Travel to Zambia — everything you need to know
When to go to Zambia?
- May – October — Dry season (Green Season) : Best period for safaris: wildlife concentrated around water points, sparse vegetation for viewing. Pleasant temperatures 20–32°C. Victoria Falls at its lowest level but accessible on foot from the Zambian side.
- November – April — Rainy season : Heavy rain (150–250mm/month), tracks impassable, some camps closed. Victoria Falls at its most spectacular. The 'green season' with fewer tourists.
Weather in Zambia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Lusaka.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 26 to 36 °C depending on the season, 54 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 27 to 36 °C depending on the season, 91 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Zambia?
Zambia is the Rolls-Royce of African safaris: South Luangwa (birthplace of the walking safari), Kafue, the Liuwa floodplains — and Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders'), a UNESCO site shared with Zimbabwe. A country free of mass tourism, with abundant wildlife and Africa's most exclusive safari lodges.
Victoria Falls — Mosi-oa-Tunya
Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world (1,708m wide, 108m high) — a UNESCO site and natural wonder of the world. In the dry season (Sept-Oct), you can swim in the 'Devil's Pool' at the edge of the precipice. In the rainy season, the mist plume is visible from 50km away. The Zambian side allows visitors to walk along the cliff facing the falls.
Highlights : Victoria Falls, Cliffside walk on the Zambian side, Devil's Pool — swimming at the edge of the falls (Sept-Jan).
South Luangwa — Walking Safari
South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari, invented here by Norman Carr in 1950. It is the only African park where you can approach animals on foot with an armed guide — lions, leopards, elephants just a few metres away. The Luangwa River valley holds one of the highest wildlife densities in Africa. Considered by purists to be Africa's finest park.
Highlights : Night safari — leopards and civets on the hunt, Luangwa riverbank — hippos and crocodiles, Bush fly camp under the stars.
Kafue Plains — Antelopes and lions
Kafue is the largest park in sub-Saharan Africa (22,400 km²) — larger than Belgium. Less known than Luangwa, it offers varied landscapes (Busanga floodplains, miombo woodlands) and abundant wildlife: lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs (an endangered species), hippos and sitatungas.
Highlights : Busanga Plains — cheetahs and lions in the dry season, African wild dogs — critically endangered species, Kafue River — crocodiles and hippos.
Lusaka and Lower Zambezi
Lusaka is a lively capital with its markets (Soweto Market, the largest in central Africa) and contemporary Zambian art galleries. Lower Zambezi National Park, facing Zimbabwe, offers canoe safaris on the Zambezi — paddling among elephants crossing the river, a unique experience in Africa.
Highlights : Canoe safari on the Zambezi — elephants crossing the river, Soweto Market Lusaka — local crafts, Kalingalinga Market — Lusaka paintings and sculptures.
Travel budget for Zambia
Zambia is a high-end safari destination: bush camps are among the most expensive in the world. However, it is possible to travel on a mid-range budget by staying in mid-tier lodges in Livingstone. The parks themselves have high entry fees.
- Backpacker : 50–90 €/j — Guesthouse + local food + basic activities
- Comfort : 130–250 €/j — 3★ lodge + restaurants + guided safaris
Practical tips for travelling to Zambia
- Flight from Paris : ~12–14h via Johannesburg (South African, Lufthansa), Nairobi (Kenya Airways) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian).
- Visa : Visa on arrival (50 USD, 30 days) for French citizens. Also available online (e-Visa). KAZA UniVisa available (Zambia + Zimbabwe).
- Currency : Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). US dollars and euros accepted in lodges. Bank cards only in major cities.
- Language : English (official, everyday language in cities). Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga among locals.
- Electricity : Type G (British, 3 square pins) — 230V. Adapter recommended.
- Health : Malaria prophylaxis essential. Yellow fever vaccine mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Bottled water.
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled water only.
- Mobile network : MTN and Airtel cover the main cities. Bush parks are dead zones — plan for satellite communication if needed.
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