Zambia Travel Guide
Complete 2026 Destination Guide
The Real Africa — Walking Safaris, Wild Rivers & Victoria Falls
Zambia is the birthplace of the African walking safari — a raw, authentic wilderness destination where you can track big game on foot with expert guides, canoe the Zambezi alongside hippos, and witness Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. South Luangwa National Park is one of Africa's greatest game reserves (famous for its leopards and pioneering walking safaris), while the Lower Zambezi offers incredible canoeing safaris and tiger fishing. Zambia's remoteness, low tourist numbers, and some of Africa's best guides create safari experiences that feel genuinely wild and untouched.
Top Things to Do in Zambia
From world-famous wildlife spectacles to hidden gems — these are the experiences that make Zambia unforgettable.
South Luangwa Walking Safari
The birthplace of the walking safari — track leopards, lions, and elephants on foot with armed guides in one of Africa's most wildlife-rich valleys.
Lower Zambezi Canoe Safari
Paddle a canoe on the Zambezi alongside hippos, elephants, and crocodiles — one of Africa's most thrilling and intimate water-based safari experiences.
Victoria Falls — Zambian Side
Experience the Mist That Thunders from Zambia — knife Edge Bridge, the Boiling Pot, and the incredible Devil's Pool (swim at the very edge of the falls).
Kafue National Park Exploration
Zambia's largest and oldest park — wild, remote, and virtually untouched. Excellent cheetah, wild dog, and sable antelope viewing with almost no other vehicles.
Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi
Battle one of Africa's fiercest freshwater fish — the tiger fish's explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics make this the continent's ultimate sport fishing.
Bangweulu Wetlands Shoebill Safari
One of the best places in Africa to see the enigmatic shoebill stork — a prehistoric-looking bird that's every birdwatcher's holy grail.
Zambia Safari Packages
Expert-crafted itineraries combining the best lodges, guides, and seasonal timing. All packages are fully customisable.
Best Lodges & Camps in Zambia
Hand-picked accommodations from ultra-luxury to premium — each one vetted and approved by our safari specialists.
Riverside luxury on the Zambezi
Contemporary luxury in the Luangwa Valley
Iconic Wildlife of Zambia
What you can expect to see — and where to find them.
African Leopard
South Luangwa has one of the highest leopard densities in Africa — night drives offer exceptional sightings of these elusive big cats.
African Elephant
The Lower Zambezi's elephants are famous for swimming across the river — watch herds crossing from your canoe or lodge deck.
African Lion
South Luangwa and Kafue have healthy lion populations — walking safaris bring you astonishingly close to these apex predators.
African Wild Dog
South Luangwa is one of the best places in Africa to see endangered wild dogs — packs here are well-studied and frequently encountered.
Hippopotamus
The Luangwa River has the highest concentration of hippos in Africa — hundreds line the riverbanks during the dry season.
Nile Crocodile
Massive Nile crocodiles bask on the Luangwa and Zambezi riverbanks — encounter them on canoe safaris and walking trails.
When to Visit Zambia
Every season offers something unique. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
Dry Season (Peak)
July – October
Warm to hot, 10–35°C. No rain.
- Peak wildlife at water sources
- Walking safaris at their best
- Devil's Pool open (Sep–Dec)
Early Dry Season
May – June
Cool, 5–25°C. Clear skies.
- Vic Falls at peak flow (May)
- Lush green landscapes
- Excellent birding
Emerald Season
November – March
Hot & wet, 20–35°C. Heavy storms.
- Dramatic thunderstorm photography
- Baby animals everywhere
- Shoebill viewing (Bangweulu)
Shoulder Season
April
Warm, 15–28°C. Rains ending.
- Bangweulu shoebill peak season
- Excellent value
- Many camps reopening
Visa Requirements
eVisa or visa on arrival for most nationalities
Apply online at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm or get a visa on arrival. KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
💡 Tips
- •KAZA UniVisa ($50) — perfect if visiting both sides of Victoria Falls
- •USD cash needed to pay at the border
- •eVisa: evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
- •Passport must have 6+ months validity and 2+ blank pages
Vaccinations & Health
⚠️ Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic area)
💡 Recommended Vaccinations
🦟 Malaria Information
Malaria risk throughout Zambia year-round. Prophylaxis essential for all safari areas including Livingstone and South Luangwa.
💡 Tips
- •Malaria prophylaxis is essential everywhere in Zambia
- •Risk is year-round but higher November–May (wet season)
- •Lodges provide nets and repellent
- •Consult your doctor about Malarone or Doxycycline
Currency & Money
🏧 ATMs
Available in Lusaka and Livingstone. Limited in rural/safari areas.
💳 Cards
Visa accepted at lodges and hotels. Cash needed for markets and tips.
💡 Tips
- •USD is widely accepted at lodges, hotels, and tourist businesses
- •Carry USD for tips and park fees
- •ATMs in Livingstone are reliable
- •Inform your bank before using your card in Zambia
Tipping Guide
Tipping is appreciated and supports local communities.
🦁 Safari Guide & Staff
$10–15 per person per day for walking safari guides (they deserve every dollar). $5–10 for camp staff.
🍽️ Restaurants
10% for good service.
🚗 Transfers & Porters
$5 for drivers. $2 per bag for porters.
💡 Tips
- •Walking safari guides are among the best in Africa — tip generously
- •USD preferred at all safari camps
- •Victoria Falls activity guides appreciate $5–10 per person
- •Camp staff tips are usually pooled
Safety
Zambia is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa — it has never had a civil war. Safari areas and Livingstone are safe and welcoming.
💡 Tips
- •Zambia is one of Africa's most peaceful countries
- •Livingstone is safe and walkable
- •Safari camps are extremely safe
- •Standard city precautions in Lusaka
- •Walking safaris are guided by armed rangers — very safe
Travel Insurance
Essential — medical facilities outside Lusaka are very limited. Evacuation to South Africa is standard for serious conditions.
Must-Have Coverage:
- ✓Medical evacuation to South Africa
- ✓Emergency medical treatment
- ✓Walking safari coverage
- ✓Adventure activity coverage (bungee, white water rafting)
- ✓Trip cancellation
💡 Tips
- •SES (Specialty Emergency Services) provides evacuation in Zambia
- •Walking safaris in remote bush require evacuation cover
- •Victoria Falls activities (bungee, gorge swing) need adventure cover
Language
Official Languages
English is the official language and widely spoken. Over 70 local languages exist.
Useful Phrases
Getting There
✈️ Airlines Serving Zambia
💡 Tips
- •Livingstone (LVI) is the gateway to Victoria Falls
- •Lusaka (LUN) is the main international hub
- •Proflight Zambia connects to South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi
- •Many visitors arrive via Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and cross the border
Packing List
Walking Safari
- ☐Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes (broken in!)
- ☐Gaiters (for long grass)
- ☐Neutral-coloured long trousers
- ☐Long-sleeved breathable shirt
- ☐Daypack for water and camera
Victoria Falls
- ☐Waterproof jacket/poncho
- ☐Waterproof phone case
- ☐Non-slip shoes
- ☐Dry bag for electronics
- ☐Spare dry clothes
Essentials
- ☐Binoculars
- ☐Camera
- ☐DEET repellent
- ☐Malaria prophylaxis
- ☐Sunscreen SPF50+
Documents
- ☐Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ☐Visa/eVisa confirmation
- ☐USD cash
- ☐Travel insurance documents
- ☐Accommodation confirmations
Emergency Contacts
Zambia FAQs
More Travel Guides
Ready for Zambia?
Let our Zambia specialists handle every detail — from flights and visas to lodges and game drives.