Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and authentic safari experiences. The country is home to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders"), one of the world's largest waterfalls shared with Zimbabwe. Zambia is also credited as the birthplace of the walking safari, offering a more intimate approach to wildlife viewing.

The country has three main airports serving different regions. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka is the primary gateway and handles most international traffic. Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone serves visitors to Victoria Falls. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) in Ndola serves the Copperbelt region in the north.

Proflight Zambia (P0) is the main domestic airline, connecting Lusaka with safari destinations and regional towns. Zambia's position makes it an excellent base for exploring southern African wildlife, with world-class national parks including South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. English is the official language, making travel straightforward for international visitors. The country is known as one of Africa's safest and most peaceful destinations.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
LUN	Lusaka	Primary international hub	P0, ET, KQ, SA, EK
LVI	Livingstone	Victoria Falls gateway	P0, KQ, BA (seasonal)
NLA	Ndola	Copperbelt region	P0, ET

Kenneth Kaunda International (LUN) — Zambia's largest and busiest airport, located 22 km east of Lusaka city center. Named after Zambia's founding president. The main gateway for international visitors, with connections to Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Dubai. Proflight Zambia's hub for domestic connections to safari destinations. Most visitors arriving for South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi safaris connect through Lusaka.

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International (LVI) — Gateway to Victoria Falls, located 6 km northwest of Livingstone. Named after a Zambian independence leader. Receives seasonal international flights and regular connections from Lusaka and Johannesburg. Many visitors arrive via LVI for Victoria Falls and combine with safari extensions. The airport is a short drive from the falls and tourist lodges.

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International (NLA) — Serves Ndola and the Copperbelt mining region. Primarily used for business travel and regional connections. Ethiopian Airlines operates service to Addis Ababa. Limited tourist use but can serve as an alternative entry point.

Safari & Regional Airports

Airport	Code	Serves
Mfuwe	MFU	South Luangwa National Park
Jeki	—	Lower Zambezi National Park
Kasanka	—	Kasanka National Park
Royal	—	Lower Zambezi (private strip)
Kalabo	—	Liuwa Plain National Park

Mfuwe Airport (MFU) — The main gateway to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia's premier safari destination. Daily Proflight services from Lusaka (1.5 hours). Most South Luangwa lodges arrange transfers from Mfuwe. The airport is located at the park's main gate area.

Lower Zambezi airstrips — Several bush airstrips serve lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park. Charter flights and scheduled Proflight services available from Lusaka (30-45 minutes). Lodges arrange direct transfers from airstrips.

Domestic Carrier

Proflight Zambia (P0) — Zambia's only scheduled domestic airline. Based at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN). Operates modern turboprops to safari destinations and regional towns. Essential for reaching South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and other wildlife areas efficiently.

Key routes:

• LUN → MFU (South Luangwa): Daily, 1.5 hours
• LUN → LVI (Livingstone): Multiple daily, 1 hour
• LUN → Lower Zambezi: Scheduled services, 30-45 minutes
• LUN → NLA (Ndola): Daily service, 1 hour

Proflight also operates charter services to remote safari camps and private airstrips throughout Zambia.

Charter Airlines

• Royal Air Charters — Safari charters, particularly to Lower Zambezi
• Safari Air — Charter flights to remote destinations
• Zambian Airborne — Light aircraft charters

International Airlines with Presence

Zambia has growing international connectivity:

• Ethiopian Airlines (ET) — Addis Ababa hub, best African connections
• Kenya Airways (KQ) — Nairobi connections to LUN and LVI
• South African Airways/Airlink (SA/4Z) — Johannesburg connections
• Emirates (EK) — Dubai-Lusaka service
• RwandAir (WB) — Kigali connections
• fastjet (FN) — Regional low-cost connections
• British Airways (BA) — Seasonal Livingstone service via Johannesburg

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia. Options include:

e-Visa (Recommended)

• Apply at: evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
• Cost: $50 USD (single entry) or $80 USD (multiple entry)
• Processing: Apply at least 5 business days before travel
• Validity: Single entry valid 90 days; multiple entry valid 1 year

Visa on Arrival

• Available at main entry points (LUN, LVI, land borders)
• Cost: $50 USD (cash, USD preferred)
• e-Visa recommended to avoid potential queues

Who Needs a Visa

Visa required (most nationalities):

• USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• EU/Schengen countries
• Most Asian countries

Visa exempt (90 days):

• Some SADC member states (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, etc.)
• Select Commonwealth countries
• Check official e-Visa portal for current exemption list

KAZA UniVisa

The KAZA UniVisa allows travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe on a single visa:

• Cost: $50 USD
• Validity: 30 days, multiple crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe
• Ideal for Victoria Falls visitors wanting to see both sides
• Available at LVI, Victoria Falls border, and other entry points
• Not available in all countries—check eligibility before travel

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
• At least two blank pages
• Proof of return/onward travel may be requested
• Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic country

Official information: evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

Domestic Flights

Flying is essential for reaching Zambia's remote safari parks efficiently:

Route	Flight Time	Notes
LUN → MFU (South Luangwa)	1.5 hours	Daily Proflight
LUN → LVI (Livingstone)	1 hour	Multiple daily
LUN → Lower Zambezi	30-45 min	Scheduled and charter
LUN → NLA (Ndola)	1 hour	Daily
LVI → MFU	—	Charter only

Safari flights operate from Lusaka to bush airstrips near lodges. Book through safari operators or directly with Proflight. Baggage limits: typically 15-20 kg in soft bags (no hard cases on bush flights).

Lusaka-Livingstone is the busiest domestic route. Flying saves 6+ hours compared to driving.

Road Transport

Self-driving is possible on main routes but challenging:

• Drive on the left (same as UK)
• Main highways (Lusaka-Livingstone, Great East Road) are paved and reasonable
• Rural roads can be poor, especially in rainy season
• 4WD essential for national park access
• Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas

Organized transfers:

• Safari operators arrange all ground transport
• Shuttle services connect Lusaka, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls
• Private transfers available between airports and lodges

Long-distance buses connect major towns (Lusaka-Livingstone: 6-7 hours) but are time-consuming compared to flying.

Victoria Falls Area

Multiple crossing options between Zambia and Zimbabwe:

• Victoria Falls Bridge: Walk or drive across (visa required for each country unless KAZA UniVisa)
• Kazungula Ferry: Connects to Botswana (approximately 30 minutes)
• Kazungula Bridge (opened 2021): Links to Botswana, major improvement for regional connectivity

Safari Transport

Most safari operators provide:

• Airport transfers (LUN, MFU, LVI to lodges)
• Game drive vehicles (4WD Land Cruisers/Land Rovers)
• Walking safaris — Zambia specialty, guided by armed scouts
• Boat safaris — Lower Zambezi and Zambezi River
• Canoe safaris — Lower Zambezi River
• Internal charter flights between parks

Dry Season (May-October)

Best for wildlife viewing and Victoria Falls

May-June — Early dry season:

• Victoria Falls at peak flow (most impressive volume)
• Vegetation still green, transitioning to dry
• Wildlife starting to concentrate at water
• Comfortable temperatures

July-October — Peak dry season:

• Best game viewing — animals concentrate at rivers and water sources
• Excellent walking safari conditions
• South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi at their best
• Victoria Falls water volume decreases but still impressive
• Cool nights (pack warm layers for early morning activities)
• Peak prices and advance booking essential

Wet Season (November-April)

Green season — lower prices, lush landscapes:

November-December — Rains begin:

• Landscapes transform, lush and green
• Birdwatching excellent (migratory species arrive)
• Some camps close, others offer green season rates
• Victoria Falls building in volume

January-April — Main rains:

• Heavy afternoon thunderstorms
• Some roads and camps inaccessible
• Lowest prices, fewer tourists
• Excellent for birding
• Victoria Falls spectacular (February-May peak)

Regional Timing

Destination	Best Time	Notes
South Luangwa	May-Oct	Dry season; some camps close Nov-Apr
Lower Zambezi	Apr-Nov	Some camps close in wet season
Victoria Falls	Year-round	Feb-May highest water; Aug-Dec lunar rainbows
Kafue	Jun-Oct	Busanga Plains flooded until July
Liuwa Plain	Nov-Dec	Wildebeest migration
Kasanka	Oct-Dec	Bat migration (largest mammal migration on Earth)

Weather Overview

Location	Dry Season	Wet Season
Lusaka	15-26°C, dry	18-28°C, afternoon storms
South Luangwa	15-32°C, cool nights	22-35°C, humid
Livingstone	10-28°C	18-32°C, humid

National Parks & Safari

Park	Nearest Airport	Known For
South Luangwa	MFU	Walking safaris birthplace, leopards, wild dogs
Lower Zambezi	LUN → Jeki airstrip	Canoeing, elephants, river game viewing
Kafue	LUN → charter	Zambia's largest park, diverse ecosystems
North Luangwa	Charter from MFU	Remote, walking safaris only
Liuwa Plain	Charter	Wildebeest migration, cheetahs
Kasanka	Charter	Bat migration (November), sitatunga

South Luangwa — Zambia's premier safari destination and birthplace of the walking safari. Famous for high concentrations of leopards, elephants, hippos, and endemic Thornicroft's giraffe. Walking safaris pioneered here by Norman Carr. Excellent game viewing May-October. MFU airport has daily Proflight connections from Lusaka.

Lower Zambezi — Set along the Zambezi River with Zimbabwe's Mana Pools across the water. Renowned for canoeing safaris, boat-based game viewing, and large elephant herds. Combines water and land activities. Accessible by short flight from Lusaka.

Kafue — Zambia's largest national park and one of Africa's biggest. The Busanga Plains in the north offer exceptional wildlife viewing from July when floodwaters recede. Less visited than South Luangwa, offering wilderness exclusivity.

Victoria Falls

Attraction	Access	Notes
Victoria Falls (Zambia side)	LVI, walk from Livingstone	Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park entrance
Devil's Pool	Livingstone Island boat	Swim at the falls' edge (Aug-Dec low water)
Lunar rainbows	Falls viewpoints	Full moon nights, spectacular during high water
Zambezi River activities	Livingstone	Sunset cruises, white-water rafting
Bungee jumping	Victoria Falls Bridge	111m jump from bridge

Cities & Towns

Place	Airport	Known For
Livingstone	LVI	Victoria Falls, adventure activities, history
Lusaka	LUN	Capital, transit hub, markets
Ndola	NLA	Copperbelt commercial center

Natural Wonders

• Lake Kariba: Shared with Zimbabwe, houseboats, tiger fishing
• Lake Tanganyika: Northern border, beach resorts
• Bangweulu Wetlands: Shoebill storks, swamp ecosystems
• Shiwa Ng'andu: Historic manor house, remote northeast

Money

• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW, symbol K)
• Exchange rate: Check current rates; approximately 20-25 ZMW per USD
• USD: Widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and tourist establishments. Bring clean, recent bills
• Cards: Accepted at hotels and lodges in Lusaka and Livingstone. Visa preferred. Don't rely on cards in remote areas
• Cash: Essential for markets, tips, and rural areas. ATMs available in Lusaka, Livingstone, and major towns
• Tipping: Expected and appreciated:
  • Safari guides: $10-20 per day
  • Camp/lodge staff: $10-15 per day (shared pool)
  • Porters/drivers: $5-10 per service
  • Restaurants: 10% if service not included

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Type C (two round pins), Type D (three large round pins), Type G (three rectangular pins, UK style)
• Reality: Type G (UK) most common in tourist lodges; bring universal adapter
• Safari camps: Many use solar/generator with limited charging times; bring power banks

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: MTN (best coverage), Airtel, Zamtel
• SIM cards: Available at airports and towns. Bring passport for registration
• eSIM: Airalo and others work in Zambia
• Safari camps: WiFi limited or unavailable at most bush camps. Some have satellite internet (slow)
• Coverage: Good in cities; limited to none in national parks
• Livingstone: Good coverage in tourist areas

Health

• Malaria: Present throughout Zambia. Prophylaxis strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and nets
• Yellow fever: Certificate required if arriving from endemic country
• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus recommended
• Tap water: Don't drink—use bottled or filtered water
• Sun: Strong tropical sun—sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses essential
• Bilharzia: Don't swim in Lake Kariba or slow-moving rivers (risk of schistosomiasis)
• Travel insurance: Essential, including medical evacuation coverage for safari areas

Safety

Zambia is one of Africa's safest countries for tourists:

• Low crime: Generally peaceful with friendly people
• Lusaka: Standard urban precautions; avoid walking alone at night
• Safari: Follow guide instructions—wildlife is dangerous. Stay in vehicles unless on walking safari with armed guide
• Wildlife: Hippos and crocodiles in rivers; elephants must be respected
• Roads: Drive carefully; potholes and animals on roads
• Victoria Falls: Slippery rocks; stay behind barriers

Cultural Notes

• Greeting: Zambians are warm and friendly. "Muli bwanji?" (How are you?) is appreciated
• Language: English is official and widely spoken—very easy for visitors
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
• Dress: Casual acceptable; modest dress in rural areas
• Bargaining: Expected at markets; not at established shops
• Respect: Zambians are proud of their peaceful history and multi-ethnic harmony

Useful Apps

• Proflight Zambia: Booking domestic flights
• Maps.me: Offline maps essential for remote areas
• XE Currency: Exchange rate calculations
• iNaturalist/Merlin: Wildlife and bird identification
• WhatsApp: Primary communication tool in Zambia

• Tourism: Zambia Tourism
• e-Visa: evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
• Proflight Zambia: proflight-zambia.com
• Zambia Wildlife Authority: zawa.org.zm
• South Luangwa: southluangwa.com
• Victoria Falls (Zambia): zambiatourism.com/destinations/victoria-falls
• KAZA UniVisa: kazavisa.info