National Parks in Zambia
Zambia's top safari and wildlife destinations
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa's best-kept secrets, a pristine wilderness where the mighty Zambezi River s...
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is the birthplace of the walking safari and one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations. In...
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park protects Zambia's side of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The...
Cities in Zambia
Explore Zambia's urban destinations
Best Time to Visit Zambia
Best Months
June, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: August, September, October
The dry season (May to October) concentrates wildlife around rivers and waterholes, making game viewing superb. September and October are the hottest but offer the most dramatic wildlife concentrations as water sources shrink.
Seasons
May, June, July, August, September, October
Dry season and peak safari time. Vegetation thins out, wildlife gathers at water sources, and game viewing is at its best. June and July are cooler; September and October are hot. Most safari camps are open.
November, December, January, February, March, April
The green season brings afternoon thunderstorms, lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and excellent birding with migratory species. Some camps close, but those that remain open offer lower prices and a unique experience. Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular from February to May.
Zambia Visa Requirements
Zambia uses an online e-Visa system for most nationalities. Single-entry tourist visas cost $50 and are valid for 90 days. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days and is ideal if you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls. Apply online at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm before travel. Visa on arrival is also available at most entry points, but the e-Visa speeds up the process.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$50 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Passport-size photo (digital)
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- • Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Is Zambia Safe?
Zambia is one of the most stable and peaceful countries in Africa, with a strong democratic tradition. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft can occur in Lusaka and other urban areas but is uncommon in safari regions. The national parks and tourist areas are well-managed and safe.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All national parks and safari areas
- ✓ Livingstone and Victoria Falls area
- ✓ Tourist hotels and lodges throughout the country
- ✓ Lusaka's main commercial areas during the day
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Lusaka's outer townships at night
- ✗ Isolated areas after dark in any city
- ✗ Border areas with the DRC (far north)
Safety Tips
- • Use established taxi services or hotel transfers in Lusaka
- • Avoid driving at night outside cities due to wildlife and road conditions
- • Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes
- • Carry copies of your passport and visa
- • Respect wildlife distances, especially around elephants and hippos
Zambia Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $50-$100/day | Guesthouses, local food, public transport |
| mid range | $300-$600/day | Safari lodges, guided activities, internal flights |
| luxury | $600-$2000/day | Premium safari camps, private guides, fly-in transfers |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct flights from Europe, North America, or non-endemic countries.)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (especially for remote safari areas), Cholera (for remote or rural travel)
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Throughout the country, including Lusaka and all safari areas
Healthcare
Private hospitals in Lusaka offer reasonable care (Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, Medland Hospital). Facilities are very limited in rural and safari areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Zambia
International Airports
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
Lusaka (LUN)
Main HubHarry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
Livingstone (LVI)
Major Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Proflight Zambia, RwandAir, Fastjet
Zambia Highlights
Must See
- • Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) from the Zambian side
- • Walking safari in South Luangwa National Park
- • Canoe safari on the Lower Zambezi
- • Leopard sightings in South Luangwa (one of Africa's best spots)
- • The Knife Edge Bridge viewpoint at Victoria Falls
Unique Experiences
- • Walk through the bush on foot with an armed guide in South Luangwa
- • Paddle a canoe past elephants and hippos on the Zambezi River
- • Swim in Devil's Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls (seasonal, September to December)
- • Go on a night drive to spot leopards, genets, and porcupines in South Luangwa
- • Walk with white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Off the Beaten Path
- • Kasanka National Park for the bat migration (November, 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats)
- • Bangweulu Wetlands for shoebill stork sightings
- • Liuwa Plain National Park for the wildebeest migration and wild dogs
- • Lake Tanganyika shoreline in the far north
- • Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest but least visited parks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zambia safe for tourists?
Zambia is one of Africa's safest and most politically stable countries. Violent crime against tourists is very rare. Petty theft can occur in Lusaka but is uncommon in safari areas. The national parks, Livingstone, and tourist lodges are all well-managed and secure. Basic precautions (avoiding walking alone at night in cities, keeping valuables secure) are all that's needed.
What is the best time to visit Zambia?
The dry season from June to October is best for game viewing, as wildlife concentrates around water sources and vegetation is thinner. September and October offer the most dramatic sightings but are very hot. The emerald season (November to April) is excellent for birding, baby animals, lush scenery, and lower prices. Victoria Falls is most impressive from February to May when the Zambezi is at peak flow.
What is a walking safari and why is Zambia famous for them?
A walking safari takes you on foot through the bush with an armed professional guide. Norman Carr pioneered this concept in South Luangwa in the 1950s, making Zambia the birthplace of walking safaris. Walking gives you a completely different perspective: you read tracks, identify bird calls, learn about insects and plants, and experience the bush with all your senses. South Luangwa remains the world's top destination for this experience.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for Zambia?
Yes. Malaria is present throughout Zambia, including all safari areas and Livingstone. Take prophylaxis (Malarone or Doxycycline are most common), use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk, and sleep under treated mosquito nets. Consult a travel health professional before your trip.
What currency does Zambia use and can I pay in US dollars?
Zambia uses the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). US dollars are widely accepted at safari lodges, hotels, and for park fees. ATMs are available in Lusaka and Livingstone. Carry some US dollars (printed after 2006) for tips, park fees, and lodge payments. Smaller towns and markets prefer Kwacha.
Can I see both sides of Victoria Falls?
Yes. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days. The Zimbabwe side offers broader panoramic views of the falls, while the Zambian side lets you get closer and access adventure activities like Devil's Pool. Most visitors spend at least one day on each side.