Your Essential Zambia safari travel guide to an Unforgettable African Adventure

If you’ve been dreaming of a true wilderness experience—raw, authentic, and far from the crowds—Zambia should be at the top of your safari wishlist. Tucked away in the heart of southern Africa, Zambia offers pristine national parks, spectacular wildlife encounters, and some of the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. But before you pack your bags, here’s everything you need to know to plan the safari of a lifetime.

Entry Requirements: What You Need to Enter Zambia

Visitors to Zambia must present:

  • A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages).
  • A visa, which can be obtained:
    • Online via eVisa Zambia
    • On arrival at most international airports and border crossings
    • In advance at a Zambian embassy or consulate

✅ Good news: As part of Zambia’s push to boost tourism, many nationalities no longer need to pay visa fees. Citizens from countries such as Germany, the UK, Italy, France, Canada, and others are now exempt from visa charges, even though a visa (or visa stamp) may still be issued on arrival.

✈️ Be sure to check the latest list of exempt countries on the official Zambian Immigration website or consult your nearest Zambian embassy to confirm your status.

If you plan to combine your Zambia safari with a visit to Zimbabwe or Botswana, consider getting the KAZA Univisa, which covers Zambia and Zimbabwe (and allows a day trip to Botswana) for USD 50 and is valid for 30 days.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers coming from Europe or North America. However:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from (or transiting through) a country where Yellow Fever is endemic.
  • Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, especially for those visiting national parks and rural areas.
  • Ensure routine vaccinations (like tetanus, hepatitis A/B, and typhoid) are up to date.

Mosquito repellent, long sleeves for evenings, and sleeping under a mosquito net are also advisable.

When to Come: Seasons and Highlights

Zambia has three main seasons:

  • Dry Season (May to November) – Prime safari time. Wildlife viewing is at its best as animals gather around shrinking water sources. The South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue are excellent now.
  • Green Season (December to April) – Lush and beautiful, with dramatic skies and newborn animals. It’s a paradise for birders, especially December through February, when migratory birds are present.

Special Natural Events:

  • Wildebeest Migration in Liuwa Plain – Best time is between late October and December, a quieter but equally dramatic alternative to the Serengeti.
  • Bat Migration in Kasanka National Park – Late October to December. Witness the world’s largest mammal migration as 10 million straw-colored fruit bats darken the skies.
  • Best Birding Months – November to March, with over 750 species across Zambia, including rare endemics like the Black-cheeked Lovebird and Zambian Barbet.

Where to Go: Zambia’s Best National Parks

  • South Luangwa National Park – Often called the birthplace of the walking safari, it’s famed for its leopard sightings and excellent guiding.
  • Lower Zambezi National Park – Canoe safaris, game drives, and riverside camps with views over to Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools.
  • Kafue National Park – Vast and wild, with rich predator-prey interactions and the open Busanga Plains.
  • Liuwa Plain National Park – Remote and seasonal, home to Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration and a real treat for experienced safari-goers.
  • Kasanka National Park – Small but spectacular, especially during the bat migration.
  • Northern Circuit – A hidden gem, featuring waterfalls like Kalambo Falls and Lumangwe, Lake Tanganyika’s beaches, and untamed parks like Nsumbu and North Luangwa—ideal for true adventurers.

Getting Around Zambia: What to Expect

Zambia is a vast country, roughly the size of France or Texas, and its beauty lies in its remote, untouched wilderness. But that also means getting from Point A to Point B can take time.

Many roads—especially those leading to national parks—are unpaved or riddled with potholes, which can slow down travel. For the adventurous, road transfers are a scenic way to experience rural Zambia and witness daily life. However, expect long drive times and occasional bumps along the way.

To save time, scheduled domestic flights are available to major safari hubs such as:

  • Livingstone (for Victoria Falls and southern parks),
  • Mfuwe (gateway to South Luangwa),
  • Lusaka, and Ndola (for northern or cross-border connections).

🛩️ ProFlight Zambia operates most of these routes, offering reliable service but at a premium—especially in high season. If you’re tight on time or prefer comfort over road adventure, flying is often the best choice, though budget accordingly, as flights can significantly increase the overall cost of your safari.

Money Matters in Zambia

The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). While USD is accepted by many safari lodges and tour operators, everyday purchases—especially at local markets or in small towns—will require Kwacha.

💳 Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it’s common for merchants to add a small surcharge (usually around 3–5%) to cover transaction fees.

💵 Cash Tips:

  • Always carry some Kwacha for buying snacks, crafts, souvenirs, or for tipping local guides and staff.
  • The Zambian Kwacha is an inland currency, meaning you won’t be able to exchange or use it outside the country. Only withdraw what you’ll need—or plan to spend the rest before you leave.
  • ATMs are available in cities and towns but are less common in remote areas. It’s best to withdraw cash before heading into the bush.

Language and Communication in Zambia

Zambia is a culturally diverse country with over 72 local languages and dialects spoken across its ten provinces. While English is the official language—used in schools, government, and business—local languages are deeply woven into everyday life and identity.

Depending on which part of the country you’re visiting, you’ll hear different dominant regional languages used for communication between people of various ethnic backgrounds:

  • Western Zambia – siLozi
  • Northern Zambia – ichiBemba
  • Eastern Zambia – chiChewa / chiNyanja
  • Southern Zambia – Tonga

These regional languages often serve as the lingua franca in their respective areas, even among people of different ethnic origins.

While English will get you far, learning a few words or greetings in a local language will go a long way. It’s a wonderful way to show interest and respect—and it always earns a warm smile. Here are a few useful phrases:

  • “How are you?” – Muli bwanji? (chiNyanja)
  • “Thank you” – Natotela (ichiBemba)
  • “How much does it cost?” – Ni bokae? (siLozi)
  • “Safe travel” – Mweende kabotu (Tonga)

So go ahead—try out a phrase or two with your hosts, guides, or market vendors. You might just make someone’s day!

Who is Zambia For?

  • Photographers – From dramatic wildlife to epic landscapes and golden light, Zambia is a photographer’s dream.
  • Families – Many lodges welcome children, and private safaris can be tailored for all ages. The warm Zambian hospitality makes families feel right at home.
  • Solo Travelers – Safe, welcoming, and with group or private safari options, Zambia is perfect for those going it alone.
  • Adventure Seekers – Walking safaris, canoeing, boating, and even seasonal hot air ballooning in Kafue offer thrilling perspectives.

Final Tips

  • Language: English is the official language and is spoken across the country.

Ready to Safari in Zambia?

Whether you’re chasing elusive leopards in South Luangwa, drifting past elephants on a Zambezi canoe safari, or watching the skies come alive with millions of bats in Kasanka, Zambia offers a raw, soul-stirring adventure like no other. It’s wild, welcoming, and tailor-made for those who seek more than just a holiday—it’s for those who seek a story.

At Zamsato, we craft safaris your style—whether you’re a photographer, solo traveler, family, or seasoned explorer.
👉 Start planning now and let Zambia steal your heart.