Zambia Travel Guide
Zambia…a destination for safari, natural wonder, and vibrant culture. Explore national parks on a classic game drive, go on a thrilling walking safari, and tour local villages to learn about the country’s unique traditions. Visitors also marvel at Zambia’s rich landscapes, from the sprawling plains of Kafue National Park to the thundering showers of Victoria Falls.
Zambia Stats
Official Language: English
Population: 20.7 million
Capital City: Lusaka
Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Power Outlet: Types C, D, and G
Victoria Falls
Crossing the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia
While visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, we walked across the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia. This sounds easy enough to do, but while planning our trip there was a lot of conflicting information about what visas and vaccinations are necessary in order to do this. If you have the same questions, here is some information to help you plan your visit.
Top Experiences in Zambia
Victoria Falls. Seated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, these magnificent falls are one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. It is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Massive sheets of water drop hundreds of feet into the Zambezi River below, forming huge clouds of misty vapor. Visitors can enjoy viewpoints of the falls, take a dip in a natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls (Devil’s Pool), and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zimbabwe for more stunning viewpoints.
Lower Zambezi National Park. Home to a diverse range of wildlife, with elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and more, this national park is one of the best safari locations in Zambia. Animals typically concentrate around the Zambezi River, a major water source amidst sprawling plains. Visitors can go for a game drive, embark on a river cruise, or take an on-foot guided expedition to track wildlife.
South Luangwa National Park. The birthplace of the walking safari, South Luangwa National Park presents a uniquely immersive way to explore the Zambian wilderness. Step beyond the game vehicle and awaken all five senses as you navigate on foot to follow fresh animal tracks. Reconnect with nature and feel the ground shake from elephants’ footsteps on a short walk or a multi-day trek.
Kasanka Bat Migration. Beginning in October, roughly 10 million straw-colored fruit bats descend into Kasanka National Park, making it the largest mammal migration in the world. Watch as these fruit bats cover the night sky, a spectacle that can last 45 to 90 days.
Kafue National Park. Disconnect from the outside world at Zambia’s largest and oldest national park. There are plenty of animals to see, from “leaping lions”, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and more. There are also over 500 recorded species of birds.
Visit Local Villages. One of the best ways to understand and appreciate local culture is by interacting with communities that have called Zambia home for generations. Take a tour through a working village, guided by the Chief, and enjoy an immersive look into the local way of life. Options to consider include the Mukuni Village, Kawaza Village, and others.
Stay at a Safari Camp. From budget campgrounds to luxury lodges, safari camps offer a unique place to stay in and around the national parks, where wildlife is known to wander around the property.
When To Visit Zambia
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, temperatures are pleasant with plenty of sunny days. As the water dries up, animals will gather around the remaining water sources, giving you the best chance to spot wildlife.
To see the Kasanka Bat Migration, visit anytime from early October to the end of December, when millions of fruit bats descend onto Kasanka National Park.
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Header photo and Victoria Falls photo credit: shutterstock.com