Zambia

Zambia stands out as one of the prime tourism destinations in Africa of fering a wealth of natural tourism assets – waterfalls, lakes and rivers holding about 35% of Southern Africa’s total natural water resource, ‘wildlife protected areas’ occupying about 10% of the country’s total land area. Several other attractive destinations exist that range from the eastern to the North Western part of this magnificent country.

KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Kafue National Park is a unique area. The enormous size (one of the biggest National Parks in Africa), the many different habitats and the huge variety of mammals and birds make it an area waiting to be explored. It is Zambia’s biggest and oldest National Park and is easily accessed from both Lusaka and Livingstone. Although the park has a lot to offer, relatively few people visit this Zambian treasure. The Kafue is close to Lusaka and Livingstone; by approximately 3 to 4 hours driving many camps can be comfortably reached by good roads. With airstrips throughout the park, fly-in safaris are good options as well.

KALAMBO FALLS

the Kalambo Falls in Northern Province in Zambia, located on the Kalambo River, where it derives its name from. The river flows along the border between Zambia and Tanzania. Standing at 221 meters, the Kalambo falls is said to be the second highest free falling single drop waterfall in the whole of Africa, surpassed in height only by the Tugela Falls in South Africa. The purpose-built viewpoints on the Zambian side are great vantage points, but there are no barriers to stop you leaning over the sheer striated rock for a better look. Gravitational pull seems stronger where land seems to have unjustly vanished, and with it comes the inexplicable urge to leap.

LAKE TANGANYIKA

Lake Tanganyika is one of Africa’s great lakes. It is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake by volume, second only to lake Baikal in Russia. The accommodations available at Lake Tanganyika range from luxury island lodges to more basic guest house accommodation catering to more budget-conscious travelers. The temperatures in the region are mild with temperatures in the mid-twenties throughout the year.

LIUWA PLAIN NATIONAL PARK

Liuwa is a large grassy plain and woodland area home to a multitude of large mammals and birds. Africa’s second largest wildebeest gathering also takes place here, and is virtually unknown (overshadowed by the major East African migration). This is an incredible fact considering how awe-inspiring the event is, and one definitely worth planning a trip around. Private mobile safaris can be arranged into the area with professional guides but there are no permanent lodges and camps; in other words the only way to visit this area is with a pre-planned expedition. With good protection the number of mammals is increasing well and blue wildebeest were present in the largest numbers at the last count. There are large numbers of tsessebe, lesser numbers of zebra and numerous red lechwe, roan antelope are returning and reedbuck are present. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are also present but numbers are unverified. On night drives hyena are common and porcupine can be seen along with side striped jackals if you’re lucky.

MOSI – OA – TUNYA PARK

The Mosi oa Tunya National Park is home to the mighty and spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia’s tourist capital of Livingstone. Mosi oa Tunya National Park is divided into two sections: Victoria Falls World Heritage National Monument Site; and the Game Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife and spreads over an area of 66,000 km². For such a small area there is a large number of animals including elephants, buffalo and white rhinos. For most of the Big Five however you’ll need to leave more footprints in Zambia.

1. African Culture

It is perfect for those who like to explore beyond the beaten path and enjoy a warm local welcome at the end of a day’s journey.

2. Wildlife

Zambia is an incredible destination that can pretty much guarantee the full pantheon of Africa’s wildlife without having to be inside a fenced area.

3. Scenery

Magnificent mountains, braided rivers and incredible wildlife, you name it, Zambia has it.

4. Nature

From the spellbinding scenery to its unique natural wonders that is second to none in the world.

Getting there

By Air
The capital city of Zambia southern province is the momentous town of Livingstone, and it makes it a perfect location to kick-off your safari in Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is 15 kilometres from the airport. From Livingstone road travel and charter flights are readily available to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka is the gateway to all major commercial travel and entry point to major national parks –, Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. The safari game reserves are remote and connecting charter flights from Lusaka are obtainable.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

Although Zambia lies within the tropics, the climate is tempered by its high altitude. With typical altitudes of 1 000-1 600 metres, the resulting cooler temperatures make for a comfortable climate. Zambia’s seasons fall broadly into three periods. The rainy season from December – April, and the cool dry season occurs in the months of May -August whilst the hot dry season is in September to November. Only in the valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers is there extreme heat, particularly in October.

Mid-September is a splendid time to visit Zambia, particularly for game viewing. It’s not the best time for Victoria Falls though, as the falls will be dry on the Zambian side. However, Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool will be accessible at this time, which is a very exhilarating experience Should you however be determined to see more of the views of falls at this time, then may cross the border into Zimbabwe for a day or half day to view the falls on the Zimbabwean side.

Passport & Visa Info

Upon arrival for a Zambia safari, visitors need to present a passport valid for 6 months beyond stay and at least one blank visa page for entering and exiting stamps. Tourist visas are valid for 3 months at the discretion of the consulate. With a processing time of 5 – 10 working days, your visa should be available shortly after application. Those travelling to Zambia for tourism purposes need to provide a flight or tour itinerary and/ or copy of air ticket.

Passport holders of a certain list of countries are exempt from presenting a visa upon arrival in the country. Please check with us as this list changes on a on-going basis. Emergency visas may be obtained at an additional fee. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations only need to be presented by travellers coming from countries that are at risk. As of October 2015, foreign nationals can apply for an e-Visa online. The processing time for e-Visa’s are 3 to 5 working days.

Certain nationalities will be able to purchase a UNIVISA at the cost of USD 50 .00 per person when travelling to Zimbabwe and Zambia, allowing travellers to visit both countries with one visa. Travellers can purchase the UNIVISA at the dedicated counters at both the Victoria Falls and Livingstone Airports.

Eligible Countries for UNIVISA
Austria Denmark Liechtenstein Rwanda
Australia Finland Luxembourg Slovakia Republic
Belgium France Monaco Slovenia Republic
Brazil Germany Netherlands Spain
Britain (UK ) Greece New Zealand Sweden
Brunei Hungary Norway Switzerland
Burundi Iceland Poland UAE
Canada Israel Portugal Uruguay
Cook Islands Italy Puerto Rico USA

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Zambia.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Zambia, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Zambia. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Zambia requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate.

There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Zambia. As such, anti-malarial medication should be acquired from your personal physician prior to your departure, regardless of which safari area you will be traveling to within the country.

Health & Safety

The Victoria Falls area (Livingstone) is undoubtedly more people than the safari areas, and unsurprisingly urban centres would nature trivial crime. Be subtle with your valuables, and should you be touring with items of substantial value. Should you pay a visit to lively markets, like those near the Falls, stay vigilant and be inflexible with hagglers.

Should you be residing at a safari lodge in a national park or wilderness area, avoid approaching or feeding wild animals. Should the lodge be unfenced, refrain from walking around alone at night – typically lodge staff will always be on hand with a flashlight to guide you safely to your room.

Transportation in Zambia takes many forms. The most typical are overland transfers in air-conditioned minibuses or coaches, which we make regular use of for our guests that visit Livingstone and the Victoria Falls. Unless otherwise stipulated, all these transfers are private, and transfers are always included for activities.

If you take the liberty to extend you travel into the landscapes of Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue and South Luangwa or – both charter flights and commercial would be the necessary mode of transport. The less common mode of transport available would be boat transfers. Road travel may prove to be a tiring journey and 4×4 vehicle are preferred due to the rough terrain encountered.

Victoria Falls Activities

Victoria Falls is the capital of adventure tourism in Southern Africa. Besides the Victoria falls, activities found in this exciting scenery are white river rafting, Zambezi river cruises, microlight flight of angels, helicopter flight of angels, dinner and drum show, Livingstone island & devils pool, canoe trails, horse trails, bungy, village tours and Victoria Falls fishing trips.

Birding

Birdwatching in Zambia will reveal a mix of south, east and even central African birds. Birdlife is richest during the ’emerald’ wet season (Nov-March) when foliage is dense, and insects are thriving; this is also when palearctic and intra-African migrants visit. There is limited accessibility to some areas during this time, but some amazing opportunities for keen birders. n total, there are over 750 bird species in Zambia, across a range of environments. Wetland and swamp areas attract a variety of waterfowl, from herons, storks and ibises to the stately crowned and wattled cranes.

Canoeing

Canoeing can be done on both the upper and lower Zambezi river and offers a relaxing way to travel along the river. Experience the Zambezi river using the route that David Livingstone took in order to view many different birds and small river animals before the river turns into the mighty Victoria falls, it was along these banks that Livingstone is said to have proclaimed “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

Mobile Safaris
Several reputable companies offer mobile safaris to most of the national parks in Zambia. These safaris are truly reminiscent of those enjoyed by the great explorers of the past. It is commended that you dedicate at least a week to any mobile safari in Zambia to fully enjoy the experience and the natural wilderness areas in which these safaris are performed.

Fishing Trips

With over 75 species in these waters, you can’t go wrong with a fishing excursion on the Zambezi River. It offers one of the most exciting and challenging experiences for avid anglers: an opportunity to catch the Tiger Fish. Rated by many sports anglers as the finest freshwater fighting fish in the world, this powerful and swift predator is sure to give you a run for your money.

House Boating

Lake Kariba is the go-to destination in Zambia if a relaxing house boat holiday is what is of interest to you. The Zambian side of Lake Kariba is not as hectic as the Zimbabwean side, the weather is good, and the prices are quite affordable. The choice of whether to book a self-catered and self-operated, or fully-catered and crewed houseboat, is yours. The best months for a house boating adventure are the winter and spring months from about May to September.

Is Zambia expensive?

Yes, when compared to South Africa and Namibia, Zambia is a bit pricey, however it not significantly more expensive when compared to other countries in the region. Accommodation rates are similar to those found in South Africa and Namibia.

Will I have access to drinking water?

Yes – all hotels and lodges readily make bottled mineral water available to guests.

Will I have access to mobile reception and / or internet connectivity?

Lodges and hotels in Livingstone have decent mobile coverage and internet connectivity. In far-flung lodges in Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi terrible mobile coverage and internet connectivity.

Where is the best safari area in Zambia?

South Luangwa is generally considered to be the finest park in Zambia, set in a broad valley, bordered by the Rift Escarpment and centred on the languid meandering Luangwa river.

Do I require a yellow fever vaccination to visit Zambia?

No – Travellers heading to Zambia will no longer be required to get a yellow fever vaccination.

How would I reach the safari areas?

The mainstream of Zambia’s safari areas are accessible first by charter flight (typically from Lusaka Airport) and then overland by 4×4 vehicle.

Can I see Rhinos in Zambia?

Yes. The rhino population declined to extinction in 1993. A rhino introduction programme has been undertaken and the out-range rhino white rhino can be seen in Mosi oa Tunya National Park and the black rhino can be viewed in North Luangwa National Park.

Can I still visit the Victoria Falls during dry season?

Yes. In fact, visiting during dry season means that you can visit Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool. For a better view of the flow of the Falls, however, you can purchase We recommend you purchase a KAZA UNIVISA and wander over to the Zimbabwean side. Despite Victoria Falls being dried up on the Zambian side, it was still magnificent to see the rock face and depth of the gorge. It is truly remarkable to see what nature is capable of – to know that Victoria Falls fills the gorge during its peak time is incredible.