ZAMBIA

AFRICA

Climate

Zambia has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons: a warm, wet season (November-April) with heavy rains; a cool, dry season (May-August) with chilly nights; and a hot, dry season (September-October) making it pleasant despite being tropical due to its high altitude. More recently, there have been extreme floods and droughts.

Language

English is Zambia's official language, but only about 2% speak it as a first language; most Zambians speak Bantu languages like Bemba and Nyanja.

Money

Zambia's currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), subdivided into 100 ngwee, with a new "Heritage Series" introduced in 2025 featuring banknotes (K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500) and coins (5n, 10n, 50n, K1, K2, K5), showcasing Zambia's flora, fauna, and heritage. The updated currency family was launched by the Bank of Zambia on March 31, 2025, to combat counterfeiting and manage the effects of past inflation.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Electricity

Zambia uses Type C (Europlug - two round pins), Type D (three round pins), and Type G (three rectangular pins) sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz.

LIVINGSTONE & VICTORIA FALLS

Livingstone is Zambia’s gateway to Victoria Falls, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World and among the largest waterfalls on Earth. Here, travelers can unwind at nature-focused accommodations, ranging from earthy riverside lodges to luxury resorts, with no shortage of activities to pack their days. The falls sit on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River plunges into the dramatic Batoka Gorge marking the divide. On the Zambian side, visitors can view the falls from multiple angles and seasonal water levels, from close-up along Knife’s Edge Bridge to trails that descend to the base, by helicopter, or even bungee jumping. Nearby, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park protects a small population of white rhinos, offering one of the world’s most accessible opportunities to see these nearly extinct animals in the wild. Whether enjoying a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, spotting hippos and crocodiles, dining at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show accompanied by local Zambian dance performances, or shopping for local artisanal goods, Livingstone does not disappoint.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Widely regarded as the heart of Zambia’s safari country and one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, is South Luangwa National Park. Set along the Luangwa River, the park is known for its high concentration of animals, particularly elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and large predators drawn to the riverbanks during the dry season. South Luangwa is especially famous for pioneering the walking safari, allowing visitors to experience the landscape on foot with expert guides and gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, tracks, and ecosystems. Accommodations are typically intimate, safari-focused lodges and camps that emphasize conservation and low-impact tourism. Less crowded than many of Africa’s better-known parks, South Luangwa appeals to travelers seeking an immersive, authentic safari experience centered on wildlife, wilderness, and a strong connection to place.

LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Lower Zambezi National Park offers one of Zambia’s most remote and scenic wilderness experiences, set along a quiet stretch of the Zambezi River opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. The park is defined by its riverfront setting, where elephants, buffalo, hippos, and predators regularly move between the water and the forested floodplains. Unlike traditional game drives alone, Lower Zambezi is known for its canoe safaris, river-based wildlife viewing, and boat excursions that provide a unique perspective on the landscape. Lodges here are typically small and exclusive, emphasizing privacy, nature, and a strong sense of immersion. With fewer visitors and minimal development, the Lower Zambezi appeals to travelers seeking a quiet, high-quality safari experience that prioritizes wilderness, scenery, and time spent along the river.