Zambia

Zambia has excellent national parks teeming with birds and other animals, as well as the spectacular Victoria Falls and Zambezi River. Apart from sightseeing, these places are also centres for activities ranging from canoeing to white-water rafting and bungee jumping.

Top Accommodation

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  Shumba Camp

  Zambia

  Shumba Camp is located amidst the Busanga plains, home to hundreds ubiquitous game as well ...

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  Sausage Tree Camp

  Zambia

  Sausage Tree Camp accessed by boat is remote and intimate sitting on the banks of ...

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  Kalamu Lagoon Camp

  Zambia

  Kalamu Lagoon Camp is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River in one of ...

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  The Royal Livingstone

  Zambia

  Stretching out alongside the Zambezi River and with the mouth of Victoria Falls at its ...

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Top Restaurants

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  Kalamu Lagoon Camp

  Zambia

  Kalamu Lagoon Camp is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River in one of ...

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  Sausage Tree Camp

  Zambia

  Sausage Tree Camp accessed by boat is remote and intimate sitting on the banks of ...

  more

  

  0 ratings

  0 reviews

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  The Royal Livingstone

  Zambia

  Stretching out alongside the Zambezi River and with the mouth of Victoria Falls at its ...

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  0 ratings

  0 reviews

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  Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp

  Zambia

  Secluded and intimate the camp is uniquely situated overlooking the legendary Zambezi River and protected ...

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Zambia's altitude creates a temperate climate. There are three distinct seasons: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night and the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), which is the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and the wet season (mid-November to mid-April). Temperatures climb up to 29 to 30°C (84-86°F) during the day with quite cold nights throughout the year. Overall temperatures are slightly cooler in the middle of the year, which, along with sparse rainfall, make things quite pleasant.

Transport

Getting there and away

Europe has frequent air connections with Zambia. British Airways, KLM and Air France all have regular services to Lusaka. African carriers flying to the capital include Air Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways and South African Airways. Lusaka Airport is 20km (12mi) east of the centre. There's no airport bus, but taxis and hotel courtesy vans meet international flights. A growing number of tourists fly directly to Livingstone, near Victoria Falls. Mfuwe, the town nearest to South Luangwa National Park, also takes occasional international flights.

The most fabulous way of entering Zambia by road is over the Victoria Falls Bridge from Zimbabwe. The main route between Lusaka and Bulawayo, from where you can reach Harare, crosses the border here. The other main border points with Zimbabwe are Chirundu and Kariba, where you cross between Zambia and Zimbawe over the massive Kariba Dam.

From Malawi, the main crossing point is east of Chipata, on the main road between Lusaka and Lilongwe. The only crossing point between Zambia and Botswana is the ferry across the Zambezi River at Kazungula, about 60km (37mi) west of Victoria Falls, though there are plans to build a bridge here. From Namibia, buses run from Windhoek to the Namibian outpost town of Katima Mulilo. From here you can cross the border into Zambia, go over the Zambezi on a ferry, then go via Sesheke to Livingstone. An easier option from Katima Mulilo is the bus, which runs through Botswana to Victoria Falls in Zimbawe, from where you can easily cross the border to Zambia.

Getting around

For backpackers and independent travellers, buses are relatively good by regional standards but still get pretty crowded (large buses have five seats across, not the usual four). Road conditions have improved markedly in recent years but trips are still long, and often bumpy, making bus travel wearisome. All the bus companies are privately owned, but prices are relatively standardised and most services run fairly regularly. Minibuses are available for shorter runs and tend to be faster and slightly more expensive than regular buses. The train is a good alternative if you don't plan on going far from the Livingstone-Lusaka-Nakonde corridor, and you're not in a hurry. There's a train that goes from Lusaka to Kitwe, which is very slow. The Lusaka-Livingstone route (theoretically) has an express three times a week and a local daily, but departures can be inconsistent.

The best way of getting around is undeniably by vehicle, preferably a 4WD. There are several rental agencies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola, north of Lusaka on the Congo (Zaïre) border. With Lusaka at the hub, main roads radiate out to Chipata (in the east), Livingstone (in the south), Mongu (in the west), Nakonde (on the Tanzanian border in the northeast) and to Mpulungu (on Lake Tanganyika in the north). Conditions vary, and range from new smooth tar to appalling potholes. Dirt roads range from bad to impassable, especially after the rains. If you haven't driven in Africa before, this is no place to start. All drivers need an International Driver's Licence. Driving is officially on the left, but you wouldn't always know it. Drive defensively and be prepared for anything. Domestic flights and charter planes serve Lusaka, Livingstone, the Copperbelt towns of Ndola and Kitwe, and various national parks. For visitors short on time these can be the most efficient way of getting around.

Your final option for getting around is by organised safari. Using air, boat and road transport, safaris can take the trouble out of travel, and be ideal for visitors new to Africa or who have little time. Travel agents in Lusaka can arrange things, and there are several Zambia specialists in Europe (notably Britain) and North America who can set up packages and tailor-made trips. Safaris can also be organised within Zambia.

Health & Legal Requirements

Visas overview

Most visitors need visas, which are good for three months, plus an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow fever vaccination within the past 10 years, though you're unlikely to be asked for this. For many nationalities, visas are available on arrival, though regulations do change so check before you turn up. Visa fees also vary for different nationalities, though for most it's 25.00 for a single entry. British passport holders are the notable exception - it will cost you guys 65.00.