visible for miles. Walk the Knife-Edge Bridge from Livingstone, and at low water swim in Devil's Pool on the brink.
- 2Wildlife
South Luangwa National Park
Where the walking safari was pioneered: oxbow lagoons and ebony groves along the Luangwa River hold dense populations of leopard, hippo, elephant and Thornicroft's giraffe, a local subspecies. Night drives are permitted.
- 3Adventure
Lower Zambezi National Park
Facing Zimbabwe's Mana Pools across the Zambezi, this park is best explored by canoe, drifting past elephants, buffalo and hippos, with tiger fishing and boat safaris from riverside camps.
- 4Wildlife
Kafue National Park
Zambia's oldest and largest national park. In the north, the Busanga Plains flood into a wetland of red lechwe, lions and cheetahs; the south suits self-drivers around Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.
- 5Wildlife
Kasanka bat migration
From late October to December, around ten million straw-coloured fruit bats roost in a small patch of swamp forest in Kasanka National Park, swarming out at dusk in what is often called the world's largest mammal migration.
Biggest cities
Lusaka
The fast-growing capital is mostly a transit hub, but Lusaka National Park's white rhinos, Kabwata Cultural Village's crafts and good restaurants fill a spare day.
Kitwe
The Copperbelt's largest city grew around huge copper mines; few visitors stop, though it is the gateway to the Chimfunshi chimpanzee sanctuary near Chingola.
Ndola
The Copperbelt's provincial capital and commercial centre, with a new international airport; a memorial marks the 1961 crash site of UN secretary-general Dag Hammarskjöld's plane.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Zambia
Best time: Jun–Oct.
Average climate in Lusaka
Festivals & events
- FebNcwala
The Ngoni first-fruits ceremony near Chipata in late February, when warriors in leopard skins dance and the paramount chief tastes the new harvest.
- Mar–AprKuomboka
The Lozi king's royal barge, the Nalikwanda, is paddled from Lealui to higher ground at Limulunga as the Zambezi floods; held only when water levels allow.
- AugKulamba
The Chewa people's annual thanksgiving ceremony at Mkaika near Katete in August, with Nyau masked dancers performing before the paramount chief, Kalonga Gawa Undi.
How much does Zambia cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Nshima with kapenta
Stiff white maize porridge rolled into balls by hand and dipped in relishes such as kapenta, tiny dried lake fish fried with tomato and onion.
Ifisashi
Leafy greens such as pumpkin or sweet-potato leaves cooked in a creamy groundnut sauce, a favourite side to nshima across the country.
Chikanda
Nicknamed 'African polony', a savoury cake of ground wild-orchid tubers, peanuts and chilli, sliced cold as a snack — a Bemba speciality.
Getting around
Proflight Zambia connects Lusaka with Mfuwe, Livingstone and airstrips near the Lower Zambezi, and safari camps arrange the final transfers by road, boat or light aircraft. Intercity buses link Lusaka with Livingstone, Chipata and the Copperbelt; choose established companies. Self-drive 4x4 hire suits experienced drivers in the dry season, and the TAZARA railway runs a slow, weekly and often-interrupted service from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CDG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +260
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Around 10% in restaurants. Safari camps usually have a communal staff tip box, with guides and trackers tipped separately, often in US dollars.
- Etiquette
- Greet people properly before asking anything, receive items with both hands or your right hand, and ask before taking photos; never photograph bridges, airports, police or military sites.
- Main airports
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), Lusaka; Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), Livingstone
Visas & entry for Zambia
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. You must be able to show: valid return or onward tickets; enough money for your stay.
Tourists may remain in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period. For business visitors the maximum stay in Zambia over a 12 month period is 30 days.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BMeaslesPolioRabiesTuberculosisYellow fever
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Zambia: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Zambia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | Independence Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Tue 29 Dec 2026 | National Day of Prayer and Christian Heritage |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 8 Mar 2027 | International Women's Day |
| Fri 12 Mar 2027 | Youth Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Holy Saturday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Wed 28 Apr 2027 | Kenneth Kaunda Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Tue 25 May 2027 | Africa Freedom Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Heroes' Day |
| Tue 6 Jul 2027 | Unity Day |
| Mon 2 Aug 2027 | Farmers' Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Nyanja
| English | Nyanja | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Moni | MOH-nee |
| Thank you | Zikomo | zee-KOH-moh |
| Please | Chonde | CHON-deh |
| Excuse me | Pepani | peh-PAH-nee |
| How much is this? | Ndi zingati? | ndee zin-GAH-tee |
Know before you go
- Victoria Falls is at its fullest from about March to May, when spray can hide the view; by October and November the Zambian side may be largely dry, though Devil's Pool opens at low water.
- Many bush camps close during the rains, roughly November to April, and the best ones fill up for July to October a year ahead, so book early.
- Zambia is a malaria area year-round; get advice on antimalarials before you travel, and use repellent and long sleeves at dusk, especially near rivers.
Zambia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The best time to visit Zambia is generally Jun–Oct. Peak months are June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Lusaka range from 23°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Zambia cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £140 mid-range and £400+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Zambia?
Zambian kwacha (ZMW).
What plug type does Zambia use?
Type C, D and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Zambia?
Traffic drives on the left in Zambia — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Zambia?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Zambia?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Zambia before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zambia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Zambia?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Polio, Rabies and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
