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Zambia

Zambia lies on a vast central plateau and is home to the mighty Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa Rivers, along with the world-renowned Victoria Falls, which it shares with neighboring Zimbabwe. The country’s diverse climate ranges from the mild and pleasant highlands to the hotter, more humid river valleys, with a tropical environment in the north along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Zambia offers some of the wildest and most remote game areas in Africa, making it a dream destination for safari enthusiasts. Despite its large size of 752,614 square kilometers, Zambia remains largely untouched, with a population of around 15 million, giving it a sense of undiscovered wilderness. While Lusaka serves as the capital, Livingstone, near the Falls, is a hub for adventurous travelers. Wildlife highlights include the abundant populations of hippo and crocodile along the rivers, large herds of buffalo and elephant, and predators such as lion and leopard in parks like South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi.

  • South Luangwa National Park: Famous for its walking safaris, this park offers excellent game viewing, including large populations of leopards, lions, and hippos. The Luangwa River is a lifeline that attracts diverse wildlife year-round.
  • Lower Zambezi National Park: Set along the Zambezi River, this park offers unique canoe safaris alongside game drives. Expect sightings of elephants, buffalo, and various predators against a backdrop of stunning landscapes.
  • Kafue National Park: One of Africa’s largest and most diverse parks, Kafue is home to vast herds of antelope, including the rare Sitatunga and Red Lechwe, alongside lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Its remote Busanga Plains are a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • North Luangwa National Park: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, North Luangwa offers remote and rugged safaris with excellent walking trails and sightings of predators, elephants, and buffalo in a truly wild setting.

Summer: October to April

Days are hot with daily temperatures averaging 25°C – 35°C, evening temperatures can drop to below 20°C.

Rainy season: November to March

Winter: May to September

Days are dry, sunny with daily temperatures averaging 20°C – 25°C, while evening temperatures drop sharply to 5°C – 10°C.

Travel to and from Zambia:

  • Scheduled daily charter flights depart from the Lusaka and Livingstone and link the major tourist destinations of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
  • International and regional flights service Livingstone and Lusaka.
  • Recognized transfer and touring companies are available at Lusaka and Livingstone

The official currency of Zambia is the Kwacha (KR). US Dollars are accepted for transactions in most instances, including departure taxes and entry visas, in addition to Euros and other major currencies. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs, while larger retail outlets and lodges/hotels accept major credit cards.

 Over 72 African dialects are spoken in Zambia; however, the official language is English.

 Zambia is in the same time zone as all other southern African countries – Greenwich Mean Time – (GMT) + 2 hours.