Zambia FAQs

Please Note: You will need to have been vaccinated for yellow fever if you're arriving in Zambia from another East African country.

What is the weather like and when is the best time to travel in Zambia?

Zambia enjoys a tropical climate and as a result the weather in Zambia is defined by wet and dry seasons. The dry season is from May to November, with June to August having the coolest temperatures. October is the hottest month with temperatures above 40°C.

The dry season is the best time for travel in Zambia; at this time road accessibility and game viewing are at their best. December to March is the rainy season. The rains are erratic and unpredictable and they flood the roads and lodges, many of which are closed for travel during this period.

What makes Zambia so unique?

The game reserves in Zambia are some of the most wild, remote, untouched and pristine destinations in Africa. Even better, you will find very few other travellers and vehicles in most of Zambia's parks, making for an awesome wilderness experience.

Do the game reserves in Zambia have the big five?

Most of the parks in Zambia do not have any rhino, although they are slowly being reintroduced to certain parks. The other four of the big five (lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo) are resident in most of the Zambian parks.

Can I bring my children on safari in Zambia?

Most Zambia lodges do not accept children under the age of 8. Families travelling with children aged between 8 and 12 years are usually requested to hire a private vehicle for their game drives, making things slightly more costly. On Zambia exploration tours, children are only welcome if they are 12 years and older.

What can I expect when I land at the airstrip for my lodge?

When you land at an airstrip in Zambia you might see a line of men dressed in army gear and armed with automatic rifles. These are government scouts who are employed to patrol for poaching in the area. While this is daunting at first, you can be assured that there is nothing to be afraid of. They are there to protect the environment and the animals.

Will my guide carry a rifle or gun with him on our game activities?

Guides in Zambia do not carry weapons with them. By law they are not allowed to, but you can be assured that they are highly skilled and very well trained in their knowledge of the wild. They do not require guns to ensure your safety.

The scouts mentioned above, who are employed by government to patrol for poaching, do carry weapons. They will accompany you on all guided walks and may come on your game activities with their weapons.

How accessible are the safari lodges in Zambia?

Most lodges in Zambia are relatively remote and are only reached by light aircraft transfers followed by helicopter/road transfers, which are in turn accessed from Lusaka.

There are daily flights into Lusaka (the Capital) from Johannesburg and Livingstone, and frequent flights several times a week from London and Nairobi.

What is the normal luggage restriction on flights in Zambia?

Most flights and charter flights within Zambia have a strict luggage restriction of 12kg per person and under. It is imperative that all luggage on the charter planes is in soft manoeuvrable bags. Hard suitcases are not allowed on these planes under any circumstances. Zambia is more strict on this than most countries; even bags with only one hard side are not allowed.

What can I expect to pay for safari accommodation in Zambia?

This ranges hugely depending on where you are planning to travel to, but most Zambia safari lodges we sell range between $600 and $800 per person per night sharing.

What does the price I pay for accommodation generally include?

Most lodges offer fully inclusive accommodation, meaning that all of your meals and snacks, soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages and safari activities are included in the cost. This excludes premium brands and imported liquors.

What activities can I expect at Zambian safari lodges?

This ranges between seasons and lodges, but activities can include 4x4 guided game drives, guided safari walks, canoeing, boating, fishing and horse riding.

Can I go on night drives?

Yes. Most parks in Zambia do allow night drives.

Can I drink the water?

Tap water is said to be safe to drink, but bottled water can be purchased if preferred and is recommended. Rather be safe than sorry.

Is Malaria a risk in Zambia?

Yes. You will need to consult your doctor about anti-malaria medication.

Is it acceptable to photograph local Zambian people?

Most Zambians will be only too pleased to let you photograph them, provided you ask permission first. You may find that this results in a lot of posed, smiling portraits.

What currency is best to carry with me? Can I use my credit card?

It is best to take US Dollars in small denominations with you when traveling to Zambia. US Dollars are widely accepted and charged at most lodges.

Credit cards are accepted in the main cities although high commissions can be charged and many lodges have difficulty processing credit card payments. Please note that with exception of the Duty free section, you can not pay for anything at Lusaka Airport with US Dollars. You will need Zambian Kwacha here only.

What is the standard tipping procedure?

Tipping is entirely at your discretion but we recommend the following guide:

• Transfers - US$2 per person
• Restaurants - 10% for good service, up to 15% for exceptional service
• Game Lodge Staff - US$25 per stay
• Rangers/ trackers - US$10 per person per day

Will there be electricity for me to charge my camera, and if so, what kind of plug will I need?

All lodges and hotels will either have electricity, solar power or a generator so charging your camera will be no trouble. Zambian plugs have a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hertz. The plugs have either 2 round prongs, 3 round-prongs or 3 square prongs.

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