Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Zambia Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Zambia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G
Type D:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) £1 ≈ ZMW 26.96 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more widely accepted in Zambia, especially in larger cities like Lusaka. However, cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in Zambia but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and small tips are welcomed for taxi and hotel services. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Zambia, but it is best to consume alcohol in licensed venues or private spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas. |
| Independence Day (24 October) |
Commemorates Zambia’s independence from Britain |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police), 991 (Ambulance), 993 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Zambia is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and landmarks like Victoria Falls. It offers a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Zambia, Zambia
Safari season May to October; November to April rains bring lush scenery and birding, but many bush camps close and roads wash out
Victoria Falls: highest water March to May, lowest October to December when swimming at Devil's Pool is possible
Temperatures vary by region: Luangwa and Lower Zambezi valleys reach about 40°C in October, the central plateau including Lusaka stays cooler
Don't miss
- 🌊 Experience the thunderous spray of Victoria Falls up close
- 🦁 Take a safari in South Luangwa National Park
- ⛵ Drift along the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise
- 🦏 Walk with rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- 🎨 Explore the craft markets and culture of Lusaka
- 🚣♂️ Go white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Zambia?
Zambia's appeal lies in its remarkable natural beauty and authentic safari experiences without the crowds found in more popular African destinations. The country boasts incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in its numerous national parks, alongside the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls (locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke That Thunders'). Beyond these highlights, you'll find diverse landscapes from rivers and wetlands to plateaus and valleys, all supporting rich biodiversity and offering adventures from walking safaris to river cruises. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate varies dramatically between seasons, with the rainy period (November to April) bringing lush landscapes but also making some roads impassable and closing certain safari camps. While major tourist areas have good infrastructure, facilities in more remote regions can be basic. The hot dry season (September to November) can be extremely uncomfortable with temperatures exceeding 40°C in valley areas like Luangwa and Zambezi, though the higher plateau regions remain more temperate.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Livingstone
A vast national park in Zambia offers dramatic wildlife viewing and scenic river scenery. Visitors can spot elephants, lions, hippos and rare black rhinos while enjoying guided game drives, boat safaris and the iconic Victoria Falls view from the shore. -
2
South Luangwa National Park
A vast wildlife reserve in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley offers prime hunting and safari experiences. Large herds of elephants, lions, leopards and diverse bird species roam open plains and riverine forests, while guided game drives reveal the park’s natural splendor.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Kuomboka Ceremony
-
Livingstone Cultural Festival
-
Zambia International Trade Fair
-
Likumbi Lya Mize
-
Nc'wala Ceremony
-
Mutomboko Ceremony
-
Agricultural and Commercial Show
-
Lusaka July
-
Zambia Fashion Week
-
Victoria Falls Marathon
Knowledge before you go
- Yellow fever vaccination required; carry certificate.
- Drive defensively on potholed roads; avoid night driving due to poor visibility and hazards.
- Secure valuables always; petty crime rises in cities and tourist hotspots like markets.
- Book guided safaris for Victoria Falls and parks; remote areas lack infrastructure and have malaria risk.
How to travel to Zambia
Most international visitors arrive in Zambia through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone (near Victoria Falls). Several international airlines connect Zambia to major African hubs like Johannesburg, Nairobi and Addis Ababa, with onward connections worldwide. Land entry is possible from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. Visitors typically need a visa to enter Zambia, which can be obtained on arrival for many nationalities or in advance through Zambian embassies.
Access summary
- Victoria Falls (Livingstone): Fly to LVI from JNB, LUN, CPT.
- South Luangwa NP: Fly to Mfuwe MFU from Lusaka LUN.
- Lusaka/Kafue: Fly to Kenneth Kaunda LUN from global hubs.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Zambia
Zambia offers accommodations ranging from luxury safari lodges to mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses. In wildlife areas like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, safari lodges and tented camps provide comfortable bases for game viewing, often with guided activities included. Cities like Lusaka and Livingstone feature international hotel chains alongside local options. Many safari camps close during the rainy season (November-April), while those that remain open often offer reduced rates. Advance booking is essential during the peak dry season (June-October).
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
The Pamodzi Hotel
Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort
David Livingstone Safari Lodge
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Holiday Inn Lusaka By IHG
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
The Quorum
Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka Society Business Park
Protea Hotel Lusaka Cairo Road
How to get around Zambia
Getting around Zambia varies by region and season. In cities like Lusaka and Livingstone, taxis and minibuses provide local transportation. For intercity travel, buses connect major towns and cities, though comfort levels vary. For safari areas and national parks, organized tours with 4WD vehicles are essential, as many wildlife areas require specialized transportation. Domestic flights connect major destinations like Lusaka, Livingstone and Mfuwe (for South Luangwa), saving time over sometimes challenging road journeys, especially during the rainy season when some roads become impassable.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Zambia are around 67% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ZMW) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Zambia is generally safe for tourists in established areas. Exercise normal precautions and avoid isolated areas after dark. The main safety concerns are related to wildlife encounters and road safety rather than conventional crime.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside major cities. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Malaria is present throughout Zambia, so antimalarial medication and mosquito precautions are necessary year-round.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Zambia. Even major cities have limited infrastructure for mobility-impaired travelers, while wildlife areas and natural attractions present significant difficulties with rough terrain and few accommodations for wheelchair users.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout Zambia. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available in tourist areas but may be limited in remote regions. Always carry water when traveling between destinations.
Packing recommendations for Zambia
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
for safaris
🧥
Waterproof jacket
if visiting November–April
👀
Binoculars
for wildlife viewing
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🔦
Torch
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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