Formerly called Northern Rhodesia as an integral part of Cecil Rhodes’ Cape to Cairo vision, Zambia is in fact steeped in history dating all the way back to the African Stone Age. However, in many ways the famous Scottish missionary David Livingstone put the country on the European map as he came to the shores of Lake Tanganyika in search of the source of the Nile in the early 19th century.
Zambia has a population of 15.9 million people. The capital and largest city is Lusaka. Spoken languages are English and several Bantu languages, major dialects are Bemba (ChiBemba) 33%, Nyanja (Cinyanja) 15%, Tonga (Chitonga) 11% and Lozi 5.5%.
Whilst Zambia is now one of Africa’s most urbanised countries, much of the country remains wild, underdeveloped and unspoilt, with a great percentage of land allocated by the government to conservation projects, national parks and game management areas. Many of these parks are home to incredible numbers of Africa’s most-feted wild mammals and extraordinary birdlife.
Zambia’s remaining open rural areas are, for the most part, rich and fertile, with Zambia’s consistently warm tropical climate made less oppressive by the altitude of many parts of the country. One of the most water-rich countries in Africa, Zambia has 5 vast lakes, 3 major rivers, 17 waterfalls and various wetland areas.
Many of Zambia’s 72 ethnic groups still inhabit these rural areas, relying on subsistence farming to get by.
Zambia is one of the fastest-growing economies on the African continent and tourism is crucial to the country’s ongoing development.
Blog Posts
Zambia: South Luangwa National Park
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
Current exchange rate: $1USD = 24.08 Kwacha
The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). One kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee. By law all payments within Zambia can only be made in kwachas but many shops, hotels, lodges and restaurants that cater to travellers or foreigners will accept US dollars and pounds sterling
Kwacha note denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2.
Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 ngwee.
Banks’ operating hours are generally Monday to Friday from 08:15 to 15:30 and Saturdays from 08:15 to 11:30, excluding public holidays.
ATMs or cash points are available in Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns. Visa and MasterCard cards are more readily accepted for cash withdrawals than American Express. There are very few if any ATMs outside major centres so ensure you withdraw or bring sufficient cash.
Most upscale hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops in major centres will take credit cards, and major banks will usually advance local currency against a credit card. Take note that American Express may attract extra charges or not be accepted at all.
Getting around
There is a good network of internal flights all over Zambia, which are not cheap but are useful for time-poor travellers. Proflight is the main carrier to Mfuwe (the Luangwa Valley) and Livingstone (for Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi National Park).
Zambia is a pretty safe country to drive in, certainly by African standards. It is possible to hire a car in the main centres. Intercity buses are fast, clean and good value. The main roads are usually in good condition but secondary routes will deteriorate in the rainy season between November and April and will probably only be driveable with a 4X4 at that time. You should avoid driving at night as there are likely to be various hazards such as wandering animals and unlit vehicles.
Zambia also has three main internal train lines, from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the northern border with Tanzania. The Zambezi Express leaves Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving in Lusaka the next morning.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but is always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. We recommend that you tip your specialist guides for approximately U$5 per guest per day. This is normally given direct to your guide at the end of your stay. It is also a nice gesture to tip the general camp / lodge staff. Here we recommend about U$3 per guest per day. This should be placed in the communal tipping box. To tip Porters, we recommend about U$1.
Electronic Devices
You can charge your cameras, phones and other electric items in most accommodations. If you bring more than a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise bringing extra batteries for your camera since many lodges generate power with solar or generators and power cuts might occur. Solar-generated lodges will often only have power available in the rooms at certain hours of the day, but you can always use the charging ports in the main lodge area.
The Internet
To get access to the internet on your phone, you can buy internet bundles via a local SIM card by using pre-paid airtime. The procedure for getting the SIM card is as described above (“Phone Network Providers”), and your guide can assist you. Using the internet on your phone is relatively cheap and fast, with speed depending on your location.
In a lot of lodges, WIFI is provided, however, the speed will not be what you are used to at home and the lodges are often remote and do not get a reliable signal. If you don’t want to use this opportunity to completely disconnect, we advise that you get a local SIM with a data bundle or wireless internet stick as mentioned above.
What to pack?
- Take your own toilet paper as many public toilets don’t have any.
- Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses,
- Sun hat
- Small torch /headlamp
- Good binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
Waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras - Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
- A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
- Basic first aid kit.
- Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Zambia
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Additionally, malaria, yellow fever, zika virus, chikungunya virus and dengue fever are a risk in Zambia so avoiding being bitten by mosquitos is advised. Also, ticks can carry diseases so when going through forested areas or long grass protect yourself by wearing long trousers and shirts. Tsetse flies carry diseases and there are no effective repellents so the same precautions as for ticks are the best prevention.
Health care
Zambia’s public healthcare system is very basic by first-world standards and suffers from inadequate funding and a lack of infrastructure and facilities, especially in rural areas. There are good private hospitals in Livingstone and Lusaka and if you have any kind of medical emergency you’ll be transferred there as soon as possible. For very serious or on-going treatment, patients may require evacuation to South Africa which has the best medical facilities in the region. Treatment and evacuation costs are expensive, however, so comprehensive healthcare insurance is essential.
For less serious medical issues, pharmacies can be found in the major cities, but are extremely scarce in rural areas. Even in the cities, the range of drugs and supplies can be limited and very few are open on Sundays. Ensure you have a comprehensive first-aid kit before travelling into remote areas.
Food safety
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Safety
- Petty crime is common including pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
- Spontaneous demonstrations are common and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid all demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings as they can turn violent.
- Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka. Always keep a close eye on your food and drinks. If you’re not sure it’s safe, leave it.
- Thieves sometimes follow people after they withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid using ATMs at night and be vigilant of your surroundings as you withdraw money.
- Commercial fraud scams are common in Zambia. Don’t send money to anyone in Zambia until you’ve undertaken proper checks.
Local Laws
- Police and border officials can ask to see your passport and immigration stamp or visa at any time. They could detain or arrest you if you don’t have them.
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia.
Useful Numbers
- Emergency – 999
- Police – 991
- Ambulance – 991
- Fire brigade – 993
- Lusaka Central Police Station – 0211 220006
- Lusaka Central Fire Station – 0211 220180
- Lusaka Ambulance Service – 0211 220180
- Ambulance – 991
- Fire Brigade – 993
- Hospital UTH (Universal Teaching Hospital) Lusaka – 0211 251200
- Hospital UTH Casualty Direct Line – 0211 254115
Climate
Current Weather Forecasts
|
Lusaka
Thursday
 91°
clear sky
 Clouds9%
 Humidity24%
 Wind8mph
Fri
Min68°
Max99°
Sat
Min70°
Max93°
Sun
Min69°
Max90°
Mon
Min66°
Max89°
|
Livingstone
Thursday
 97°
broken clouds
Clouds59%
Humidity18%
Wind8mph
Fri
Min81°
Max101°
Sat
Min79°
Max100°
Sun
Min71°
Max95°
Mon
Min68°
Max94°
|
Chipata
Thursday
87°
overcast clouds
Clouds100%
Humidity37%
Wind5mph
Fri
Min67°
Max96°
Sat
Min68°
Max93°
Sun
Min69°
Max89°
Mon
Min69°
Max90°
|
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season between June and November. The skies are cobalt blue, the days are hot, and the nights are cool. Temperatures can sit anywhere from 23°C to 36°C across the country. Wildlife-spotting opportunities are plentiful during this time too.
Victoria Falls makes a great option to combine with a safari, but can be visited on its own when the camps are closed briefly in the wet season between January and February. This is when the ‘smoke that thunders’ lives up to its name. This name was coined by the Kalolo-Lozi people, who could see the enormous clouds of mist and spray from a distance.
Rain does fall outside of the wettest months, but this is compensated for by minimal crowds and top-quality birdwatching, plus temperatures remain warm.
Zambia- Month-by-Month
January is a good time to see Victoria Falls, but is very wet elsewhere and most camps are closed.
Events & Festivals
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Carmine bee-eaters arrive: This month sees the carmine bee-eaters arrive, with flocks of hundreds nesting in river banks, providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound in South Luangwa National Park
- Great bat migration: Experience the world’s largest mammalian migration as millions of bats fill the skies in a remote part of Zambia.
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Take your own toilet paper as many public toilets don’t have any.
- Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses,
- Sun hat
- Small torch /headlamp
- Good binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
Waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras - Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
- A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
- Basic first aid kit.
- Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton
- Petty crime is common including pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
- Spontaneous demonstrations are common and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid all demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings as they can turn violent.
- Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka. Always keep a close eye on your food and drinks. If you’re not sure it’s safe, leave it.
- Thieves sometimes follow people after they withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid using ATMs at night and be vigilant of your surroundings as you withdraw money.
- Commercial fraud scams are common in Zambia. Don’t send money to anyone in Zambia until you’ve undertaken proper checks.
- Police and border officials can ask to see your passport and immigration stamp or visa at any time. They could detain or arrest you if you don’t have them.
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia.
- Emergency – 999
- Police – 991
- Ambulance – 991
- Fire brigade – 993
- Lusaka Central Police Station – 0211 220006
- Lusaka Central Fire Station – 0211 220180
- Lusaka Ambulance Service – 0211 220180
- Ambulance – 991
- Fire Brigade – 993
- Hospital UTH (Universal Teaching Hospital) Lusaka – 0211 251200
- Hospital UTH Casualty Direct Line – 0211 254115
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Carmine bee-eaters arrive: This month sees the carmine bee-eaters arrive, with flocks of hundreds nesting in river banks, providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound in South Luangwa National Park
- Great bat migration: Experience the world’s largest mammalian migration as millions of bats fill the skies in a remote part of Zambia.
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
- Green Season: this is a great time for birdwatchers and walkers, offering beautiful scenery, flocks of migratory birds and hardly any people, as well as amazing value for money
It remains wet throughout February, so it’s a good time to see Victoria Falls, but only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. It’s also a good time for birdwatching.
Events & Festivals
Victoria Falls is at its fullest, sending huge amounts of spray into the air and often obscuring the view of the falls themselves. Some camps are open for boating, and birdwatching is excellent. This time of year offers fantastic value for money and camps are really quiet so there are no crowds.
Events & Festivals
The weather starts to dry up a bit, but rain remains a significant feature of April.
Events & Festivals
A few more camps open up as the rain stops. However, this isn’t the best time to embark on a safari as the ground is still sodden, which makes access difficult.
Events & Festivals
The ground starts to dry out after the rains, making June a lovely time to visit. The rivers are still full and the bush is colourful. The camps have opened and are offering excellent deals, while there are few other visitors to compete for space with.
Once July hits, Zambia kicks into high gear. Temperatures are rising but it stays chilly in the mornings and evenings. All camps are open in all the national parks, with the South Luangwa the best option for game, the Lower Zambezi for river cruises and fishing, and the Kafue for remote wilderness. Victoria Falls is spectacular, without being overly wet.
The hotter weather and drier bush means walking safaris are excellent across the country. This is the prime time of year to combine game viewing and Victoria Falls.
September is a superb time to be on safari. Temperatures in the high 20°Cs make the days pleasant, and the water sources are drying up so animals congregate by the rivers and waterholes. Victoria Falls is not as dramatic as earlier months but is still impressive. Meanwhile, carmine bee-eaters arrive in their thousands to nest in the river banks.
Events & Festivals
The heat increases through October and game viewing is best done early and late in the day to escape the midday temperatures.
The rains arrive in the latter half of the month, but as they are not regular they are not too disruptive and the bonus is seeing dramatic skies with storm clouds building. Temperatures are high and it can be muggy. Some camps close but lots stay open and are great value. You may also be able to see lots of young animals being born.
Events & Festivals
Rains fall regularly, the rivers rise and the bush gets thicker and more colourful. This is an excellent value time to travel.
Events & Festivals
Visa requirements
(a) Single Entry Visa
A Single Entry Visa allows the traveller to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $50.
(b) Multiple Entry Visa
A Multiple Entry Visa allows the traveller to enter Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $150. Multiple Entry Visas shall only be issued by Headquarters through the e-visa facility.
Note: Single, Double and Multiple Entry visas shall be valid for ninety (90) days from the date of first issuance, with the exception of nationals from the United States of America , whose Multiple Entry Visas have a validity of three (3) years, on mutually agreed reciprocal basis.
(c) Transit Visa
This visa is issued to a foreign national who require visas to enter Zambia and is transiting through overland and shall be valid for a maximum period of seven (07) days
(d) Day Tripper
A Day tripper visa is issued at a port of entry [no available on-line] to a tourist who visits Zambia for a period of less than 24 hours and makes exit through the same port. The facility will also apply to tourists visiting Zambia and wish to visit a neighbouring country and re-enter within 24 hours.
Note: Currently, the Day Tripper shall only apply at Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Controls
(e) KAZA UNIVISA
This visa allows tourists to obtain one visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa is valid up to 30 days as long as the holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day-trips through Kazungula Borders.
This visa is now available online (e-Visa) and can also be obtained at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border Control and Kazungula Border Control. If obtained on-line, holders must arrive at a Zambian Port of entry.
The fee is US $50.
For a complete list of nationalities eligible for the KAZA UNIVISA kindly click here.
Follow this link for more information
Electrical
The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Which power plugs and sockets in Zambia?
In Zambia, the power plug sockets are of type C, D and G. Check out the following pictures.
Type C: also known as the standard “Euro” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D.
Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
 |  |  |
| Type G: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type C: This socket also works with plug E and F | Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
Current exchange rate: $1USD = 24.08 Kwacha
The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). One kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee. By law all payments within Zambia can only be made in kwachas but many shops, hotels, lodges and restaurants that cater to travellers or foreigners will accept US dollars and pounds sterling
Kwacha note denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2.
Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 ngwee.
Banks’ operating hours are generally Monday to Friday from 08:15 to 15:30 and Saturdays from 08:15 to 11:30, excluding public holidays.
ATMs or cash points are available in Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns. Visa and MasterCard cards are more readily accepted for cash withdrawals than American Express. There are very few if any ATMs outside major centres so ensure you withdraw or bring sufficient cash.
Most upscale hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops in major centres will take credit cards, and major banks will usually advance local currency against a credit card. Take note that American Express may attract extra charges or not be accepted at all.
Getting around
There is a good network of internal flights all over Zambia, which are not cheap but are useful for time-poor travellers. Proflight is the main carrier to Mfuwe (the Luangwa Valley) and Livingstone (for Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi National Park).
Zambia is a pretty safe country to drive in, certainly by African standards. It is possible to hire a car in the main centres. Intercity buses are fast, clean and good value. The main roads are usually in good condition but secondary routes will deteriorate in the rainy season between November and April and will probably only be driveable with a 4X4 at that time. You should avoid driving at night as there are likely to be various hazards such as wandering animals and unlit vehicles.
Zambia also has three main internal train lines, from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the northern border with Tanzania. The Zambezi Express leaves Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving in Lusaka the next morning.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but is always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. We recommend that you tip your specialist guides for approximately U$5 per guest per day. This is normally given direct to your guide at the end of your stay. It is also a nice gesture to tip the general camp / lodge staff. Here we recommend about U$3 per guest per day. This should be placed in the communal tipping box. To tip Porters, we recommend about U$1.
Electronic Devices
You can charge your cameras, phones and other electric items in most accommodations. If you bring more than a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise bringing extra batteries for your camera since many lodges generate power with solar or generators and power cuts might occur. Solar-generated lodges will often only have power available in the rooms at certain hours of the day, but you can always use the charging ports in the main lodge area.
The Internet
To get access to the internet on your phone, you can buy internet bundles via a local SIM card by using pre-paid airtime. The procedure of getting the SIM card is as described above (“Phone Network Providers”), and your guide can assist you. Using the internet on your phone is relatively cheap and fast, with speed depending on your location.
In a lot of lodges, WIFI is provided, however, the speed will not be what you are used to at home and the lodges are often remote and do not get a reliable signal. If you don’t want to use this opportunity to completely disconnect, we advise that you get a local SIM with a data bundle or wireless internet stick as mentioned above.
What to pack?
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Zambia
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Additionally, malaria, yellow fever, zika virus, chikungunya virus and dengue fever are a risk in Zambia so avoiding being bitten by mosquitos is advised. Also, ticks can carry diseases so when going through forested areas or long grass protect yourself by wearing long trousers and shirts. Tsetse flies carry diseases and there are no effective repellents so the same precautions as for ticks are the best prevention.
Health care
Zambia’s public healthcare system is very basic by first-world standards and suffers from inadequate funding and a lack of infrastructure and facilities, especially in rural areas. There are good private hospitals in Livingstone and Lusaka and if you have any kind of medical emergency you’ll be transferred there as soon as possible. For very serious or on-going treatment, patients may require evacuation to South Africa which has the best medical facilities in the region. Treatment and evacuation costs are expensive, however, so comprehensive healthcare insurance is essential.
For less serious medical issues, pharmacies can be found in the major cities, but are extremely scarce in rural areas. Even in the cities, the range of drugs and supplies can be limited and very few are open on Sundays. Ensure you have a comprehensive first-aid kit before travelling into remote areas.
Food safety
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Safety
Local Laws
Useful Numbers
Climate
Current Weather Forecasts
|
Lusaka
Thursday
91°
clear sky
Clouds9%
Humidity24%
Wind8mph
Fri
Min68°
Max99°
Sat
Min70°
Max93°
Sun
Min69°
Max90°
Mon
Min66°
Max89°
|
Livingstone
Thursday
97°
broken clouds
Clouds59%
Humidity18%
Wind8mph
Fri
Min81°
Max101°
Sat
Min79°
Max100°
Sun
Min71°
Max95°
Mon
Min68°
Max94°
|
Chipata
Thursday
87°
overcast clouds
Clouds100%
Humidity37%
Wind5mph
Fri
Min67°
Max96°
Sat
Min68°
Max93°
Sun
Min69°
Max89°
Mon
Min69°
Max90°
|
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season between June and November. The skies are cobalt blue, the days are hot, and the nights are cool. Temperatures can sit anywhere from 23°C to 36°C across the country. Wildlife-spotting opportunities are plentiful during this time too.
Victoria Falls makes a great option to combine with a safari, but can be visited on its own when the camps are closed briefly in the wet season between January and February. This is when the ‘smoke that thunders’ lives up to its name. This name was coined by the Kalolo-Lozi people, who could see the enormous clouds of mist and spray from a distance.
Rain does fall outside of the wettest months, but this is compensated for by minimal crowds and top-quality birdwatching, plus temperatures remain warm.
Zambia- Month-by-Month
January is a good time to see Victoria Falls, but is very wet elsewhere and most camps are closed.
Events & Festivals
It remains wet throughout February, so it’s a good time to see Victoria Falls, but only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. It’s also a good time for birdwatching.
Events & Festivals
Victoria Falls is at its fullest, sending huge amounts of spray into the air and often obscuring the view of the falls themselves. Some camps are open for boating, and birdwatching is excellent. This time of year offers fantastic value for money and camps are really quiet so there are no crowds.
Events & Festivals
The weather starts to dry up a bit, but rain remains a significant feature of April.
Events & Festivals
A few more camps open up as the rain stops. However, this isn’t the best time to embark on a safari as the ground is still sodden, which makes access difficult.
Events & Festivals
The ground starts to dry out after the rains, making June a lovely time to visit. The rivers are still full and the bush is colourful. The camps have opened and are offering excellent deals, while there are few other visitors to compete for space with.
Once July hits, Zambia kicks into high gear. Temperatures are rising but it stays chilly in the mornings and evenings. All camps are open in all the national parks, with the South Luangwa the best option for game, the Lower Zambezi for river cruises and fishing, and the Kafue for remote wilderness. Victoria Falls is spectacular, without being overly wet.
The hotter weather and drier bush means walking safaris are excellent across the country. This is the prime time of year to combine game viewing and Victoria Falls.
September is a superb time to be on safari. Temperatures in the high 20°Cs make the days pleasant, and the water sources are drying up so animals congregate by the rivers and waterholes. Victoria Falls is not as dramatic as earlier months but is still impressive. Meanwhile, carmine bee-eaters arrive in their thousands to nest in the river banks.
Events & Festivals
The heat increases through October and game viewing is best done early and late in the day to escape the midday temperatures.
The rains arrive in the latter half of the month, but as they are not regular they are not too disruptive and the bonus is seeing dramatic skies with storm clouds building. Temperatures are high and it can be muggy. Some camps close but lots stay open and are great value. You may also be able to see lots of young animals being born.
Events & Festivals
Rains fall regularly, the rivers rise and the bush gets thicker and more colourful. This is an excellent value time to travel.
Events & Festivals
Visa requirements
(a) Single Entry Visa
A Single Entry Visa allows the traveller to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $50.
(b) Multiple Entry Visa
A Multiple Entry Visa allows the traveller to enter Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $150. Multiple Entry Visas shall only be issued by Headquarters through the e-visa facility.
Note: Single, Double and Multiple Entry visas shall be valid for ninety (90) days from the date of first issuance, with the exception of nationals from the United States of America , whose Multiple Entry Visas have a validity of three (3) years, on mutually agreed reciprocal basis.
(c) Transit Visa
This visa is issued to a foreign national who require visas to enter Zambia and is transiting through overland and shall be valid for a maximum period of seven (07) days
(d) Day Tripper
A Day tripper visa is issued at a port of entry [no available on-line] to a tourist who visits Zambia for a period of less than 24 hours and makes exit through the same port. The facility will also apply to tourists visiting Zambia and wish to visit a neighbouring country and re-enter within 24 hours.
Note: Currently, the Day Tripper shall only apply at Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Controls
(e) KAZA UNIVISA
This visa allows tourists to obtain one visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa is valid up to 30 days as long as the holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day-trips through Kazungula Borders.
This visa is now available online (e-Visa) and can also be obtained at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border Control and Kazungula Border Control. If obtained on-line, holders must arrive at a Zambian Port of entry.
The fee is US $50.
For a complete list of nationalities eligible for the KAZA UNIVISA kindly click here.
Follow this link for more information
Electrical
The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Which power plugs and sockets in Zambia?
In Zambia, the power plug sockets are of type C, D and G. Check out the following pictures.
Type C: also known as the standard “Euro” plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.
Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D.
Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
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| Type G: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type C: This socket also works with plug E and F | Type D: This socket has no alternative plugs |
Mexico
Are you planning to visit Mexico? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in Mexico.
The following information is for travellers living in the United States of America. I live in another country.
You don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico when living in the United States of America.
Electricity in Mexico
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Power plug adapter needed in Mexico?
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. When living in the United States of America you don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico. Your power plugs fit.
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| Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type B: This socket also works with plug A |