Destination

Zambia Travel Guide

Traveling to Zambia means exploring the most remote yet enchanting wilderness and wildlife in all of Africa.

Adventuring through the savannahs means seeing wildlife wander without being bound behind fences, sitting around the fire in the evenings as the African sunsets and white water rafting down world-famous, quick-moving waters.

The minute you arrive, you will be completely entranced!

Best Time To Visit

When it comes to visiting Africa, following weather patterns is key. Especially if you’re looking to go on a safari. The peak time to visit Zambia is from June to October, aka winter!

This is also prime time to go on a safari. Winter in Zambia means clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and rarely a drop of rain. In fact, June and July can get pretty chilly, but that’s nothing a light jacket can’t solve.

November, April, and May are considered shoulder months due to the rain. In November, it hasn’t quite started yet and come May, the rains have stopped. This is a wonderful time for game viewing, and it’s the best time to save some pennies since many of the camps and lodges have deals during this time of year.

Just keep in mind that many remote bush camps are closed this time of year, but you will still have plenty to choose from.

December means rain, rain, and more rain. This rain means lush green parks and no dust, allowing for ideal photography conditions. The Victoria Falls are also in full flood during the rainy season which is arguably the most spectacular time to view them.

What To Expect

Language: English is Zambia’s official language, but Bantu languages are the most widely spoken throughout the country.

Currency: The official currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK or ZMW). 1 USD is equivalent to 13.11 ZMK.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Some shops, restaurants, and upscale lodges and hotels accepted credit card, though it is not too common. Visa is the most recognized with Mastercard and Amex falling behind. If using a card, there’s a good chance you will run into a fee of about 4-7%. It’s also worth noting that you will be required to have a PIN to authorize any transaction. Since cash is king in Zambia, you’ll likely need an ATM at some point during your stay. Although US dollars are widely accepted, if you find yourself short, you can obtain cash at ATMs located at the banks in the cities and larger towns.

Plugs: In Zambia, the plugs are type C, D, and G, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: Zambia is a very safe destination, with the biggest issue being con artists and petty theft. So long as you’re sensible and aware of your surroundings, you should have no problems during your visit.