Apart from visiting Victoria Falls, Zambia offers incredible opportunities for wildlife experiences in its many safaris and national parks.
This incredible country also tops our list of “Best People” we encountered on our Cairo to Cape Town journey.
Are you thinking of going on a Zambia holiday? If so, have a read of our tips, which will tell you all the best advice you need to know before traveling.
We will keep this as short and simple as possible!
1 – Do I Need a Visa for my Zambia Holiday?
Our visit to Zambia on our Africa adventure was a great experience and also the end of paying for visas! All visitors from Western countries and Surrounding African nations (except DRC) are allowed free entry into Zambia for a maximum of 90 days.
An agreement exists with Zimbabwe to issue a universal visa for both countries. This visa is called the Kaza Visa and allows travelers 30 days of travel within both Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is also valid for day trips to Botswana.
This visa will cost you 50 USD, even though Zambia and Botswana are free to enter…….
2 – What are the Best Attractions in Zambia?
Zambia, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers several incredible attractions. Some of the best include:
Best Things to do in Zambia: Victoria Falls
One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, offering breathtaking views and activities like bungee jumping, dinner cruises, white-water rafting, and scenic flights.
Best Things to do in Zambia: Devils Pool
A natural pool at the edge of Victoria Falls where adventurous visitors can swim and experience the thrill of being at the brink of the waterfall.
Best Things to do in Zambia: Livingstone
This town holds historical importance and a visit to “The Livingstone Museum” is definitely worth your time. There are also lots of choices for bars, restaurants, and markets to browse.
You can even travel aboard a luxurious steam train and enjoy a 5-course meal. There is something to suit all your needs here!
Best Things to do in Zambia: South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its vast wildlife, including elephants, hippos, leopards, and diverse bird species, offering exceptional safari experiences.
Best Things to do in Zambia: Lower Zambezi National Park
Situated along the Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park provides opportunities for game viewing, fishing, canoe safaris, and stunning scenery.
Best Things to do in Zambia: Kafue National Park
Zambia’s largest national park, Kafue National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems offering fantastic game viewing and birdwatching experiences.
3 – When is the Best Time to Visit Zambia?
The best time to visit Zambia largely depends on your interests and what you want to experience:
Dry Season (May to October): This period is considered the best time to visit Zambia for wildlife viewing. The weather is cooler, and animals tend to gather around water, making it easier to spot them.
October is particularly hot but offers excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Emerald Season (November to April): This is the rainy season when landscapes turn lush and green. Although it’s not the best time for game viewing, it is the best time to visit Zambia for birdwatching.
Also, the Victoria Falls is particularly impressive during this time.
Ultimately, it really is up to you and what your own preferences are—whether you prioritize wildlife sightings, lush landscapes, or experiencing the power of Victoria Falls at its fullest flow.
4 – What is The Currency in Zambia?
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the currency of Zambia.
At the time of writing 100 ZMW is around the 3.80 Euro mark. Take note that not all hotels or shops will accept cards, cash is king!
5 – How Much Should I Budget for my Zambia Holiday?
This is an extremely personal question to answer and has so many factors to consider but let’s give it a go!
First, questions to consider:
What type of traveler are you? Do you travel long-term and keep track of your budget?
Are you on a holiday where money is not an issue? Do you just want to have an awesome time staying in resorts and drinking cocktails?
The reality is that many of the activities in Zambia include guided tours and/or paid entrance fees so expect to be paying more than simply sitting on a beach soaking in the sun.
Then again this is why you chose a Zambia holiday right?! For experience and adventure like never before!
*The Entry fee to Victoria Falls is only $20 PP from the Zambia side, but, $50 PP from the Zimbabwe side!
Zambia Budget: Accommodation
Like most places, Zambia offers a wide range of accommodations depending on your preferences and budget.
These options range from budget hostels and tent stays at 10 Euro/per night to Luxury Safari Lodges at 100 Euro per night.
You will find all your accommodation needs on booking.com as well as numerous mid-range apartment options if you choose to cook your own food. This will noticeably lessen your spending costs.
Zambia Budget: Food
During our trip to Zambia we didn’t find the street food to be as plentiful as in other African countries we visited. In saying that I don’t think we had any street food.
However, luckily for us the supermarket delis and restaurants offer good quality, tasty, and affordable foods for all tastes.
Zambia Budget: Alcohol
Alcohol is readily available in bars, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and liquor stores across the country. Alcohol is cheap with a bottle of beer in a bar costing less than 1 euro!! (see video below!)
Mosi Lager and Castle are among the popular commercial beer brands in Zambia.
6 – Transport: How to Get Around During my Zambia Holiday?
Transport in Zambia includes various modes of transportation that cater to different needs across the country:
Road Transport: The primary mode of travel within Zambia is by road. This is how we traveled in Zambia and we had no issues. Bus tickets were easily booked at the bus station in Lusaka. Buses left on time, were not overpacked, and stopped just enough for food/toilet breaks. We also found the roads to be well maintained which was a pleasant surprise after some of our journeys on our Cairo to Cape Town trip.
If you are continuing on your travels, we highly recommend the Intercape bus service, connecting Livingstone to Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Air Transport: Zambia has several domestic airports and airstrips serving major cities and tourist destinations. Domestic flights are available for faster travel between distant locations, especially for reaching remote areas or national parks. This could be the top choice if you are holidaying and tight for time but of course, this will be a lot more expensive.
Water Transport: Zambia is gifted with rivers like the Zambezi, and water transport, primarily for tourism is quite popular. Boat cruises and ferries are available for tourist activities and transportation in specific areas.
Guided Tours: Joining guided tours or hiring a guide is a great option, especially if you prefer not to drive yourself. There are various tour operators offering guided safaris, cultural tours, and adventure trips to different parts of Zambia.
Is There Uber in Zambia?
Unfortunately, at this time, Uber is not yet available for use in Zambia. Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Zambia. They can be easily hailed on the streets or through a ride-hailing app such as Oga Taxi.
7 – Can You Use ATMs in Zambia?
ATMs are available in major cities like Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola, and towns frequented by tourists. They can be found in banks, shopping centers, airports, and some hotels.
However, in more remote or rural areas, the availability of ATMs might be limited. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry enough cash when traveling to such areas where access to ATMs might be scarce.
8 – What Socket Type to use During my Zambia Holiday?
For Uganda, the plug type is plug type G. This is the same one used in Ireland and the UK. In case you don’t know what that is, it’s the plug with three rectangular pins in a triangle shape.
*Multi Travel Adapter – so you are prepared for any plug type!
9 – Is Zambia Safe?
In answer to the common question, “Is Zambia safe?” Our experience was that Zambia is safe, and in general, is considered a safe country for travelers. Thankfully, we never encountered any safety issues whilst in Zambia.
However, instances of petty theft, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots, can occur. It’s advisable to keep valuables secure, be cautious in crowded areas, and avoid displaying expensive items openly.
*Health Concerns: Certain health risks exist, including malaria in some regions. It’s advisable to take necessary health precautions, including using mosquito repellent and taking anti-malarial medication if traveling to affected areas.
10 – What Language is Spoken in Zambia?
The official language in Zambia is English and is spoken almost everywhere, even in the more remote areas. In everyday traffic, a language consisting of African, English, and Bantu words is widely used, the so-called Kitchen Kaffir.
11 – What SIM Card to Get For my Zambia Holiday?
When getting a SIM card in Zambia, you’ll need to provide identification, so don’t forget to bring your passport.
SIM cards are available for purchase at various retail outlets, official stores of the network operators, as well as at the many kiosks you will see along the streets. It is in one of these kiosks we got our SIM cards from, the process was quick and efficient.
There are 3 telecom providers in Zambia: MTN, Zambia Airtel, and Zambi Zamtel. All operators have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks.
12 – What Packing Essentials do I Need for my Zambia Holiday?
This is the same list we recommend for the majority of African travels (and travel in general).
- Head torch – In the case of any electrical outage.
- Dry bag – For the protection of everyday items especially if venturing to Victoria Falls, white-water rafting!!
- Multi Travel Adapter – so you are prepared for any plug type!
- Battery pack – For any long bus journeys, or to charge your phone from all the photos you will be taking.
- Download apps such as Google Translate, Google Maps, and Booking.com.
- Utilize budget apps such as TravelSpend to keep track of your spending.
You can find the full list of our travel tips here.
13 – Why is Zambia Worth Visiting?
Our answer to “Is Zambia worth visiting?” is absolutely Zambia is worth visiting for numerous reasons.
Of course, just visiting one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Victoria Falls (and all the adrenaline/adventure activities that go with it) is a reason in itself.
Throw in some exceptional safaris and wildlife experiences in some of Africa’s most unspoiled National Parks and you have one amazing Zambia holiday!
Saving the best for last are the warm and welcoming people. Zambians are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and offering authentic cultural interactions.
We can definitely confirm this as we were bought more beers by Zambians than anywhere else!
Enjoy Your Zambia Holiday!
Zambia is a great place to visit in Africa because it has stunning natural beauty, amazing wildlife, rich culture, and lots of adventurous things to do.
Travelers looking for unique experiences will not be disappointed.
We are certain that you will have an incredible Zambia holiday just like us!
If you have any more questions about our trip please do not hesitate to ask. We would LOVE to hear if you have already visited Zambia and/or if you are now planning to!
Please leave a comment below or contact us on our socials.
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