Zambia Travel Guide
The Real Africa — Walking Safaris, Wild Rivers & Victoria Falls
Zambia is where the walking safari was born. South Luangwa National Park invented the concept of exploring the bush on foot — and it remains the ultimate walking safari destination. The Lower Zambezi offers magical canoe safaris alongside elephants and hippos. And the Zambian side of Victoria Falls gives you the best panoramic views of the whole waterfall. Zambia is raw, real, and utterly wild.
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
Zambia Safari Packages
More Travel Guides
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