Zambia has many magnificent scenic experiences on offer. Go on a safari to one of the many national parks and experience Africa's wildlife. Or seek nature outside the parks, which is where you'll also discover that the old African traditions are still very much alive. Dancing is a very old African custom which hasn't been forgotten in Zambia. The wish to experience nature should be the reason why you go to Zambia. The country has not really many other attractions to offer you. The landscape and the wildlife are unique and alone they will give you unforgettable memories. Don't miss the Victoria Falls.
Find your travel arrangement to Zambia here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Zambia
Capital
Lusaka (1,100,000)
Size
753,000 square kilometres
Principal Languages
English
Principal Religion
Christianity - in addition there are quite a few Muslims and Hindus in the country.
Inhabitants
9,400,000
Government
Republic
Geography
Colonialism has created today's Zambia. For this reason there are many different local languages and the country's population belongs to different tribes. Many big rivers cross the country. The southern and western areas of Zambia sit on a plateau, while the north-eastern areas consist mainly of highland.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
The rainy season runs from November till April. November and December months are the best months for birdwatching. From May till August the climate is cold and dry, while it's hot and dry from September till October.
Literature
Lonely Planet Africa - the South
Lonely Planet Africa on a Shoestring
Spektrum Guide to Zambia
Lonely Planet Africa on a Shoestring
Spektrum Guide to Zambia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Weight: kilo
Distance: metre
Volume: litre
Distance: metre
Volume: litre
Photography
Zambian authorities are very particular in relation to photography of public buildings as well as buildings of strategic value. Ask if you're in doubt.
Drinking water
You should avoid the tapwater - including when it is in ice cubes or for brushing your teeth. Drink and use only bottled water.
Electricity
220/240 volt AC, 50 Hz
Behaviour
Show common courtesy and try not to display your valuables. Especially not in Lusaka.
Business Hours
Shops are open from 9 am to 5 pm (Monday-Saturday). Opening and closing times may vary with one hour, just as some shops close for lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Offices are open from 9 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday).
Banks are open from 8 am to 2 or 3 pm (Monday-Friday), Thursdays the banks close at noon.
Post Offices are open from 9 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday), in Lusaka the post offices are also open 9 am to 12 pm (Saturdays).
Offices are open from 9 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday).
Banks are open from 8 am to 2 or 3 pm (Monday-Friday), Thursdays the banks close at noon.
Post Offices are open from 9 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday), in Lusaka the post offices are also open 9 am to 12 pm (Saturdays).
Food and drink
The Zambian rivers supply the local kitchen with a countless number of freshwater fish. The large supply of interesting fish influences most restaurant menu's. Beer is very common. Try one of the splendid local brands.
Disabled travellers
Facilities for disabled persons are scarce in Zambia.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Youth Day, 11 March
Labour Day, 1 May
Africa Day, 25 May
Heroes Day, 5 July
Unity Day, 8 July
Farmers Day, 5 August
Independence Day, 24 October
Christmas Day, 25 December
Moveable Public Holidays:
Easter, March or April
Youth Day, 11 March
Labour Day, 1 May
Africa Day, 25 May
Heroes Day, 5 July
Unity Day, 8 July
Farmers Day, 5 August
Independence Day, 24 October
Christmas Day, 25 December
Moveable Public Holidays:
Easter, March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
Zambia offers most kinds of overnight accommodation, but in general lodgings are scarce. During the last few years more and more places have shot up, however. Rates are high and the locals pay less than tourists. However, it is possible to find inexpensive places to stay overnight most places in Zambia.
Book your Hotel in Zambia here
Book your Hotel in Zambia here
Camping
There are many fine camping sites in and around the many national parks. More are on the way and the rates are reasonable.
At the moderate to top-end category hotels you should expect a 10 per cent service charge and 20 per cent tax added to your bill. You can avoid this at the more inexpensive places. Here you can save a lot of money by sharing a room.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Guesthouses are scattered all over the country. Usually they are not situated near the greatest tourist attractions.
Hostels
Many hostels have been renovated during the last few years. This has made them more comfortable, but also more expensive.
Local transport
Planes
Zambia is a big country and you'll save time by flying. But it's not cheap, however. There are Flights to most cities and many national parks.
Bus
All bus companies in Zambia are privately owned. However, fares are standardized. Zambia's road communications are bad and it can make bus transport wearisome.
Trains
The railway network in Zambia is not particularly elaborate and departures are few. The trains are more comfortable than the buses, however.
Taxi
Taxis operate in the cities and the fares are very reasonable. The established taxis have numbers printed on the door.
car rental
In Lusaka there are several car rental companies. Note that road communications in Zambia, with the exception of a few stretches, are bad.
Other Transport
All traffic on land in Zambia is rather cheap. Road communications are, with the exception of a few main roads, bad. Trains don't run very often and they are a little more expensive than the buses. In return the comfort is better in the trains. Flying is the fastest and most comfortable mode of transport. But it is also very expensive.If you want to hitchhike you should be aware that locals often expect you to pay for the ride. Agree on the price beforehand. Moreover, it can be unsafe to hitchhike.
Special conditions
There's a risk of cholera, malaria, polio, typhoid fever and yellow fever. Contact your doctor concerning vaccinations before leaving.
Note that there is a danger of being robbed. Especially in Lusaka.
Note that there is a danger of being robbed. Especially in Lusaka.
