If you are looking at an African destination that combines nature with sun and sand, then Zambia is the place to go. Zambia has a lot going for it. From elegant to wild, this quiet patch of Africa got you covered!
Tucked away in the heart of central Africa, Zambia harbors an untamed blend of rugged hills, wetlands, and several camps and luxury lodges that will put you in the heart of the action.
Zambia also brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, and best of all, it will likely be the landscapes and wildlife. Wonderful!
It might be cheesy, but it’s true, Zambia will be one of your favorite places in Africa after the visit. YES! Nothing can match the feeling of you on foot, treading nose to snout with wading hippos or impala-hunting leopards.
Those who ignore visiting Zambia are missing a trick. The harsh thunder of the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls, perfect plains, and brilliant parks is a phenomenon you will have to experience in your bones to truly understand nature’s raw power!
Highlights
Zambia Capital: Lusaka
Population: 18.38 million
Area 752,618 km²
Major Religion: Christianity
Official Language: English
Quick peep: The languages predominantly spoken are Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba, Luvale, Kaonde, and Lozi. Bemba is the most widely spoken language in the capital city, Lusaka, and across the region Copperbelt.
Climate: There are two main seasons, the rainy season (November to April) corresponding to summer, and the dry season (May to October/November), corresponding to winter. The best time to visit Zambia is between June and November.
Dialing code: +260
Zambia Currency
Currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbols: ZK
DESTINATION AND CULTURE
Bemba people
Bemba has historically practiced a farming system called Chitemene. It is a burning system where trees are burnt, and the ashes are recycled to reduce the acidity of the soil. Their epic agricultural practice is mind-boggling!
Dark arts
Zambia has a history of witchcraft, and you can learn all about the dark arts in both the Lusaka National Museum and Livingston Museum, where there is an exhibition dedicated exclusively to the practices. Zambia’s reality and history never disappoint!
Zambia Cuisine
Zambia is a hotbed of hospitality with diverse restaurants serving different food across the globe – at some of the best prices. Exquisite!
Zambia’s local delicacy is heavily centered around Nshima (food prepared from pounded white maize). Nshima, vegetables, dried fish, and cold beer is part of nearly every Zambia dish.
River Zambezi
River Zambezi lures nature lovers with a plethora of outdoor activities, – Yes! Adrenaline junkies can participate in all kinds of heart-pumping activities like white water rafting. But if you would rather have a more quintessential Zambia vacation, you can spend most of your time game viewing from the comfort of your boat.
Busanga Plains
If it’s raw nature, and authentic it’s what you want out of a trip to Africa, Busanga Plains delivers! It is one of the best destinations to visit if you want to see lions. Busanga Plains rarely disappoints.
Victoria Falls
Nature-lovers rejoice! Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. As well as Purely admiring its raw beauty, there is a multitude of ways to experience it fully. Yes! Take a courageous glimpse over its brilliant edge or get a soak while treading a nearby trail. Victoria Fall never fails!
Luangwa River
The brooding Luangwa River meanders through the lush Rift Valley and complements the experience with a soothing sound of flowing water AWE! The views are simply overwhelming and mind-boggling. Luangwa River is well worth a visit!
Best of it all, the river holds thousands of crocodiles and hippos, and you will also have an excellent chance of seeing leopards.
Zambian National Parks
South Luangwa National Park is a mish-mash of contrasting landscapes and wildernesses, each featuring its own unforgettable wildlife experience. Here you can spy hippos, leopards, Zebra, elephants, and buffaloes charging across sprawling plains. What’s more, you can spot nocturnal animals such as civets and genets, mongooses, porcupines, honey-badgers, and hyenas on the prowl. You will love it here!
Keen birders will love spotting dikkops, owls, and nightjars. Wonderful!
Kafue Park
Kafue National Park is of particular interest to wildlife enthusiasts, to an abundance of impressive creatures, from leopards and lions to elephants and pangolins. Kafue Park is a can’t miss!
The birdlife is astounding too.
Liuwa Plains
If you would like a picture without another game vehicle or person getting in the way, then Liuwa Plains got you covered!
Liuwa Plains is home to several predators; lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, and other wildebeest. If you are a keen bird watcher, you will also spot owls and nightjars. It’s time to put Liuwa Plain on your bucket list for a more intimate photographic experience.
Sioma falls
The Falls allow brave souls to take a dip on the edge amongst the rocks that form a king of the bathing pool. Few destinations can match this wild – but handsome slice of Zambia.
Quick peep
- Wildlife is best viewed from July to November when water is scarce.
How to get a visa to Zambia
- Three simple ways to apply for Zambia Visa; by email, at the embassy, and at the border. You can only obtain single-entry visas at the border, but multi-entry visas are available by email or through the embassy. Whichever method you use to obtain a visa, your passport must contain two completely blank visa pages and be valid for six months past your planned departure.
Helpful Travelling tips
- Book through an agent directly to save costs. Since OTA’s takes commissions
- Currency and Banking. The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha. There are approximately 1ZK = $ 068.
- You need to bring an unlocked smartphone with you. You can get a sim card for your stay, which will allow you to add minutes and be able to call your family or friends.
- Dress Modest