A premier safari destination, Zambia is a developing nation of vast untapped potential concealing some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet. Often referred to as “real” Africa, Zambia is also a land of natural wonders, with renowned national parks, show-stopping landscapes, and mighty rivers, all crowned by the indescribable majesty of Victoria Falls.
There’s a good reason why Zambia’s Zambezi River is so often referred to as the “Mighty” Zambezi. Sometimes turbulent and raging, at other places calm and inviting, the river has the unique distinction of being split in two by the largest waterfall in the world: Victoria Falls.
Much of Zambia’s safari holiday allure resides around this river and its enormous falls, but there are other treasures that await. Zambia has national parks that can stand toe-to-toe with any location in the world, in terms of both wildlife viewing, and the quality of its lodges and amenities. It also has a raw authenticity to its safari holidays that might not be quite so apparent in more developed nations.
Safari adventures in Zambia may lead you off the beaten track, and be a little more challenging than your regular safari. However, this is part of the attraction, as many of Zambia’s parks and reserves have the distinction of remaining supernally pristine and untamed. Nevertheless, safaris in Zambia are noted as relatively expensive, and may be more suited to high-end travellers.
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If you want to spot wildlife, August to October is the best time to visit. However, you should expect an average of around 32°C during the day by the end of that period, especially in low-lying areas, including the major national parks.
If you want cooler weather and greener landscapes, visit during the cool, dry months of May to August.
During the December to April rainy season some national parks are closed, and animals are harder to spot because of the lush vegetation. However, the lodges that remain open offer very attractive rates, and you will have the parks virtually to yourself. Getting around at this time is also harder, as many rural roads become impassable rivers of mud.
Also, Zambia is an excellent place for birdwatching. November to December is the best time for this activity, although conditions are typically good year-round.
Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys of Luangwa and Zambezi.
There are three seasons: cool and dry winter season from May to September; hot and dry season in October and November; and the hot and rainy season from December to April.
The unit of currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), which is divided into 100 Ngwee. Some of the commercial banks in Zambia are First National Bank, Bank of Zambia, Standard Bank and Grindlays Bank International.
Bank hours are 09:00–14:00 from Monday to Friday, and 09:00–14:00 on Saturdays.
Major hotels have foreign currency facilities. Most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travellers cheques. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted at many places although not at most of the private bush lodges. Most lodges and hotels will charge for extras in USD or GBP. For cash, small USD denominations are recommended.
Dress in Zambia is generally casual. A cardigan or pullover is often needed in the cool early mornings and after sunset (especially for night drives), except during the hot months of October to March.
For those going to the bush, khaki clothing, comfortable shoes and a hat are necessary. Long sleeved shirts and trousers are also advisable to protect against insect bites and bush scratches. One set of binoculars per person is a must on safari.
Please also remember a raincoat for the summer season (November–March). In the winter, warmer clothing is required, particularly in the evenings when the temperatures can drop to zero. However, always take precautions against the sun, even in winter. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential items.
Please note we will provide you with a full packing list prior to departure.
No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Zambia when arriving directly from North America or Europe. However, we recommend that tetanus boosters for children and adults are kept up to date, with courses or boosters usually advised for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid.
A yellow fever certificate is required if the visitor is over one year old, and arriving in Zambia from an infected area or a country where yellow fever is endemic (such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zaire). Similarly, if your route to Zambia takes you through another country in the yellow fever zone, you will need to show a vaccination certificate on entry into Zambia. In the case of yellow fever, the vaccine must be administered at least ten days before arrival.
Malaria precautions are essential in all areas, all year round. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective options for both adults and children. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers, especially after sunset. We also advise the use of insect repellents on exposed skin and, where necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Prompt investigation of fever or flu-like symptoms anytime within six weeks of travel is essential.
As with all travel to remote places, we recommend bringing a small supply of any medicines you may need, including a course of emergency “standby” treatment for malaria.
As a precaution, boil and sterilise drinking water outside the main towns, or buy bottled water.
English is the official language of Zambia. The main African languages are Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi and Toga.
All charter transfers on our luxury Zambia safari tours are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. Please note that these planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can carry.
It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of fifteen (15) kilograms per person in a soft bag.
This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry-on luggage (up to 5 kilograms – 20 kilograms in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 188 cm (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs), so that we can plan our trip appropriately.
Tickets are generally not issued for charter flights; you will however receive a voucher for your trip.
Passport requirements: Each visitor to Zambia must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond his/her scheduled departure date.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUR BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT FOR STAMPS/VISAS ETC. IF NOT, YOU MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY INTO ZAMBIA. FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. IN ADDITION, WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEAVE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.
VISAS: All of our clients who have confirmed bookings/reservations through tour operators in conjunction with Zambian registered tour operators have their visa requirements waived by means of a letter. If in transit through Zambia, you may require a visa which is obtainable at the border for a fee (approx USD$30.00). Please note when you complete the visa form, you need to state the length of time you will be spending in Zambia (total number of days).
If you want to spot wildlife, August to October is the best time to visit. However, you should expect an average of around 32°C during the day by the end of that period, especially in low-lying areas, including the major national parks. If you want cooler weather and greener landscapes, visit during the cool, dry months of May to August.
During the December to April rainy season some national parks are closed, and animals are harder to spot because of the lush vegetation. However, the lodges that remain open offer very attractive rates, and you will have the parks virtually to yourself. Getting around at this time is also harder, as many rural roads become impassable rivers of mud.
Also, Zambia is an excellent place for birdwatching. November to December is the best time for this activity, although conditions are typically good year-round.
Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys of Luangwa and Zambezi.
There are three seasons: cool and dry winter season from May to September; hot and dry season in October and November; and the hot and rainy season from December to April.
The unit of currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), which is divided into 100 Ngwee. Some of the commercial banks in Zambia are First National Bank, Bank of Zambia, Standard Bank and Grindlays Bank International.
Bank hours are 09:00–14:00 from Monday to Friday, and 09:00–14:00 on Saturdays.
Major hotels have foreign currency facilities. Most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travellers cheques. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted at many places although not at most of the private bush lodges. Most lodges and hotels will charge for extras in USD or GBP. For cash, small USD denominations are recommended.
Dress in Zambia is generally casual. A cardigan or pullover is often needed in the cool early mornings and after sunset (especially for night drives), except during the hot months of October to March.
For those going to the bush, khaki clothing, comfortable shoes and a hat are necessary. Long sleeved shirts and trousers are also advisable to protect against insect bites and bush scratches. One set of binoculars per person is a must on safari.
Please also remember a raincoat for the summer season (November–March). In the winter, warmer clothing is required, particularly in the evenings when the temperatures can drop to zero. However, always take precautions against the sun, even in winter. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential items.
Please note we will provide you with a full packing list prior to departure.
No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Zambia when arriving directly from North America or Europe. However, we recommend that tetanus boosters for children and adults are kept up to date, with courses or boosters usually advised for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid.
A yellow fever certificate is required if the visitor is over one year old, and arriving in Zambia from an infected area or a country where yellow fever is endemic (such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zaire). Similarly, if your route to Zambia takes you through another country in the yellow fever zone, you will need to show a vaccination certificate on entry into Zambia. In the case of yellow fever, the vaccine must be administered at least ten days before arrival.
Malaria precautions are essential in all areas, all year round. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective options for both adults and children. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers, especially after sunset. We also advise the use of insect repellents on exposed skin and, where necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Prompt investigation of fever or flu-like symptoms anytime within six weeks of travel is essential.
As with all travel to remote places, we recommend bringing a small supply of any medicines you may need, including a course of emergency “standby” treatment for malaria.
As a precaution, boil and sterilise drinking water outside the main towns, or buy bottled water.
English is the official language of Zambia. The main African languages are Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi and Toga.
All charter transfers on our luxury Zambia safari tours are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. Please note that these planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can carry. It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of fifteen (15) kilograms per person in a soft bag.
This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry-on luggage (up to 5 kilograms – 20 kilograms in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 188 cm (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs), so that we can plan our trip appropriately.
Tickets are generally not issued for charter flights; you will however receive a voucher for your trip.
Passport requirements: Each visitor to Zambia must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond his/her scheduled departure date.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUR BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT FOR STAMPS/VISAS ETC. IF NOT, YOU MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY INTO ZAMBIA. FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. IN ADDITION, WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEAVE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.
VISAS: All of our clients who have confirmed bookings/reservations through tour operators in conjunction with Zambian registered tour operators have their visa requirements waived by means of a letter. If in transit through Zambia, you may require a visa which is obtainable at the border for a fee (approx USD$30.00). Please note when you complete the visa form, you need to state the length of time you will be spending in Zambia (total number of days).
