Zambia 

Welcome to sensational Zambia!

There's nowhere quite like Zambia. It's wonderfully wild and one of Southern Africa's best bets when it comes to outstanding safari experiences, incredible wildlife, out-of-this-world scenery and warm hospitality. From the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where it forms a border with neighbouring Zimbabwe in the south to the vast landscapes of the South Luangwa and Liuwa Plain and the wide open spaces of the Kafue National Park - one of Africa's largest untamed wilderness areas - Zambia has it all and more!


It's a land of gentle giants and natural spectacles, where elephants roam free and the world's largest falling body of water - the Victoria Falls - cascades more than 100m straight down as the Zambezi tears through one of the most awe-inspiring gorges on its way towards the distant sea. Blessed with a rich natural heritage and wildlife phenomena like the second-largest wildebeest and zebra migration in Africa. which happens every year in Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia embodies the spirit of the wild at every step.


Its small, owner-run camps are intimate, luxurious and private, offering authentic and immersive safari experiences that really connect you to "Mama Africa" and the wilderness. Whether its exploring on foot in the South Luangwa - the traditional home of the walking safari -  or taking an afternoon river safari along the Zambezi in the magnificent Lower Zambezi National Park, no two safaris are ever the same.


It's this variety and diversity of offerings that helps to position Zambia as the perfect destination for those looking for adventure and up-close-and-personal encounters with fantastic wildlife. Its also the place to be if you want to make yourself at home in the African bush, relaxing in easy surroundings, being pampered by incredible people and led by truly superlative safari guides, learning everything you can about this marvellous country and its wild fauna and flora.


Effortlessly combine multiple different destinations into one exciting itinerary and come and explore Zambia with us!

  • A Billion Star Sleepouts

    Liuwa Plain National Park

    Button

    • Why Go?

    While Zambia may not have the wildlife concentrations of Botswana, it's nonetheless an absolute must for game viewing fanatics, with some of the largest herds of elephant and buffalo to be seen in Southern Africa, especially along the Zambezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park and in the South Luangwa Valley.


    Zambia is also blessed with incredible and unique landscapes created by its rich river systems that feed into the Zambezi, from the Kafue and Luangwa, which along with their more famous "cousin" have created wide, fertile floodplains that are filled with a variety of wildlife that you won't see anywhere else, from huge herds of roan and sable antelope, De Fasser's waterbuck, red lechwe and puku to the rare and odd-looking shoebill stork and elusive sitatunga antelope.


    In terms of predators, Zambia never fails to impress, with excellent numbers of lion and leopard, as well as painted wolves (African wild dogs). You can also see cheetah in the Kafue National Park, and smaller, more elusive hunters such as caracal, serval and, of course, hyena.


    This is a birder's paradise, with a plethora of endemic and migrant species on offer throughout the year but at its most special during the largely ignored "emerald" season from February to April each year. From Pel's fishing owl to the rosy-throated longclaw and seemingly everything in between, make sure you bring your binoculars and your tick list!


    If you're a photographer, Zambia will not disappoint. It's natural beauty is matched by its diverse cultural heritage and some of the most colourful tribal gatherings and traditions in Africa, such as the annual Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people which takes place on the upper reaches of the Zambezi when it begins to flood, usually in late March to April each year.

    Zambia - Want to find out more? 

    Enquire Now

    Where To Go

    Livingstone

    By Alec Green • June 30, 2021
    Visit Zambia's adventure capital...

    Kafue National Park

    By Alec Green • June 30, 2021
    Zambia's best-kept secret revealed...

    South Luangwa

    By Alec Green • June 30, 2021
    Get ready for game viewing galore!

    Lower Zambezi Valley

    By Alec Green • June 30, 2021
    Where a mighty river meets heaven...

    When To Go

    A handy guide to what to expect from the weather, daily temperatures and information to help you plan the perfect Zambian safari with us...

    • December, January and February (Summer)

      What to expect


      January is very hot all over Zambia, to the point of being almost uncomfortable. You can expect average temperatures of between 30°C and 40°C. Summer is also the rainy season so expect heavy downpours.


      January is low season and not so crowded. Bring a hat and extra sunscreen, it will be essential during the summer months. Mosquito activity is very high, please seek medical advice on malaria prophylaxes before your trip.


      If it’s a last-minute thing, we can recommend some travel clinics that will be able to accommodate your requests.


      The summer rains attract large grazing herds to the grasslands of the Liuwa Plain and Kafue National Park. Wildlife viewing and birding in these areas can be spectacular, with plenty of predator activity against a stunning backdrop of grassy, water-filled pans and towering thunderclouds. 


      The Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa are generally closed during the rainy season as access is virtually impossible due to water levels. Most camps in these two national parks and their surrounds open in April each year and close towards the middle of November.


    • March, April and May (Autumn)

      What to expect


      Temperatures drop to around 30°C with night-time temperatures around 15°C. From April onwards the rain will taper off. The cooler nights are much more comfortable and also give you the opportunity to snuggle down!


      There is still a fair amount of mosquito activity, so prevention is highly advised, especially in areas bordering rivers and lagoons, such as the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa.


      The April/May shoulder season is an excellent time to visit Zambia. By April, rainfall has almost completely ceased across the country. There may still be a few scattered showers.


      Average daytime temperatures are now about 30°C and nights hover around 15°C, which is pleasant enough for long evenings around the campfire, while also allowing for a comfortable sleep.


      By mid-April and into May, standing water in the national parks is beginning to dry up, driving wildlife closer to permanent water sources. 


      April is the start of the antelope breeding season and the well-fed male impala begin fighting it out for females in their rut.



    • June, July and August (Winter)

      What to expect


      In winter and temperatures drop significantly. You can expect cooler temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Winter is the dry season in Zambia with cool to cold weather across the country. 


      The days are comfortable, but at night the mercury plunges often to around 5°C, especially if you are near water, and mornings are very chilly.


      Make sure to pack warm and bring layers, because the middle of the day can still be warm enough for shorts and tee-shirts.


      The risk for malaria is low but please consult a travel clinic before visiting. 

       

      Winter is the best time for game viewing as the bush is sparse and game stays close to water. 


      Late June marks the start of the high season in Zambia and July to October is the busiest. For accommodation in the prime locations be sure to let us know your travel plans so we can make your arrangements well in advance.


    • September, October and November (Spring)

      What to expect


      September marks the start of spring but it's still dry as a bone until the rains arrive (usually in November). Temperatures slowly start to rise, with averages between 25°C and 30°C. The nights are still cool, but by November things are cooking as the heat builds up until the start of the rains.


      This is one of the busiest times for tourism in Botswana, so make sure to book your Botswana safari at this time of year well in advance.


      September is when the barbel (catfish) run in the northwest panhandle. From now to November is also the best time to catch tiger fish and the panhandle’s lodges and houseboats are at their busiest.


      In the Kalahari and Moremi, water is extremely scarce and the wildlife gravitate to the few man-made waterholes. The Kgalagadi and Nxai pans both offer oases in a dry and desolate land.


      The Kgalagadi is known for its black-maned Kalahari lions. No visit is complete without a thirsty elephant trundling through the campgrounds. 


      Northern Botswana stays completely dry during September, but the central and southern parts may receive a few scattered showers. 


      Temperatures climb rapidly throughout the month and no longer drop below 0°C, even in the Kalahari. Average lows are between 10°C and 15°C, a bit cooler in the south and warmer in the north. 


      By the end of September, the days are hot everywhere, averaging over 30°C and approaching 40°C in Maun and Kasane.


      September is another busy month in Botswana, and the popular northern camps should be booked well in advance.


      The Chobe and Linyanti rivers are especially spectacular during October and September. Thousands of animals rely on these waters for survival, especially elephants, which can drink up to 200 litres a day.


      After a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river, often running the last few meters, trumpeting wildly in their excitement.


      Moremi is also excellent in September, although by now the days are getting very hot. The dry, thin vegetation makes for excellent wildlife viewing and the cooler mornings and evenings are best for predator spotting as they come to the channels to drink. 


      In September, the Kalahari and pans are almost at their driest, but the October heat has yet to arrive. Wildlife viewing across the central and southern parks can be hit and miss, but the endless golden grasslands have their own beauty.


      Lurking in the grass are the Kalahari’s black-maned lions, stalking the large herds of springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest that still roam the plains. 


      While many visitors focus on the north, the south and central parks still have a lot to offer and can be much quieter and it’s much easier to make reservations during this time.


    Enquire Now

    Contact us to learn more about the packages, tours and destinations.

    FILL IN THE FORM

    Travel Advice

    Zambian Visa Requirements

    Visitors to Zambia must obtain a visa from one of the Zambian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival. For a list of these countries, see here.


    Visitors may alternatively obtain an electronic visa. 

    Visit the e-visa website here.


    All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months with at least three blank pages.


    * Please note: Best African Safaris will not be held responsible for any incomplete or incorrect information regarding the visa process gathered by the traveller.

    What To Pack

    When it comes to your Zambian safari, packing your bag with everything you need is perhaps the biggest brain teaser of all! 


    What do you take with you and what do you leave behind? An easy place to start is with your luggage and making sure it's going to be right for the job...


    Bags: The ideal bag for travelling in Africa is a soft, lightweight duffel-type bag, especially if you are going to be using small charter-type planes between destinations when luggage weight is going to become an issue. 


    With small planes the usual weight allowance is between 12kg and 15kg per person. That's between 26lbs and 33lbs. 


    For your African  adventure we will tell you if there are any such restrictions on any of your connecting flights. If you are using standard commercial aircraft, or self-driving, then weight is not such an issue and a normal suitcase or travel bag will be fine. Check with your airline of choice on any limitations that may apply or ask us for advice.


    Try and choose hardy, well-made luggage that will withstand the often rough handling that airline ground handlers dish out these days. Ensure that locks conform to airport and airline security requirements and make sure that items like scissors, nail clippers and pen knives are packed in your check-in luggage. 


    Check the security requirements for cosmetics and any fluids you require for your journey. Do not pack cameras or anything valuable in your check-in luggage but rather bring valuables in your carry-on baggage. 


    Choose a lightweight, back-pack type carry-on bag and check weight restrictions with your airline.


    Clothes for the bush: There's an old saying that clothes maketh the man (or woman). Well, when it comes to Africa, clothes maketh the safari! It's important that you select the right clothing to bring with you on your safari so that you are both comfortable and dressed appropriately. 


    The main rule of thumb for safari gear is neutral colours. That generally means any shade of khaki, beige or brown! Try and avoid bright colours and white, which although cool, can make you stand out a little too much when it's important to blend in. 


    Long pants are good for walking as they protect your legs. Shorts and cut-off or "cargo" pants are also excellent choices. T-shirts, vests and long-sleeved shirts are also must-brings, as are a sweater and a fleece or wind-breaker. 


    Even in summer, early morning and late-night game drives can prove chilly, so pack for all eventualities and you should be fine. 


    Try and get your clothes to co-ordinate with one another to maximise the number of outfits you can put together and minimise your footwear to a good pair of hardy walking shoes, trainers and flip flops or sandals. 


    There's really no need for heels in the bush! And don't forget your swimsuit and a hat - one of the absolute essentials on any safari.


    When it comes to selecting your clothing think "layers" first, especially if you are travelling to Botswana in the winter months. Select items that can easily be taken off and put on to either cool down or warm up, so that you can easily adjust to the rise and fall in temperatures, particularly when on game drives...


    Equipment:  You're going to need a camera! For the non-serious photographer, choose one that is going to give you zoom capabilities in the bush for those up-close-and-personal wildlife portraits and wide angles for the incredible landscapes you're going to witness. 


    If you're more serious about your photography, then bring a range of lenses and a monopod or tripod, together with batteries or battery charger and lots of memory cards.


    A good pair of binoculars is also desirable. For the bush, something in the region of an 8 x 40 or 10 x 50 focal range should be perfect, especially if you are a keen birder. 


    It's always a good idea to bring a range of plug adapters with you - handy travel kits are widely available offering these.


    Bring your cellphone, tablet and laptop with you too. Cell coverage in urban areas is generally good and Wifi is widely available, but in the bush both can be non-existent! 



    Money Matters

    The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK) which fluctuates quite regularly. 


    Kwacha note denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, and K2. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 Ngwee


    By law, payments within Zambia can only be made in Kwachas, even if the price is quoted in USD, however some establishments will still accept USD. Therefore, it’s always best to enter the country with the required amount of Kwacha for your trip, or else bring with you USD or GBP which can always be exchanged.


    There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form.


    Preferably use only the services of a designated Bureaux de Change and keep up-to-date with the most recent exchange rate.


    At most southern African border posts, you can exchange USD at the border for local currency – but you won’t get a favourable exchange rate, and are bound to come across informal money changers. Be very aware of scam artists, fake bills, and paper fillers!


    Bank operating hours:


    Monday to Friday 08:15-15:30

    Saturdays 08:15-11:30


    Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards, and bigger banks will usually advance local currency against a credit card.


    ATMs are available within Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns in Zambia. Most banks have ATM’s which accept Visa cards for cash. Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard or American Express.



    Health & Safety

    Your health: Zambia is considered a safe travel destination in Africa but its always wise to take certain precautions before travelling, especially where malaria is concerned.


    Zambia is a malaria risk area. Anti-malaria medication is a must. You should start anti-malarial medication at least a week before leaving for your trip. 


    Added precautions such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants for wearing in the evenings will reduce your chances of mosquito bites. 


    Pack some mosquito repellent, cream or spray, for applying to your hands, face and neck. This will help prevent bites.


    Do not drink tap water as a rule, but rather rely on bottled or water you know has been properly treated through a reverse osmosis system (many camps have these systems and bottle their own water). 


    Your safety:  Petty theft is as common as any major city where unemployment is high. Be very awake when walking around carrying anything of value in cities like Lusaka and Livingstone, there are master pickpockets here and there. 


    Never leave your vehicle unlocked and never change money on the streets. For the most part, however, Zambians are very friendly and helpful.


    As far as personal safety is concerned, one could easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without a problem. 


    Theft however is possible in the bigger towns and cities as it is the world over. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. 


    Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.

    Tours & Safaris

    Speak to us about creating the perfect itinerary for you to Zambia. All of our itineraries are bespoke and tailored to suit both your requirements and your budget. We are happy to advise you on what to include in your itinerary and on the range of accommodation options available to you.

    Accommodation

    Your Best African Safari tour will take you to some of Zambia's best-loved lodges and camps... Here is a selection of a few of them that we use regularly in our itineraries and safari packages...

    • Chongwe River Camp

      Lower Zambezi Valley

      Button

    • Busanga Bush Camp

      Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park

      Button

    • Thorn Tree River Lodge

      Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Livingstone


      Button

    • Mfuwe Lodge

      South Luangwa National Park


      Button

    Map

    Make use of our convenient and interactive map to explore the suggested hotspots and highlights for your Best African Safaris tour of Zambia!

    2yu
    html embed google map