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With thundering waterfalls and secluded safaris, it is a wonder why more people are not flocking to Zambia for the ultimate African experience. We are glad that they are not as small numbers and truly unspoilt cultures and landscapes are exactly what makes this lovely landlocked country so charming.
Zambia is the home of the original walking safari, where you can’t get any more up-close and personal with Mother Nature. With experienced safari guides who can take you through the rolling landscapes of wetlands, bush, hills and rivers you will question why you never came sooner!
One of the most incredible natural wonders you’ll ever see, the beautiful Victoria Falls is the best place to get your adrenaline pumping. Surrounded by a dense rainforest, feel the spray on your face and watch as rainbows shimmer in the mist. The Zambezi River forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe before plunging into Victoria Falls!
South Luangway National Park is perfect for spotting all the wildlife on your bucket list. The origin of the walking safari offers a rare opportunity to explore the bush on foot with an expert guide. After watching the sun go down across the savannah, join a game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife, like hyenas and leopards.
Zambia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets for wildlife spotting, with untamed national parks offering bucket-list safari drives. From walking safaris to river cruises, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Look out for lions lounging in the shade, elephants wandering right past your campsite, and hippos taking a dip at sunset.
Chipata is a city full of culture, markets and local restaurants. An ideal place to stopover when travelling between Zambia and Malawi, Chipata is often named the gateway to South Luangwa, meaning wild safari experiences are never far away! Home to the Ngoni people, visitors can learn about local traditions at popular cultural festivals.
In the larger cities, a range of food can now be bought due to the liberalisation of the economy, although in smaller towns your choice may still be limited.
The staple dish in Zambia is Nsima which is a porridge made by grinding and boiling maize and corn. Nsima is usually served with meat or fish and green vegetables.
As safari lodges are used to cater to the Western palate, western food is common and often delicious in these game reserves.
Zambia’s climate can be split into three seasons. The wet season (mid-November – mid-April), the dry season (mid-April – August) and the hot season (September – mid-November).
Regarding wildlife spotting, the best time to visit is the hot season as vegetation is sparse and it is easier to spot animals. Temperatures during the day remain high throughout the year (reaching 30º C) and the nights are much cooler.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Zambia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Zambia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zambian High Commission in the UK.
To enter Zambia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamping.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Zambia recognises dual nationality. However, to avoid delays at the airport you should leave Zambia on the same passport you used to enter.
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Zambia. You must be able to show:
Tourists may remain in Zambia for a total of 90 days in any 12 month period. For business visitors the maximum stay in Zambia over a 12 month period is 30 days.
For further information, email the Zambian High Commission at [email protected] or contact the Zambian Department of Immigration.
The KAZA UNIVISA, for use in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, is valid for unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and for day trips to Botswana. It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.
You can apply online in advance, or get the visa on arrival if you are arriving at:
On leaving Zambia, all air passengers must pay the equivalent to 25 US dollars for international travel and a security charge of 3 US dollars for domestic travel. Both charges are normally included in the cost of an air ticket, but you will have to pay in cash with Zambian kwacha if they are not.
To enter Zambia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Zambia guide.
As a public health measure, Zambia may introduce entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Zambia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.