Zambia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Lusaka.

Geography:

Zambia is a vast, land-locked tropical plateau in southern Africa bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest.

The Zambezi River, together with Lake Kariba, forms the frontier with Zimbabwe and lies at Zambia’s lowest point in altitude. Victoria Falls, formed by the Zambezi tumbling over a cliff into the Batoka Gorge, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). Lake Kariba, which was created by the construction of the Kariba Dam in the 1950s, is the world’s largest reservoir by volume.

The Zambian capital, Lusaka, lies roughly in the centre of the country, a region of thinly wooded bush. In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1,200m (3,937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland.

In central Zambia, South Luangwa National Park, east of Lusaka, and Kafue National Park, west of Lusaka, are magnificent expanses of riverside grassland, woodland and forest with some of the densest and most diverse populations of wild animals in Africa.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

There are no direct flights to Zambia from the UK. Indirect options include flights with Emirates (www.emirates.com) via Dubai, Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) via Addis Ababa, Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com) via Nairobi, and South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) via Johannesburg. The quickest route from the USA is via Johannesburg.

There are also international airports at Mfuwe, near South Luangwa National Park, and Ndola, in the copper-mining region. Fares are usually lowest in the rainy season, December to March, excluding Christmas and New Year.

Departure Tax

US$25 for international flights and US$8 for domestic flights. This is usually included in airline ticket prices; if not, it is payable at the airport in US Dollars. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt. An additional airport tax is about K60 (approx US$7) per person for international flights, payable in cash on departure.

Flight Times

London - 13 hours (including stopover); New York - 19 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

The easiest overland routes into Zambia are to and from Zimbabwe, which in turn is well connected to South Africa. It’s also straightforward to drive to Livingstone from the Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, northern Botswana, Malawi and southwest Tanzania. Border crossings are generally open 0600-1800 except for the Victoria Falls crossing which closes at 2000.

Getting There By Water

There is a ferry service to Mpulungu in northern Zambia across Lake Tanganyika from Kigoma in Tanzania which runs twice a month. It’s provided by the MV Liemba, a historic steam ship. It is often subject to long delays.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Zambia’s leading domestic carrier is Proflight (www.proflight-zambia.com), which offers scheduled flights to the main tourist hubs of Mfuwe and Livingstone. Proflight and charter carriers serve Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Kasama, Kitwe, Lusaka, Mongu and Ndola.

Bike

There are a few places in Livingstone where you can hire a bike and some safari lodges have mountain bikes for their guests to borrow, but this is not common. Most people who are planning to tour Zambia by bike bring their own.

Breakdown Services

In the event of breakdown call your car hire firm. Car firm MacFarlanes (tel: +260 966 401 676; http://macfarlaneszambia.com) offers roadside assistance and a 24-hour breakdown service on a private basis.

Car Hire

Several firms operate in main centres. The main international operator is Europcar (www.europcarzambia.com) which has desks at the airports and in the major cities. Specialist firms offer 4-wheel drive hire. The minimum age to legally hire a car is 18 years. Some firms can also provide chauffeur-driven cars.

Coach

Long-distance coaches run from Lusaka’s intercity bus terminal to the major regional centres.

Departure Tax

Included within the ticket price. A recently introduced Airport Development Infrastructure Fee for domestic flights is approximately US$8 per person.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required. UK driving licences may be used for up to 90 days.

Getting Around By Rail

Zambia 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 main train station is in Dedan Kamathi Road in central Lusaka, one road east of Cairo Road.

There is a twice-weekly Kitwe-Lusaka-Livingstone service which leaves Kitwe in the morning and reaches Lusaka at night and Livingstone the following evening. It has no sleepers or first-class carriages. The Golden Jubilee Express runs once a week from Livingstone to Lusaka and uses refurbished carriages from South Africa.

Children under six years of age travel free, and children between six and 15 years pay half price.

Regulations

It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Getting Around By Road

Zambia’s major cities and tourist destinations are connected by a growing network of tarred or gravel highways and roads, making it straightforward to get from city to city by car. However, minor roads are often in poor condition, with potholed tarmac, poorly maintained gravel or unsealed surfaces. In the rainy season, many unsealed roads become impassable.

Road Quality

There is a fairly good road network, of which around a quarter is tarred. Rural roads can often be left in poor condition.

Side Of Road

l

Taxi

It’s easy to hire a taxi in Lusaka, Livingstone and the other major cities by booking over the phone, either direct or via your hotel. It’s also possible to hail a cab in the street. Fares are unmetered and should be agreed in advance.

Urban Travel

Local bus services in Lusaka and other cities are provided by private minibuses and shared taxis. They’re basic, and can become very crowded. Taxis are not metered and fares should be agreed in advance. It is advisable to negotiate a fare.

Getting Around By Water

Local ferries operate on all waterways. Contact local authorities for details.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Zambia's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Zambia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zambian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zambia, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamping.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationality

Zambia recognises dual nationality. However, to avoid delays at the airport you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.

Visa requirements

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. You must be able to show:

• valid return or onward tickets
• enough money for your stay

Tourists may remain in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period. For business visitors the maximum stay in Zambia over a 12 month period is 30 days.

For further information, email the Zambian High Commission at info@zambiahc.org.uk or contact the Zambian Department of Immigration.

KAZA UNIVISA

The KAZA UNIVISA, for use in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is valid for unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and for day trips to Botswana. It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.

You can apply online in advance, or get the visa on arrival if you are arriving at:

• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka
• Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone
• by land at Livingstone, Victoria Falls (Zambia-Zimbabwe border)
• by land at Kazungula (Zambia-Botswana border)

Departure tax

On leaving Zambia, all air passengers must pay the equivalent to 25 US dollars for international travel and a security charge of 3 US dollars for domestic travel. Both charges are normally included in the cost of an air ticket, but you will have to pay in cash with Zambian kwacha if they are not.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Zambia, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Zambia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Zambia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Zambia.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Zambia

Terrorist attacks in Zambia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.  

Political situation

There are occasionally demonstrations and protests in Lusaka and other urban areas. They can disrupt local transport and become violent. Avoid them and leave the scene as soon as possible if a crowd develops. Do not cross protester roadblocks as this is likely to provoke a violent reaction from demonstrators.

Crime

Travel in larger cities and the major game parks is generally safe during daylight hours. However, serious crimes can happen. Pre-arrange transport to avoid walking at night and stay aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Stay alert and take precautions against vehicle crime by:

• keeping windows closed and doors locked when travelling
• ignoring hitchhikers or anyone trying to flag you down
• watching out for potential carjackers when approaching locked gateways at night, or if an object has been placed to block the road
• only using cars arranged for you by a hotel or tour operator

Keep valuables and originals of important documents in a safe place and carry a copy of your passport's photo page and entry stamp.

Laws and cultural differences

Pornography laws

It is illegal to possess pornographic material in Zambia, and offenders may be jailed or deported.

Illegal drugs

It is illegal to possess or use drugs, including marijuana. Drug use and smuggling are serious offences.

Using cameras in secure areas

It's illegal to take pictures of sensitive sites such as army barracks or government buildings, and you could be arrested. If in doubt, do not take pictures.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zambia, and anyone convicted can get a long prison sentence.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Anyone caught purchasing or trafficking such goods will be prosecuted and get a fine or a prison sentence.  

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Wild animals in the bush, including venomous snakes, are unpredictable and do kill. Whether you are travelling on land or water, you are at risk of potentially fatal animal attacks.

Adventure sports, including in the Victoria Falls area, carry risks. There have been serious accidents and deaths. The quality of medical care varies greatly. Follow safety instructions closely. Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment or potential repatriation.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Zambia, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Zambia for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. If you plan to stay in Zambia for more than 90 days, you'll need to have the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a Zambian driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.  

Road conditions and driving standards

Many roads are severely potholed. During the rainy season from November to April, sudden floods can wash away bridges and roads.

Vehicles in Zambia are often inadequately maintained and badly driven. There are frequent fatal crashes. Drink-driving and driving while on a mobile are illegal but commonplace. Zambia's Road Traffic and Safety Agency prosecutes traffic offenders through a fast-track court system.

It is dangerous to drive outside the main towns after dark due to abandoned vehicles, pedestrians and stray animals on the road, and vehicles being driven without lights.

Buses and minibuses

Travel by long-distance public transport can be dangerous due to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers, the poor quality of vehicles and poor road conditions. Minibuses in urban areas are usually severely overcrowded, poorly maintained and badly driven.

This section has safety advice for regions of Zambia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Zambia-DRC border

Take care when travelling in rural parts of Zambia, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The border is not demarcated and there is a risk of inadvertently illegally entering DRC.

Legitimate border crossings in these areas are generally safe.  

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Zambia
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Zambia including:

• yellow fever
• malaria
• dengue fever
• cholera
• mpox

The UNAIDS Zambia country progress report of 2020 estimated the overall HIV prevalence in the adult population is 11%, compared to a prevalence of 0.2% in adults in the UK. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Zambia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Zambia.

Medical facilities throughout Zambia are of a lower standard than in the UK. Facilities in rural areas are basic and emergency services are limited. Carry basic medical supplies. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Zambia

Police: 991

Ambulance: 992

Fire: 993  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Zambia
• dealing with a death in Zambia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Zambia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Zambia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Health care in Zambia is not free. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you are spending time in remote parts of the country.

Malaria is present throughout Zambia. The risk is highest in densely populated areas, especially near wetlands, in the rainy season. Not all mosquitoes carry malaria but it can take just one bite of an infected insect to transmit the disease, so it’s important to follow your GP’s advice about taking anti-malarials. Avoid bites by wearing a strong mosquito repellent, covering up with full-length clothing from sunset to dawn, spraying your bedroom with insecticide and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Food Drink:

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. The filtered drinking water supplied by hotels and safari lodges is safe to drink. Bottled water is also available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

The Zambian sun is extremely strong, so it's wise to wear sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible, especially at midday, even if it's cloudy. Daytime temperatures in Zambia can be very high, particularly at the end of the rainy season in October and November. There's a danger of dehydration and heatstroke at this time, particularly when exposed to the full force of the sun on bushwalks or when travelling in an open-topped vehicle. To guard against this, drink plenty of water – little and often is best. If you start to feel faint or nauseous, stay in the shade and take rehydration salts. The start of the rainy season in November and December brings high humidity which can cause fatigue. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.

Currency Information:

The Zambian currency is the kwacha, K (international currency code ZMW), which is equivalent to 100 ngwee. Zambian banknotes are in denominations of K100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 ngwee.

Note: On 1 January 2013, the Zambia government re-based the Zambian currency. The old currency code was ZMK. One new kwacha (ZMW) is equivalent to 1000 old kwacha (ZMK). The old banknotes cannot used as currency after 1 July 2014, but can be exchanged for new kwacha at the Bank of Zambia until 31 December 2015.

Payments within Zambia can be made in kwachas only, by law, even if the price is quoted in USD; foreign currency will not be accepted once you have cleared immigration at the airport.

Credit Cards:

Most hotels, restaurants, travel agents and bigger shops accept credit cards. Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard or American Express.

ATMs:

ATMs are available within Lusaka and some of the major towns in Zambia. Standard Chartered and Barclays Bank have ATMs which accept Visa but not MasterCard.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers cheques are widely accepted, though no longer commonly used. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US dollars, euros or pounds sterling.

Banking Hours:

Vary from bank to bank. Most are open Mon-Fri 0830-1430 but some stay open until 1600. Some banks also open from 0815-1030 or 1200 on Saturdays.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is limited to ZMW0.1. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be imported as long as it is declared on arrival.

Currency Exchange:

Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorised banks and bureaux de change.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
ZMW	ZK

Exchange Rates

10.29

12.28

9.90

Language

English, Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Kaonde and Luvale are the official languages. Zambia also has over 70 local dialects.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Youth Day	2024-03-12 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU's Foundation)	2024-05-25 00:00:00	0
Heroes' Day	2024-07-01 00:00:00	0
Unity Day	2024-07-02 00:00:00	0
Farmers' Day	2024-08-05 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-10-24 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following items may be imported into Zambia by travellers over 18 years without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 500g of cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• 1.5L of spirits and 2.5L of wine and 2.5L of clear beer.
• Goods to the value of US$1,000.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited items include counterfeit bank notes and coins, obscene material, pirated or counterfeit goods and prison-made goods.

Restricted items include animals, plants and their products, medicines and drugs, minerals and precious stones, and firearms and ammunition.

Telephone:

There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.

Mobile Telephone:

Mobile phone ownership and usage is rising all the time in Zambia and by early 2012, well over 60% of the population had a mobile. Mobile coverage can be patchy in some rural areas but is generally good around Lusaka, Livingstone and the other main towns and cities. In some areas rural frequented by tourists, such as South Luangwa National Park, mobile phone masts have been installed for the benefit of local workers and guests.

For visitors who would prefer to avoid roaming charges when making and receiving calls, local SIM cards are easily available. SIM cards from the main service providers, Airtel (www.africa.airtel.com) and MTN (www.mtn.com), can be bought at mobile phone shops at the airport and in the main towns and cities.

Internet:

There are internet cafés in Lusaka, Livingstone and the other main towns and cities. These are good value but connection speeds can be slow and power cuts sometimes occur. Many hotels and safari lodges provide Wi-Fi for their guests. This is usually free but a small charge may apply.

Post

Airmail to Western Europe or North America takes 7 to 14 days.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).

Media:

State-run radio and TV services dominate Zambia's broadcast media. Private radio stations offer little political reporting. The state also controls the principal daily and Sunday newspapers, The Zambia Daily Mail and The Times of Zambia. Libel and security laws can be used by authorities to intimidate journalists, especially those reporting on corruption. Defaming the president is a crime.

Marvel at Victoria Falls

The original Kololo name for the Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders'. At their highest, the falls drop 108m (345ft) from their basalt lip into the Batoka Gorge, almost twice as far as the Niagara Falls. The flow is most impressive between December and July, peaking in March and April, when the spray can be seen from miles away.

Get your adrenaline fix in Livingstone

Livingstone, formerly Zambia's capital city, is now well-established as Africa's adventure sports capital. Among other activities, thrillseekers can bungee jump off the 111m (364ft) bridge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Zambezi River, while below Victoria Falls in Batoka Gorge lie some of the best white water rapids to be found anywhere in the world.

Meander along the mighty Zambezi River

The great body of the Zambezi River is a particularly appealing location for a guided canoe safari, especially within Lower Zambezi National Park. You may well see elephants on the banks as you paddle along. Your guide will point out birds and keep a careful watch for hippos. The Zambezi is also a hotspot for tiger fishing.

Experience Kasanka National Park’s bat migration

This fascinating pocket of woodland is a conservation zone that’s in recovery after a long period of intense hunting and poaching. These days, it’s best known for antelopes, birds and bats. Every year between October and December, a staggering population (some says up to 10 millions) of fruit bats migrates into Kasanka. With the setting sun, they cover the skyline as they head out to feed, returning again at dawn.

Go on a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park

The protected woodlands and grasslands beside the Luangwa River teem with wildlife and form one of southern Africa's best game-viewing regions. South Luangwa is Zambia's flagship national park and the undisputed home of the walking safari, a particularly exhilarating way to experience the African bush. Safaris here have an authentic, conservation-conscious feel, with excellent low-impact lodges and exceptional guides.

Revel in colonial nostalgia at Shiwa Ngandu

This extravagant and incongruous manor house, the former home of a British colonial officer, overlooks a lake and is surrounded by pristine gardens. It gives a number of fascinating insights into both the eccentricity and determination of its creator and the colonial heritage of Zambia in general. There's also an idyllic natural hot spring just down the road.

Explore the fast-growing city of Lusaka

See the attractions in the booming capital, Lusaka, including the Kabwata Cultural Village where you'll find carvers at work, indigenous arts and crafts for sale, and entertainment from traditional dancers. The Lusaka National Museum covers ethnography, witchcraft, history and contemporary art. Lusaka's various bustling markets are its lifeblood, while the city also boasts a good restaurant and nightlife scene.

Spy the strange shoebill at Bangweulu Swamps

The marshy shores of Lake Bangweulu, north of Kasanka National Park in northern Zambia, are an important habitat for shoebills, a large, unusual-looking stork which catches fish by lunging with its huge bill at lightning speed. The best months to see them are May and June.

Watch wildlife in Kafue National Park

Enjoy spectacular wildlife watching in Kafue, the second largest national park in the world. Known for its beauty and scenic variety, this underexplored park is bisected by the Kafue River, which attracts hundreds of species of birds as well as herbivores and their predators. You can explore the park on game drives, guided bushwalks and riverboat trips.

Take it easy on Lake Kariba

Relax for a week on a luxurious houseboat on the world's largest reservoir, Zambia's equivalent of the French Riviera. The Zambian side of the lake is considerably quieter than the Zimbabwean side, but both are beautiful. You can drift along the banks, explore the islands or just admire the magnificent sunsets, drink in hand.

Overview

Lusaka’s Great East Road, Kafue Road, Leopards Hill and suburban districts have modern shopping centres featuring bookshops, fashion and homeware stores and supermarkets. Lusaka and most other cities and towns also have open-air markets which sell fresh produce, fabric, new and second hand clothing and homewares. Lusaka’s biggest markets are on Freedom Way, Independence Avenue and west of Cairo Road. While shops offer goods at fixed prices, bargaining is the norm in the markets.

Most tourist hotels and lodges have souvenir shops. These can also be found in Lusaka, Livingstone and near national parks. They sell items designed specifically to appeal to tourists, such as safari clothing, carved wooden masks and animals, pottery and copperware, beadwork, baskets, local gemstones, handmade jewellery and bags and homewares made from batik fabric.

Some souvenir shops are run as local craftworkers’ cooperatives. Tribal Textiles (www.tribaltextiles.co.zm) in Mfuwe, near South Luangwa National Park, is a particularly good example. Its batik workshop is open to the public, allowing you to watch local workers create and copy original designs inspired by traditional patterns and the natural world. The fabrics they produce are made into beautiful homewares, bags and clothing, all of which are for sale.

It’s inadvisable to buy items made from leather in Zambia unless they come with a guarantee that the skin is from animals that have been legitimately farmed for the purpose. Very occasionally you may see items made from ivory for sale; it’s illegal to export more than one such object per person. It’s also illegal to export genuine antiquities. Game trophies such as taxidermy or items made from tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair or feather require an export permit.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300 (some stay open until 1700).

Overview

Zambia isn’t particularly well-known for its cuisine, but the fare you’ll find in luxury lodges and safari camps is generally of an equally high standard to the properties themselves, with interesting barbecued game meats and other South African influences found on many menus.

Towns like Livingstone and Lusaka have some good Western style restaurants and curry houses. Further afield, Zambia’s bountiful lakes and rivers provide plentiful fresh fish both for local fisherman and restaurants across the country. The typical Zambian diet is heavy on starch and comfort foods such as stews, soups and beans.

Zambia’s most popular lager is called Mosi, taken from the original name for Victoria Falls. But in rural areas, you’re more likely to see locals drinking maize or sorghum beer, often homemade.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Some restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, if not 10% is standard

Drinking Age

18 years.

Hotels

Hotels in Zambia are mainly geared either towards business travellers or towards tourists on safari. Zambia's top business hotels, which are of international standard, are concentrated in Lusaka and the Copperbelt region. Livingstone has several high quality tourist hotels, as well as safari lodges. There are also hotels in the smaller cities and near principal road junctions. It is advisable to book in advance and to obtain confirmation in writing. All bills are subject to a statutory 10% service charge; this will usually be included in quoted room rates.

Grading: Hotels are graded according to a 5-star system. The most basic places are ungraded.

Camping Caravaning

Sites are available at most of the tourist centres, including several national parks. It is best to make reservations well in advance. If booking is more than four weeks in advance, some operators charge a 15% deposit. Prices may increase during peak periods. For further information, contact the Zambia National Tourist Board, who can supply a list of Zambian tour operators.

Other

History

The original inhabitants of Zambia were nomadic San hunter-gatherers. The first people to introduce agriculture and copper mining were Bantu settlers who started arriving in the 4th century.

In 1855, Dr David Livingstone became the first British explorer to visit Zambia and ‘discovered’ the Victoria Falls (so-named in honour of Queen Victoria) on his famous exploration of the Zambezi River. The town of Livingstone was later named after him, and would serve as the capital for a time.

Cecil Rhodes and the British South African Company colonised Zambia in 1889, then in 1924 the company ceded administrative control to the British Crown, whereupon it became the colony of Northern Rhodesia and serious European exploitation of Zambia’s main natural resource, copper, began.

The colonial authorities ceded independence in 1964 and the country was re-named Zambia. The pre-independence elections were won by Kenneth Kaunda's United National Independence Party. Zambia soon became involved in the war in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Kaunda closed the southern border and gave safe haven to cadres from Joshua Nkomo's ZAPU party and its associated guerrilla army, ZIPRA.

Relations with the Zimbabweans improved after Zimbabwe became independent in 1980 and Kaunda's foreign policy focused elsewhere. However, a decline in global copper prices caused economic decline in Zambia throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Meanwhile, Kaunda became a major regional statesman. He played a significant part in the initiatives leading to independence in Namibia and South Africa and, in the 1990s, chaired both the Organisation of African Unity and the 'front-line' group of Southern African states confronting the South African apartheid regime.

During 1990, domestic unrest, sparked by price rises, developed into demands for a more democratic system of government. The principal opposition, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) led by Frederick Chiluba, won a substantial majority in the ensuing 1991 election, which marked an end to single-party rule.

In the years since, Zambia’s inherently peaceful democracy has prevailed despite the occasional scare. In January 2015, Edward Lungu became the latest Zambian president, after his predecessor Michael Sata died in office.

Did you know?
• Iron and copper have been mined in Zambia for over 2,000 years.
• Zambia’s is one Africa’s most urbanized countries.
• In 2015, the Global Peace Index rated Zambia the most peaceful country in Africa.

Religion

Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.

Social Conventions

Zambian culture, traditions and folklore remain prominent and long-standing tribal customs and crafts are practised throughout the country, particularly in the rural areas. These include rituals and ceremonies to mark rites of passage such as coming-of-age or marriage, and colourful annual festivals to commemorate revered ancestors celebrate the changing seasons. Most Zambian festivals feature traditional music, drumming and dancing.

Visitors to the more remote rural areas should expect to be met with curiosity. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Gifts are often offered to visitors as a sign of gratitude, friendship or honour. One should never refuse a gift but accept it with both hands.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both males and females in Zambia and social attitudes towards LGBT people are mostly negative.

Best Time To Visit:

Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.

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Required Clothing

Lightweights or tropical with rainwear.

Dialing Code:

+260

Area(sq km):

752614

Population:

18.383.955

Population Density(per sq km):

20

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

999