Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its natural beauty and wildlife. One of the attractions in Zambia that draws visitors from all over the world is the Victoria Falls, located on the border with Zimbabwe. The falls are over 100 meters high and are one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
1. Zambia Quick Facts
Language English , Afrikaans , Zulu
Religion Christian lineage
Currency United States dollar (USD, $), Zambian Kwacha (ZMW, ZK)
Visa Visa on arrival ($30)
Power Plugs 240 V 50 Hz (C, D, G Type)
Capital Lusaka
ATM ATM are available in Lusaka and some major cities.
Use card
Most tourist hotels, restaurants, safari operators, and large shops in Lusaka and Livingstone accept credit cards, but many shops in outlying areas do not accept credit cards and only transact in local currency.
APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Transport in Zambia is generally inexpensive, with public buses and minibuses being the most common means of transport. In general, public transport fares can range from US$0.50 to US$5 for short journeys and US$10 to US$30 for longer journeys. Taxis and private transfers are also available, with prices varying according to distance and type of vehicle.
There are intercity buses that run between cities and neighbouring countries, but these can be unhygienic and have safety issues.
Taxis
There are a number of small private taxis that operate on a call-hailing basis, but they are not very popular as they are quite expensive and if you are not familiar with the local conditions you should be careful as they often charge extortionate rates. There are metered and unmetered taxis, but in the latter case it’s best to check the distance and price to make sure it’s reasonable.
4.Safety
Security in Zambia is safe. Livingstone, near Victoria Falls, has good security, but it is not recommended to walk around late in the evening.
Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street with a good exchange rate, as they are likely to be a robber (we recommend using banks, hotels, and authorized money changers as there is not much of a difference between the official and unofficial exchange rates).
When traveling, you may be approached at various places, including your accommodation, to sell minerals and jewelry, and you should be aware that robberies, thefts, and pickpockets may occur on public buses and in areas with large concentrations of locals (restaurants, bars, bus stops, etc.), and that walking at night, even in broad daylight, is dangerous in remote areas.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Common emergency phone numbers: 999/112
Country phone code: 263
5. Climate
Zambia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The cool, dry season runs from May through August, the hot, dry season runs from September through November, and the warm, humid season runs from December through April. During the cool, dry season, temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C, with clear blue skies and cool nights. The hot, dry season is characterized by temperatures between 20°C and 35°C (68°F and 95°F) with hot and dusty conditions, and forest fires are common during this time. The hot and humid season is characterized by high humidity and temperatures of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
6. price
Zambia is generally an affordable country with prices lower than many other African countries.
Gasoline (1 liter) is $ 1.40
McDonald’s Combo Meal: $ 3.40
Water (1.5 liter): $ 0.98
Milk (1 liter) $1.20
7. Travel precautions
Travelers are advised to get vaccinated against Zambia and malaria, wear long sleeves and long pants to protect against flies and other insects, and iron clothes after washing and drying to protect against fly larvae.
Cholera is spreading around Lusaka, Zambia, in January 2024. Caution.
Avoid discussing HIV/AIDS, as many Zambians have lost family members to the disease or know someone who has.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Always greet before starting a conversation, and if a person approaches you, offer the initial greeting. Men should withhold their hands when greeting a woman, until the woman offers her hands. Gifts are presented as a sign of honour, friendship or appreciation. Gifts should not be refused and accepted with both hands while saying thank you.Avoid beckoning someone by whistling as it is reserved for animals.Avoid asking about HIV/AIDS as there tends to be somewhat of a social stigma related to it.
Tip
Zambia does not have a tipping culture. If you are satisfied with the service in a hotel or restaurant, you can tip 5-10%, and tipping in bars is not common. If you like the service, you can leave some change. On a safari, you should tip your guide about 52,000 ZMK per person per day.
9. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
8 Mar Fri International Women’s Day
12 Mar Tue Youth Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
30 Mar Sat Easter Saturday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
28 Apr Sun Kenneth Kaunda Brithday
1 May Wed Labour Day
25 May Sat Africa Day
1 Jul Mon Heroes’ Day
2 Jul Tue Unity Day
5 Aug Mon Farmers’ Day
18 Oct Fri Prayer Day
24 Oct Thu Independence Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Saturday, 8 March : International Women’s Day
Wednesday, 12 March : Youth Day
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April : Easter Saturday
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Monday, 28 April : Kenneth Kaunda Brithday
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Sunday, 25 May : Africa Day
Monday, 7 July : Heroes’ Day
Tuesday, 8 July : Unity Day
Monday, 4 August : Farmers’ Day
Saturday, 18 October : Prayer Day
Friday, 24 October : Independence Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day