Zambia, Zambia - Travel Guide

Zambia offers unparalleled wildlife experiences with its vast national parks, including South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, perfect for safaris and river adventures. Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling activities.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$700/day

Known For

African countrySouthern AfricaVictoria FallsLusakawildlifesafari

🇿🇲 Country Information: Zambia

CapitalLusaka

CurrencyZambian kwacha (ZK)

Language English , Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Chewa, Kaonde, Lunda, Luvale

Phone Code+260

Electricity230V (Type C, D, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides (10
15% in restaurants, around 10
20 USD per day for guides)
Porters and drivers also appreciate tips

Money & Payments

ATMs are available in major cities but less so in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and larger businesses, but cash is preferred for smaller vendors and rural areas
It is better to bring a mix of cash (USD or ZMW) and use ATMs for local currency
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
Handshakes are a common greeting, often with both hands for elders or those of higher status
It is considered rude to point with one finger; use an open hand

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia and carries severe penalties. There is no legal recognition for same-sex relationships.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences

Special Laws

It is illegal to wear military
style clothing or camouflage
Photography near government buildings or military installations is prohibited
Be aware of wildlife protection laws when purchasing souvenirs

Common Phrases

HelloMuli Bwanji (moo-lee bwan-jee)

GoodbyeNdelelwa (n-deh-leh-lwa)

Thank youZikomo (zee-koh-moh)

Climate

Zambia's climate is largely tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Sep
Oct (extremely hot)
Rainy/Monsoon season: Nov
Apr (can include floods)
Cool/Dry season: May
Aug (can be extremely cold at night)

Getting There

Fly into Lusaka (LUN) or Livingstone (LVI)
Regional flights from neighboring African countries
Buses connect major towns

Getting Around

Taxis and ride
sharing apps (e
g
, Ulendo, Vaya) in urban areas
Minibuses for local transport
Car rentals available

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccine required if coming from an endemic country
Malaria prophylaxis recommended
Routine vaccinations up
to
date
Altitude sickness possible in some areas

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
MTN, Airtel, Zamtel networks
Airalo and Holafly work well

Local Cuisine

Nshima must_try

Nshima is the cornerstone and staple food of Zambia, a very thick porridge made from finely ground maize flour, known as mealie meal. It is served in

Ndiwo regional_speciality

This is the relish or sauce served alongside nshima, typically made from meat or fish boiled with green vegetables. A meal of nshima and ndiwo (someti

Kapenta snack

Small, dried sardine-like fish sourced primarily from Lake Tanganyika and now other lakes in Zambia. They are commonly fried with onions and tomatoes

Ifisashi regional_speciality

A popular stew made with greens (like pumpkin or cassava leaves) and peanuts, which are pounded and cooked into a rich sauce. This dish is often serve

Mosi alcohol

Mosi is the most popular local lager in Zambia, named after Mosi-oa-Tunya, the original name for Victoria Falls. It is widely available and a common c

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Safari Lodges/Camps (e.g., South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi) Accommodation

Book 3–6 months in advance, especially for the high/dry season.

High-quality safari lodges and camps, particularly in popular national parks, have limited capacity and often book out fully a year in advance for peak season dates.

Devil's Pool Tour (Livingstone Island) tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance.

This high-demand, seasonal experience has limited daily capacity and is only run by one licensed operator, leading to quick sell-outs, especially during the low water season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Inter-city Bus Travel (Long-haul, e.g., Lusaka to Livingstone) Transport

Book 1–4 weeks in advance.

Booking long-haul bus tickets in advance ensures you get a seat on your preferred route, date, and time, especially for popular routes like those connecting major cities or crossing borders.

Fun Facts

1. Zambia is home to Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest freshwater lake and the deepest lake in Africa, reaching a maximum depth of 1,470 meters.
2. The local currency, the Zambian kwacha, translates to 'dawn,' and while it is the official currency, most ATMs in the country dispense US dollars.
3. Zambia is considered the birthplace of the walking safari, with South Luangwa National Park being where this type of guided wildlife viewing first began.
4. The country is incredibly linguistically diverse, with more than 70 languages spoken among its approximately 73 tribes, though English is easily spoken as a former British colony.

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