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Eastern Africa

ZambiaTravel guide

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Zambia is known for wildlife safaris, Victoria Falls and traditional festivals. Its capital is Lusaka, and travel distances can be long.

Why go

  1. See Victoria Falls on the border with Zimbabwe.

  2. Watch wildlife in South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Kafue national parks.

  3. See the huge bat migration in Kasanka National Park in October.

  4. Explore Lusaka's outdoor markets and Zambia's traditional ceremonies.

Best time to go: May to August is the cool, dry season. Visit early for birdwatching and Victoria Falls at high water, or later for easier wildlife viewing as the bush dries out.

Getting there

By air

  • Lusaka airport is the main international gateway. Flights arrive from cities including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, Doha and Istanbul.
  • Livingstone airport has direct flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi and Cape Town. It is near Victoria Falls.
  • Ndola airport has direct flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam.

By land

  • International buses run from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Namibia. Border processing can be slow when many passengers arrive together.
  • Tanzania–Zambia Railway trains connect Dar es Salaam with Kapiri Mposhi on Tuesdays and Fridays. The scheduled journey takes 38 hours.
  • From Kapiri Mposhi, minibuses take about two to three hours to reach Lusaka.

By sea

  • Zambia has no sea coast, but international ferries cross Lake Tanganyika a few times a week. The M/S Liemba serves this lake route.
  • The lake journey suits travellers who have plenty of time.

Customs

  • At Lusaka airport, there are separate immigration lanes for Zambian passport holders, residents, tourists and diplomats. The tourist lane may be unstaffed, causing long waits.
  • On international trains, officials stamp passports when the train crosses the border, which may happen at night. Be ready so you do not miss the official.
  • Entering by car involves vehicle taxes, insurance and other charges. You may need to pay at several separate offices or booths.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    ProFlight connects major cities and tourist destinations, including Livingstone and Mfuwe. Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option, but it is expensive. Planes are small and flights are infrequent. Groups may be able to charter a plane for only a little more than regular fares.

  • Coaches

    Power Tools Coach Services, Juldan Motors and UBZ operate larger coaches. These coaches tend to be safer, more reliable and more comfortable. They have separate luggage space and usually leave on time. You can buy tickets in advance. TraZam lists intercity coach timetables.

  • Driving

    Drive on the left and keep your speed down. Deep potholes and loose dirt can cause crashes or damage a vehicle. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, especially for parks and dirt roads. Some roads become impassable during the rainy season. Slow down and keep well left when buses or trucks approach. They may take up part of your side of the road. Roadside help is limited, with few ambulances or tow trucks. Allow plenty of time for long journeys.

  • Trains

    Tanzania–Zambia Railway trains run between Kapiri Mposhi and Nakonde at the Tanzanian border. The Zambezi train runs between Livingstone and Kitwe through Lusaka and Kapiri Mposhi every Wednesday. Trains are slow but offer countryside views. Bring water, as food and drink supplies can run out. Reservations are not always honoured. In second-class sleeping compartments, men and women stay separately.

What to see and do

  • Victoria Falls

    This major waterfall lies on the border with Zimbabwe and is a World Heritage Site.

  • South Luangwa National Park

    A popular safari park with a large and varied wildlife population.

  • North Luangwa National Park

    A quieter park known for large buffalo herds and groups of lions.

  • Lower Zambezi National Park

    A remote wilderness area with limited development and few dirt roads.

  • Kasanka National Park

    An estimated eight million bats gather during the enormous October migration.

  • Kafue National Park

    One of Zambia's best-known wildlife parks, west of Lusaka.

Food and drink

  • Nsima

    A thick maize porridge and Zambia's main staple. It is rolled into balls with the right hand and dipped into stews called relishes.

  • Relishes

    Common choices include beef, chicken, fish, beans, peanuts, pumpkin leaves and other vegetables.

  • Kapenta

    Tiny dried fish often served with nsima.

  • Bread and Chama rice

    Town bakeries sell inexpensive fresh bread. Rice from Chama offers an alternative to maize.

  • Western food and roadside snacks

    Burgers, chips, pizza and fried chicken are popular in cities. Roadside tuck shops sell packaged snacks, meat pies and sausage rolls.

  • Lusaka restaurants

    The Intercontinental is noted for Sunday brunch. The Dil serves Indian food.

Money

Zambian kwacha (ZMW), written as ZK.

  • Use banks or currency exchange offices where possible. Avoid groups of street money-changers.
  • Banks and exchange offices accept newer US dollar notes with large portraits. US$50 and US$100 notes usually get better rates than smaller notes.
  • Euros can be difficult to exchange, especially outside major centres. South African rand are easier to exchange in major centres.
  • Banks and exchange offices change a maximum of US$1,000 or its equivalent per person per day. Rates can change quickly.

Tipping: Tipping is not required but is often expected. Porters may expect about US$0.50 per bag, while better restaurants may add a 10% service charge or expect a similar tip.

Typical costs

  • A basic budget covering a hostel dorm bed, three meals and transport starts at about US$25 a day.
  • All-inclusive safari lodges and five-star hotels in Lusaka or Livingstone cost US$250 a day or more.
  • A one-hour domestic flight, such as Lusaka to Mfuwe, typically costs around US$150 one way.
  • Car hire can cost around US$100 a day.
  • The Dar es Salaam–Zambia train is listed at about US$30 for a first-class sleeper or US$25 for second class.
  • Local restaurants may serve nsima and relish for less than 5 kwacha.

Language

  • English is the official language and is widely used in towns, schools and government offices.
  • Bemba is spoken in the Copperbelt and the north.
  • Nyanja is spoken in Lusaka.
  • Tumbuka is spoken in Muchinga and Eastern provinces.
  • Tonga is spoken in the south and Livingstone.
  • Lozi is spoken in Western Province.
  • Chewa is spoken in parts of Eastern Province.
  • Lunda and Kaonde are spoken in Northwestern Province.
How are you?
A respectful way to begin a conversation, even when you only want to ask a question.
Mbasela
A small free extra given when you buy more than one item; pronounced em-buh-SAY-la.
Mzungu
Literally, white man; children may call this out to visitors.

Staying safe

  • Be careful walking at night, especially after drinking. Street lighting is limited.
  • Avoid driving after dark because carjacking is a risk.
  • Keep cash out of sight and avoid displaying large amounts.
  • On trains, keep valuables away from windows, especially at stops. Be careful opening your compartment door during nighttime border checks.
6 common scams in Zambia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Say hello and ask how someone is before asking your question.
  • Accept hospitality politely and expect questions about yourself.
  • Use a gentle handshake. Holding your right wrist or elbow with your left hand can show respect.
  • Understand that someone may keep holding your hand during a conversation as a friendly gesture.
  • Learn local greetings and ways to ask politely and say thank you.

Don't

  • Do not hold prolonged eye contact; it can be seen as aggressive or disrespectful.
  • Do not point with your index finger; it is considered rude.
  • Avoid very firm handshakes, which can seem aggressive.
  • Women should avoid shorts and mini-skirts, especially outside Lusaka. Low-cut tops are also discouraged.

Staying healthy

  • Drink sealed bottled water, boiled water or water treated with chlorine tablets. Bottled water may be hard to find in rural areas.
  • Malaria is a major risk. Cover exposed skin and use insect repellent, especially at dusk; preventive malaria medicine is strongly recommended.
  • Avoid unprotected sex because of the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
  • Typhoid and hepatitis B vaccinations are advised for travellers.

Where to stay

  • Top hotels, including The Intercontinental, can cost a few hundred US dollars per night.
  • Independent hotels such as The Ndeke may cost about US$50 per night.
  • Backpacker accommodation includes camping at about US$5–8, dorm beds at about US$10–15 and double rooms at about US$10–30.
  • Budget lodges in many towns start at about 200 kwacha per night. Ask around when you arrive.

KAZA UniVisa

One visa, 2 countries

One visa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, including the Victoria Falls on both sides, plus day trips into Botswana's Chobe area. With it, a trip to Zambia can also take in:

  • Valid 30 days
  • Zambia and Zimbabwe
  • Day trips to Botswana

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Zambia before you plan the route.

Outdoor adventures in Zambia

Zambia is known for wildlife safaris and Victoria Falls. You can also hike local hills, watch birds and canoe down the Zambezi River. May to August brings cooler, dry weather, while rain from December to April can make dirt roads impassable.

  • Victoria Falls

    More to doBorder with Zimbabwe

    Early in the May–August dry season to see the falls at their biggest.

    Visit the falls on Zambia's border with Zimbabwe. Access and tour details are not given.

  • South Luangwa National Park

    Safari

    Later in the May–August dry season, when the bush has dried out, or September–November if you can manage the heat.

    Take a wildlife safari in the park. Specific operators and access routes are not given.

    • September–November temperatures can reach 38–42°C.
    • December–April rain can make dirt roads impassable, and many safari lodges close.

  • Lower Zambezi National Park

    Safari

    Later in the May–August dry season, or September–November for wildlife gathering around water.

    Visit for a wilderness safari. Access needs planning because even dirt roads are very limited; specific arrangements are not given.

    • The Zambezi valley is warmer than higher parts of Zambia.
    • Wet-season rain can make dirt roads impassable.

  • Kafue National Park

    Safari

    Later in the May–August dry season, or September–November for wildlife gathering around water.

    Visit for a national park safari. Specific operators and access routes are not given.

    • September–November can be extremely hot.
    • December–April rain can disrupt travel on dirt roads.

  • North Luangwa National Park

    Safari

    Later in the May–August dry season, or September–November for wildlife gathering around water.

    Visit on a day trip or safari. Specific operators and access routes are not given.

    • September–November can be extremely hot.
    • December–April rain can make dirt roads impassable.

  • Kasanka National Park bat migration

    Wildlife

    October.

    Head to Kasanka National Park to watch the migration. Access and viewing arrangements are not given.

  • Devil's Pool swim

    More to doVictoria Falls

    November, during a short window of a few weeks.

    Visit the natural pool at Victoria Falls during its seasonal swimming window. Booking and access arrangements are not given.

    • The pool sits right at the edge of a very high drop.
    • Swimming is described as fairly safe only during a short seasonal window.

  • Zambezi River canoeing to Mpata Gorge

    More to doZambezi River

    Canoe down the Zambezi River as far as Mpata Gorge. Launch points, guides and operators are not specified.

    • This trip requires a good level of fitness.

  • Blue Lagoon National Park

    Wildlife

    Visit the park for wildlife watching. It is described as very accessible, but no route is given.

  • Lochinvar National Park birdwatching

    Wildlife

    Early in the May–August dry season is recommended for birdwatching in Zambia.

    Visit the park for birdwatching. Specific access and guide arrangements are not given.

  • Nsumbu National Park

    Wildlife

    Visit the national park. Access routes and activity arrangements are not given.

  • West Lunga National Park

    Wildlife

    Visit the national park. Access routes and guided activities are not specified.

  • Kanjala Hill

    HikeNortheast corner of Chipatanear Chipata

    Follow the track leading up from JBG Road. The hill is nearly 2 km east of Shoprite. You can hike up and take lunch.

    • Driving up requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

  • Broken Hill lakes hike

    HikeSouthern end of Kabwenear Kabwe

    Head to Broken Hill, just east of the railway tracks at the far southern end of town. Hike up the hills to the lakes.

    • The lakes are former mine shafts and are very deep.

  • Chisimba Falls

    More to donear Kasama

    Visit the falls while in the Kasama area. Transport and walking routes are not specified.

  • Chembe Bird Sanctuary

    Wildlifenear Kitwe

    September–November, the hot season, when birds are described as more common here.

    Travel about 28 km west of Kitwe, off the M18, to visit the sanctuary.

    • This is a malaria area; protect yourself from mosquitoes.

  • Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage

    Wildlifenear Kitwe

    Open daily, 09:00–15:00; feeding time is suggested for viewing.

    Travel about 110 km northwest of Kitwe via the T5, past Chingola. The journey is about two hours. See the chimpanzees at feeding time or visit with a guide.

  • Munda Wanga Environmental Park

    Wildlifenear Lusaka

    Open daily, 08:00–17:00.

    Visit the wildlife sanctuary and botanical gardens while in Lusaka. Transport details are not given.

    • Cost: K30, listed in August 2020.

  • Lilayi Lodge game drive

    Safarinear Lusaka

    Go to Lilayi Lodge on Lilayi Road and take a game drive on its wildlife ranch.

  • Parray's Game Ranch

    Safarinear Lusaka

    Visit the ranch, 21 km from Lusaka's town centre, for a game drive.

  • Chaminuka Lodge wildlife park

    WildlifeNear Lusaka airportnear Lusaka

    Visit Chaminuka Lodge near the airport for its privately owned wildlife park. Viewing arrangements are not specified.

  • Kalimba Reptile Park

    Wildlifenear Lusaka

    Open daily, 09:00–18:00.

    Visit the reptile park while in Lusaka. Transport details are not given.

    • Cost: K50, listed in August 2020.

  • Lusaka National Park

    Wildlifenear Lusaka

    Open daily, 06:00–18:00.

    Visit the national park while in Lusaka. Transport and tour arrangements are not specified.

Airports, metros and trains in Zambia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • LVIHarry Mwanga Nkumbula International AirportLivingstoneMain international airport
  • LUNKenneth Kaunda International AirportLusakaMain international airport
  • MFUMfuwe International AirportMfuweMain international airport
  • NLASimon Mwansa Kapwepwe International AirportNdolaMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
1,237 km

People and safety in Zambia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian98%
  • Other1%
  • No religion<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows life imprisonment.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #142 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

35% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 146 of 198 countries can visit Zambia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required108
  • Visa on arrival38
  • eVisa52

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Oceania13 of 14 countries
  • Asia26 of 50 countries
  • Africa27 of 53 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Zambia?

May to August is the cool, dry season. Early in the season suits birdwatching and high water at Victoria Falls; later visits suit wildlife viewing.

Which airport should I arrive at?

Lusaka is the main international gateway. Livingstone is useful for Victoria Falls, while Ndola also has international flights.

Can I get around without hiring a car?

Yes. Larger coaches, trains and domestic flights connect cities and tourist destinations, though journeys can be long and flights expensive.

Can I communicate in English?

English is the official language, and many urban residents speak it. Communication may be harder in rural areas.

What money should I use?

The local currency is the Zambian kwacha. Use banks or currency exchange offices where possible, and avoid groups of street money-changers.

How much should I budget each day?

A basic budget starts at about US$25 for a hostel dorm bed, three meals and transport. All-inclusive safari lodges and five-star hotels can cost US$250 a day or more.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is generally unsafe unless boiled. Choose sealed bottled water or use chlorine tablets.

What local food should I try?

Try nsima, a thick maize porridge served with meat, fish, beans or vegetable relishes. It is traditionally eaten with the right hand.

Will I find accommodation outside the main tourist areas?

Many towns have budget lodges, and you can ask around when you arrive. Quality accommodation and constant electricity can be harder to find in remote areas.

How should I greet people?

Say hello and ask how they are before making a request. Gentle handshakes are common, while prolonged eye contact and pointing with an index finger can seem rude.

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