Rugged nature, sunsets that are second-to-none and wildlife encounters that are beyond your wildest dreams – this is Africa, and more so, your Zambia travels.
Sandwiched by Africa’s most verdant southern countries, Zambia’s border is lined by rivers that create an oasis for wildlife to thrive and waterfalls to flourish at their most rampant. The most powerful of them all is Victoria Falls. Arguably the most famous waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls tumbles clumsily down into the Zambezi River, creating a haze of the Smoke that Thunders as it hits the water.
With water, comes animals, and lots of them. Zambia’s dusty plains remain untouched, allowing wildlife to thrive at its own pace, protected by numerous national parks. Whether you are looking to canoe your way through South Luangwa National Park or want to safari in Kafue, by the time you have spent a day or two in Zambia, you will have met the Big 5 once or twice.
Your experience does not stop at safaris. Zambia shares some of the largest natural and man-made lakes in the world with its neighbours. Both Lake Kariba and Lake Tanganyika have beaches and offer a host of water-based activities on them. Due to their colossal size, you’ll quickly forget you’re not on the coast.
One of the true beauties of Zambia travel is that, despite being one of the best places for safaris in the world, it’s not overrun with tourism, making it all the better to enjoy.
Your trip starts here;
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When to Go on a Trip to Zambia
Zambia’s location enjoys a long warm season that offers five months of great wildlife viewing opportunities.
The best time to visit Zambia is from June to September when it’s not too hot, and you are guaranteed a dry climate to explore in. From September to November, temperatures soar, and water becomes scarce. However, because of this, you’re more likely to see wildlife in one place.
After November, the rain begins, and some national parks close. Due to the heavy rain from January and February, some roads become inaccessible. However, outside of these months, you can still have an amazing wildlife experience with the odd chance of rain and the animals embracing it all.
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Unique Experiences in Zambia
The Ultimate Victoria Falls Tour
Straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls were named by Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who introduced Victoria Falls to the western world.
Falling from a staggering gorge that cuts into the Southern African landscape, the raging falls were known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders. The impressive spray cloaks the waterfalls and acts as a beacon that can be seen for miles across the Zambian plains.
While most opt for a boat tour to explore the falls, to truly understand the size, helicopter rides tours over Victoria Falls to see its two-kilometre width are the once-in-a-lifetime experience that completes any visit to Zambia.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Nestled in the remote parts of eastern Zambia, the Zambezi River runs through the Lower Zambezi National Park acting as a fountain of life and vitality to the abundant wildlife that roams between the camps of Zambia.
One of the most popular Zambia safari tours in Lower Zambezi National Park is to take a canoe along the river that borders Zimbabwe where you are almost guaranteed to see the Big 5, sometimes in large numbers. To add to the experience, jumping in a boat around sunset is a sundowner experience worth setting the alarm for.
South Luangwa National Park
Open plains, dense woodlands, and the Luangwa River characterise the nature of this abundant national park. Known among locals simply as South Park, South Luangwa National Park covers 9,050 square-kilometres of the valley floor, the diversity of this region welcomes game and birdlife in high numbers. Completely untouched by man, nature thrives here.
South Luangwa National Park is a place of beginnings when it comes to African safaris, as you’ll see in this 4-day South Luangwa luxury safari trip. This is where walking safaris in Zambia first started and then spread with popularity continent-wide; South Luangwa is also the only place in Africa to allow nighttime safaris when wildlife is most active.
Kalambo Falls
Interrupting the Kalambo River that borders Tanzania, Kalambo Falls tumble in on drop from a 221-metre height into a gorge. The waterfall doubles up as a UNESCO archaeological site with excavation revealing Stone Age and Iron Age settlements around the waterfall.
The second-highest in Africa and twelfth in the world, to snatch a glimpse of Kalambo Falls you have to hike either a two-hour steep ascent or a gentle four and a half-hour ascent. Although challenging, enjoying the beauty of this untouched area is the most generous reward.
To add the magnificence of this spectacular waterfall, the rare Marabou stork builds its nest in the side of the gorge, and is often seen during mating season.
Lake Tanganyika
One of Africa’s Great Lakes in the Rift Valley, Lake Tanganyika is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by depth and volume. It’s also the world’s longest lake; when 19th-century explorers first found it, they believed they had found the end of the Nile.
Essentially a landlocked sea, while Zambia may only have 7% of Lake Tanganyika, there is no end to the vitality that it reaps. The lake was created by great geological shifts that are older than we can imagine, and with that comes a unique water temperature and environment for species to thrive. Lake Tanganyika is home to over 350 species of fish, most of which are endemic.
A great alternative to safari in Zambia, Lake Tanganyika offers an unexpected beach holiday in a landlocked country, with hot temperatures year-round, the clear waters and pristine beaches of this inland sea are heavenly.
Kafue National Park
Just when you thought Zambia couldn’t get any better, there is Kafue National Park; the oldest and largest national park in Africa. Covering an impressive 22,400 square kilometres, Kafue is a short distance from Livingstone making it an ideal Zambia safari package solution after Victoria Falls.
With vast virgin bush, rivers, swamps, and dry plains to enjoy, wildlife thrives here all year-round. There are large numbers of elephants and buffalo in the south, while the northwest is a birders paradise; the north is where all the antelope species roam elegantly in staggering numbers. As the park becomes more well-known, there are better efforts to protect all of these species.
Royal Livingstone Express Dinner Run
A dining experience like no other, the Royal Livingstone Express is a luxurious addition to a Victoria Falls travel guide. Don your best clothes to witness a combination of three essential parts of your trip: a Zambian sunset, the Victoria Falls Bridge and a romantic dinner in a vintage steam train.
Offering an entirely different perspective of the falls, no matter where you are in the steam train, you’ll have spectacular views as the carriage lights up with the orange hue of the sunset. As you approach the bridge, you may even be lucky enough to see an elephant by the Zambezi River as you begin your five-course meal.
The Royal Livingstone Express’s alternative routes are the lunch run, with a lighter menu, and through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park where the Falls are situated.
How to Get Around Zambia
Travel in Zambia might not be what you are used to. Getting from A-to-B is an adventure, and often a safari in itself.
Plane
The domestic and international airports of Zambia are limited to the major towns and cities, the ones that you are most likely to use while travelling in Zambia are Lusaka, the capital and Livingstone, where you can visit Victoria Falls.
Travelling by plane in Zambia is by far one of the most convenient ways to get around as there are chartered flights to airstrips within the national parks regularly, dropping you right at the heart of where you want to be.
4×4
When on safari, 4×4’s are used to give you the best view. Most national parks do not have tarmacked roads so it might be a little bumpy. It’s important to note that potholes on tarmac roads are guaranteed.
Boat
Bordered by the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers, heading out on boat safaris or using the river to get you from A-to-B when in national parks is convenient while adding a little more to your Zambian experience.
Train
The international train service, Tazara will get you from Tanzania through to central Zambia and then to Lusaka, however, the connections are impractical, to say the least. Should you be looking to take the train in Zambia, there is an express train from Lusaka to Livingstone, perfect for budget travellers looking for an overnight train solution.
Taxis and Buses
In the cities, taxis are everywhere. For the best prices, you’ll have to exercise those haggling skills you have been working on as there are no taxis with meters.
Buses are available and will take you just about anywhere you want to go in Zambia for incredibly reasonable prices. However, you have to be prepared for the consequences of this good deal. Standard buses are hot, have no seat belts or suspension. With Zambia’s temperatures and the long distances you have to travel, even the most experienced backpackers will say no.
Tourist buses are available; however, the prices are much higher. Should you be looking to minimise air travel during your trip to Zambia, this could be the best solution.
Where to Stay in Africa
Home to some of the world’s most sought-after experiences, Zambia does not hold back on accommodation options.
Safari Camps and Lodges
A big attraction to travelling in Zambia is the national parks that present some of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the world – after all, this is Africa! With that, comes stunning bush safari experiences in Zambia’s safari camps and lodges.
Ranging from luxurious open-area lodges to glamping tents and areas to set up your own tents; the accommodation options and what is possible to create yourself inside the national park areas prove that safari bush experiences can be for everyone.
Victoria Falls
Accommodation around the Victoria Falls are in Livingstone, named after the explorer who made the Falls known in the western world. Two resorts sit right next to Victoria Falls, offering the luxury experience of waking up to the sound of the waterfall.
There are an impressive range of resorts and lodges that are a short boat ride away on the river or in Livingstone town. The riverside accommodation options sit in the mid-range section (albeit more expensive than the Zimbabwean side) while the Livingstone town accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to riverside lodges.
Lusaka
A rapidly growing city, Lusaka is a city of contrasts with its built-up economic centre making a home for high-risers that neighbour sprawling markets selling just about everything. First-time visitors will find themselves in the downtown area, where the city’s bustle lies within close proximity to all there is to see. Few people choose to spend time in Lusaka, so accommodation options are limited.
Zambian Food
Zambia is not particularly well-known for its cuisine, however, you’ll find a range of hearty, home-made dishes that you will soon crave! When in the lodges, and in Livingstone and Lusaka, you’re introduced to what is on the menu. Here’s some Zambian favourites to get you started;
Nshima
In Zambia, maise sits at the heart of all cooking, and Nshima is what makes it beat! Made from ground-up corn to make a white powder, Nshima is maise porridge that is affectionately called ‘mealie-meal’. To add a little something to Nshima, it’s served up with your choice of meat or fish and vegetables.
Chikanda
This innovative staple is a mix of peanuts, chilli and orchid root that are blended together to make a dough-like consistency that tastes like meat when cooked, although it is completely vegetarian. A favourite among Zambians, Chikanda is also known as ‘African polony’. You can either eat it as a snack or as a side dish.
Ifishashi
Primarily made up of ground peanuts and kale, Ifishashi is a vegetarian’s dream. This hearty thick soup exemplifies Zambia’s distinct style of warming and filling homemade food. Typically, Ifishashi cos alongside sweet potatoes and kapenta fish.
Buka Buka and Kapenta
Zambia’s lakes and rivers fuel a fish-based cuisine. Buka Buka is a Nile perch fish that is cooked very simply; either grilled or boiled.
Kapenta packs a punch, a small sardine, kapenta is cooked in tomatoes and onions and then dried out to seal the deal.
Both of these fish are frequently on the menu and are musts while in Zambia!
Michopo
Zambia’s answer to the South African braai, Michopo is straightforward: grilled meat on a barbecue outside. Once it’s grilled, tomatoes, onion and chillies are added on the side with some potatoes for sustenance. As you can tell, in Zambia you’ll be guaranteed this with everything.
Michopo is best washed down with a maise beer.
Festivals in Zambia
With 73 tribes in Zambia, there is no end to the festivals in the country you’re almost guaranteed to run into one while travelling;
Koumboka
Known as the ‘coming out of the water’ festival, Koumboka takes place on the eastern plains of the Upper Zambezi River just after the rainy season.
The festival celebrates the safe crossing of the King of the Lozi people who would cross the floodplains every year to his summer house on dry land. Over three days there is a drumming ceremony, a canoeing contest and a procession of the king’s barge, elaborately decorated with a giant elephant replica and a burning flame.
Siavonga Music Festival
The only international music festival in Zambia, Siavonga takes place on Lake Kariba’s sandy beaches. Over a weekend, around 3,000 people gather to hear music from across the African continent and beyond.
Fun for all the family, Siavonga is a celebration of art, the outdoors, togetherness and music!
N’cwala
A grand celebration with food, music and dancing, N’cwala is a festival of the Ngoni people at the end of the rainy season. Taking place at the end of February near Chipata, among the celebrations is a prayer to welcome a successful harvest season.
Quick Tips & Important Facts for Zambia Travel
Visa: Most travellers require a visa to enter Zambia which can be obtained at the airport. Check what the requirements are for your country before travelling.
Money: The currency of Zambia is the Kwacha. At the time of writing, January 2021, 1 US dollar is equivalent to 18 Kwacha.
Vaccines: To travel to Zambia, it is advised that you take malaria medication and check with your doctor for a yellow fever vaccination before travelling.
Safety: Zambia is safe to travel in. As with anywhere in the world, it’s important to be wary of your belongings no matter where you go. Travellers should be wary of dangerous animals and listen to guides at all times when on safari.
Clothing: If you are going on safari, it is important to avoid bright clothing, particularly red. In the towns, women are expected to wear long trousers or skirts as it is conservative.
Electricity: Most towns and cities in Zambia observe land shedding. Electricity is often switched off for as long as eight hours a day.
Water: The water from the taps in Zambia is not drinkable. Stick to bottled drinking water or carry purifying tablets with you.
Looking Forward to Zambia Travel?
Take the stress out of planning your next trip by booking with Designer Journeys. With some of the best Local Designers on board, our journey will take you through a range of fully-customisable trips to Zambia that showcase just what this country has to offer. If you don’t like what you see, you can select ‘design your own trip’ and answer a few questions highlighting how you envision your dream trip.
From organising domestic flights to canoe trips in South Luangwa National Park, at Designer Journeys, you can customise every part of your trip with our Local Designers in Zambia. Start chatting today to experience a new way of travelling with Designer Journeys!
