Zambia tours & holidays
Zambia is home to emerald green national parks with abundant crocodile, elephant and hippo populations
While the village communities holding centuries of traditional wisdom will stop you in your tracks, it's Mother Nature's 'Smoke that Thunders' (known as Victoria Falls to most) that steals the show as Zambia's standout attraction. Adrenaline-charged sports, markets full of tribal mementos and thrilling safari adventures play worthy supporting roles to the show-stopping spectacle of Victoria Falls.
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Explore tailor-made tripsZambia at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Lusaka
POPULATION
19 million
CURRENCY
Zambian kwacha (ZK)
LANGUAGE
English, Bemba
TIME ZONE
Central Africa Time (GMT+2)
CALLING CODE
+260
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
Learn more about Zambia
Best time to visit Zambia
August, September and October are some of the best months to spot wildlife, though the days heat up towards the end of this period, especially in the national parks.
For cooler weather and greener landscapes, May to August is the time to visit, as the weather is cooler but still dry. The wet season generally runs from November to April. At this time, many of the national parks are closed and the animals are harder to spot.
Geography and environment
Landlocked Zambia shares borders with Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Zambia is one of the most urbanised countries in Africa, there are still areas of natural beauty to enjoy, with woodlands, savanna, grassland and forested national parks providing a home to mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects.
As the source of the mighty Zambezi River (which flows through five other countries), Zambia can lay claim to one of the world's longest rivers. World Heritage-listed Victoria Falls (which is shared with neighbouring Zimbabwe) is an iconic feature of the Zambezi, inspiring awe and wonder for centuries.
Top 5 adventure activities in Zambia
1. Canoeing
Going on a canoe safari is a must-do adventure when travelling in Zambia. Take advantage of the Zambezi's many channels and estuaries and glide along, spotting animals, admiring the scenery and stopping for breaks along the way.
2. Bungee jumping
Here's an adventure option for travellers with nerves of steel. Bungee jumping is a popular adrenaline sport for tourists visiting Zambia, with the Zambezi providing the perfect 'landing' (or dip) for brave jumpers. While not suitable for everyone, fit, healthy travellers with a lust for pushing their limits will love it.
3. Gorge swinging
With plenty of sheer cliff walls and deep gorges, Zambia is the perfect place to try gorge swinging. Considered a little less intense than bungee jumping, this is a great way to have a memorable time while avoiding the deep panic and fear often induced by bungee jumping.
4. White water rafting
The powerful Zambezi provides low and high rapids suitable for experienced and novice rafters. Bring your energy and fitness, as this adventurous option isn't for passengers - you'll need to paddle hard and hold on tight at times.
5. Scenic flying
Seeing Victoria Falls from a helicopter or micro aircraft may break the budget, but to experience the wonder and majesty of one of the Seven Wonders of the World from the air is surely worth the investment. This may not be one for those with a fear of heights (or flying), but definitely a worthy experience for thrill seekers with a sense of adventure.
Zambia travel FAQs
Most foreign nationals, including those from the EU, US and Australia, require a Zambian visa. Most travellers can get a visa on arrival at the point of entry, but check with your nearest Zambian Embassy for more information. The cost varies depending on your nationality (for some nationalities it's free), but make sure you bring US$ cash to pay on arrival.
- Australia: Yes - visa on arrival
- Belgium: Yes - visa on arrival
- Canada: Yes - visa on arrival
- Germany: Yes - visa on arrival
- Ireland: Yes - visa on arrival
- Netherlands: Yes - visa on arrival
- New Zealand: Yes - visa on arrival
- South Africa: NO VISA REQUIRED
- Switzerland: Yes - visa on arrival
- United Kingdom: Yes - visa on arrival
- USA: Yes - visa on arrival
Leaving a small amount (US$ 0.50-1) for hotel and restaurant staff and other service workers will help to supplement the low wages most people receive in Zambia.
Internet cafes can be found in Zambia's larger cities, however smaller towns and rural areas will have little to no access to the internet.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Zambia's cities and urban centres but less so in rural and remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home.
Visitors can expect to encounter a wide range of toilets while in Zambia. Western-style flushable toilets are available at many high-end hotels, bars, airports and tourist attractions while squat toilets are more common in rural areas and places frequented by locals. Be prepared by carrying your own toilet paper, soap or hand sanitiser, as these may not be provided.
- Can of soft drink = 2,000 ZK
- Street food snack or light meal = 1,000-5,000 ZK
- Bottle of beer = 4500-7500 ZK
- Lunch in a western-style café = 40,000 ZK
Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.
Credit cards are accepted by some large hotels and tourist-driven establishments but usually not by smaller places like markets, shops and cafes. Ensure you have other modes of payment when travelling in Zambia.
ATMs can be found in Zambia’s major cities but are less commonly found in rural areas.
- 1 Jan New Year's Day
- 8 Mar International Women's Day
- 12 Mar Youth Day
- Good Friday*
- Holy Saturday*
- Easter Monday*
- 1 May Labour Day
- 25 May Africa Day
- 3 Jul Heroes' Day
- 4 Jul Unity Day
- 7 Aug Farmers' Day
- 18 Oct National Day of Prayer
- 24 Oct Independence Day
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Zambia go to World Travel Guide's website. World Travel Guide.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State