Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Zambia travel guide

Zambia Tourism | Zambia Guide

You're Going to Love Zambia

Remote and off the beaten path, Zambia is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Africa.

Article

Shaped by three major rivers, Zambia is heaven for those looking to experiencing wildlife up close.

What to do in Zambia

1. Visit the National Parks

With over 20 national parks, Zambia is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts. North Luangwa Park is known for walking safaris, Kafue National Park is the largest and the oldest, and at South Luangwa Park, spotting wildlife is guaranteed.

2. Go Diving

Lake Tanganyika, the second largest on the continent, is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

3. Admire Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Zambia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Camp Near Kalambo Falls

Perhaps not as famous as Victoria Falls among tourists, Kalambo Falls is twice the size and even more impressive. Enjoy the views from a nearby campsite overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

5. Explore the Capital Lusaka

Although not bursting with must-see tourist landmarks, to many Lusaka is the quintessential African capital city: authentic and cosmopolitan.

1. Visit the National Parks

With over 20 national parks, Zambia is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts. North Luangwa Park is known for walking safaris, Kafue National Park is the largest and the oldest, and at South Luangwa Park, spotting wildlife is guaranteed.

2. Go Diving

Lake Tanganyika, the second largest on the continent, is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

3. Admire Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Zambia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Camp Near Kalambo Falls

Perhaps not as famous as Victoria Falls among tourists, Kalambo Falls is twice the size and even more impressive. Enjoy the views from a nearby campsite overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

5. Explore the Capital Lusaka

Although not bursting with must-see tourist landmarks, to many Lusaka is the quintessential African capital city: authentic and cosmopolitan.

When to visit Zambia

Zambia in October
Estimated hotel price
$106
1 night at 3-star hotel
Zambia in October
Estimated hotel price
$106
1 night at 3-star hotel

From May to October is the best time to visit Zambia for better chances of spotting wildlife. Keep in mind it's also high tourist season, which may affect prices and availability.

If looking to travel for top local cultural events, N'cwala (the harvest festival) happens in February, Kuomboka in April, and Kusefya Pangwena in August.

How to Get to Zambia

Entry requirements

Entry requirements aren't always straightforward in Zambia, so check the latest rules with the closest embassy in your country.

Usually nationals from most western countries get a visa on arrival at the airport.

Plane

Zambia is served by two main international airports: Lusaka International Airport and Livingstone Airport.

Flights landing in Lusaka are mainly from European destinations, which means that those flying to Zambia from elsewhere must account for at least one layover. Livingstone receives regular flights from destinations that include Johannesburg, London, and Dubai.

Train

There are regular train connections between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. These trains are operated by TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railways) and the trip takes nearly 40h.

Car

Getting to Zambia by car means having to pay a carbon tax and insurance at the border before crossing. Check the latest updates before choosing this option.

There are several possible overland crossings into Zambia, but the most popular are the ones in Zimbabwe.

Bus

There are a few regular international buses traveling to Zambia from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Customs and immigration processing can be slow, considering a lot of people opt to travel by bus from neighboring countries.

Boat

It's possible to travel to Zambia by boat from Tanzania over Lake Tanganyika. There are regular ferry services across the lake.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements aren't always straightforward in Zambia, so check the latest rules with the closest embassy in your country.

Usually nationals from most western countries get a visa on arrival at the airport.

Plane

Zambia is served by two main international airports: Lusaka International Airport and Livingstone Airport.

Flights landing in Lusaka are mainly from European destinations, which means that those flying to Zambia from elsewhere must account for at least one layover. Livingstone receives regular flights from destinations that include Johannesburg, London, and Dubai.

Train

There are regular train connections between Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. These trains are operated by TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railways) and the trip takes nearly 40h.

Car

Getting to Zambia by car means having to pay a carbon tax and insurance at the border before crossing. Check the latest updates before choosing this option.

There are several possible overland crossings into Zambia, but the most popular are the ones in Zimbabwe.

Bus

There are a few regular international buses traveling to Zambia from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Customs and immigration processing can be slow, considering a lot of people opt to travel by bus from neighboring countries.

Boat

It's possible to travel to Zambia by boat from Tanzania over Lake Tanganyika. There are regular ferry services across the lake.

Popular airports in Zambia

KLBKalabo
SLISolwezi
JEKMafuta Lower Zambezi Nat.Park Jeki
NLANdola
LUNLusaka
RYLMafuta Royal Airstrip
CGJChingola Kasompe
KIWKitwe Southdowns
KAAKasama
MFUMfuwe
LVILivingstone
Show more

Popular airlines serving Zambia

KLM
Good (1,338 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,872 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,946 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,796 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,716 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,449 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,715 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,224 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,567 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (858 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (771 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,922 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (349 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,771 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,903 reviews)
SAUDIA
Good (611 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (835 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,181 reviews)
Kenya Airways
Good (262 reviews)
Hahn Air Systems
Okay (6 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Zambia

Where to stay in Zambia

Hotels and budget-friendly hostels are easy to find in most cities in towns. The most popular type of accommodation is the safari lodges at national parks that allow closer contact with nature. They're usually either very affordable or luxurious and high-end.

Where to stay in popular areas of Zambia

Most booked hotels in Zambia

See all
Best Western Plus Paramount Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 767 reviews)
$90+
View
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, 717 reviews)
$166+
View
Southern Sun Ridgeway Lusaka
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 538 reviews)
$119+
View
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, 212 reviews)
$616+
View
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 443 reviews)
$348+
View
Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka Society Business Park
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 341 reviews)
$94+
View

How to Get Around Zambia

Public Transportation

Taxis are the only public transportation available within cities. Fares must be negotiated with the driver before the ride.

Trains

The regional trains are often slow and unreliable, so most passengers who need to go to the north of Zambia opt to take the international train to Tanzania and get off at the last stop before crossing the border, which is Nakonde.

Bus

Most cities and towns are connected by a reasonable network of public buses. Express buses connect Lusaka to Livingstone, the Copperbelt region, and Chipata.

Car

To rent a car for up to three months, visitors need to have a driver's license for five years (issued by the country of origin), and be over 25 years of age.

Drive on the left and keep an eye out for chance encounters with wildlife crossing the roads.

Plane

There are regular domestic flights operated by local carrier Proflight from Lusaka to a series of tourist destinations in Zambia, including Victoria Falls (Livingstone) and South Luangwa National Park (Mfuwe).

Public Transportation

Taxis are the only public transportation available within cities. Fares must be negotiated with the driver before the ride.

Trains

The regional trains are often slow and unreliable, so most passengers who need to go to the north of Zambia opt to take the international train to Tanzania and get off at the last stop before crossing the border, which is Nakonde.

Bus

Most cities and towns are connected by a reasonable network of public buses. Express buses connect Lusaka to Livingstone, the Copperbelt region, and Chipata.

Car

To rent a car for up to three months, visitors need to have a driver's license for five years (issued by the country of origin), and be over 25 years of age.

Drive on the left and keep an eye out for chance encounters with wildlife crossing the roads.

Plane

There are regular domestic flights operated by local carrier Proflight from Lusaka to a series of tourist destinations in Zambia, including Victoria Falls (Livingstone) and South Luangwa National Park (Mfuwe).

Best car rental deals in Zambia

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$95/day

Economy

Economy

2 Adults, 2 Bags

$102/day

Economy
Find car rentals in Zambia

The Cost of Living in Zambia

The Zambian kwacha is the local currency, but payments in US Dollars are also accepted. Major hotels and tourist companies accept payments with credit cards. ATMs are easy to find in most towns and larger cities. Daily groceries can cost about 75-85 ZMW (5.60-6.40 USD).

Everything you need to know for your stay in Zambia

Popular cities in Zambia

Livingstone

Zambia Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Zambia country guide for the best Zambia travel tips. To help you organize your Zambia trip ideas, this Zambia visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do and more.