Zambia
- Home
- Zambia
Zambia
Zambia! A country in southern Africa known for its stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. Here are some top attractions and experiences to explore:
National Parks
- South Luangwa National Park: Known for its walking safaris and abundant wildlife.
- Kafue National Park: One of Africa’s largest national parks, with diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
- Lower Zambezi National Park: Offers stunning views of the Zambezi River and surrounding wilderness.
Natural Wonders
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located on the border with Zimbabwe.
- Lake Tanganyika: A long, narrow lake with stunning scenery and aquatic life.
- Kundalila Falls: A beautiful waterfall in the Muchinga Province.
Cultural Experiences
- Copperbelt Province: Explore the region’s rich mining history and cultural heritage.
- Munda Wanga Environmental Park: A conservation area with a focus on wildlife and community development.
- Livingstone Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region, including the Lozi and Tonga people.
Adventure Activities
- Safari: Explore Zambia’s national parks and wildlife reserves on guided tours.
- Bungee jumping: Take the leap of faith off the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- White-water rafting: Experience the thrill of navigating the Zambezi River’s rapids.
- Fishing: Try your hand at catching tigerfish or other species in Zambia’s rivers and lakes.
Cities and Towns
- Lusaka: The capital city, known for its vibrant markets and cultural attractions.
- Livingstone: A popular tourist destination near Victoria Falls.
- Kitwe: A city in the Copperbelt Province with a rich mining history.
Festivals and Events
- Zambia International Film Festival: A showcase of local and international films.
- Lusaka Cultural Festival: A celebration of Zambian culture, music, and dance.
Zambia offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it an exciting destination for travelers.
Tour operators in Zambia
Luxury Tour Operators
- Ker & Downey Africa: Offers tailor-made luxury African safaris with a focus on sustainability, rated 4.9/5 stars with 81 reviews. They combine adventure travel with top African safari regions.
- Mahlatini Luxury Travel: Provides luxury private guided trips with a 4.9/5-star rating and 53 reviews. They cater to families and individuals seeking high-end experiences.
- Rothschild Safaris: Offers luxury private guided trips and custom itineraries with a 5/5-star rating and 23 reviews.
- Abercrombie & Kent: Provides luxury group tours and private guided trips with a 4.9/5-star rating and 74 reviews.
- Butterfield & Robinson: Offers luxury group tours and private guided trips with a 4.6/5-star rating and 559 reviews.
Standard Tour Operators
- G Adventures: Offers standard group tours and river cruises with a 4.8/5-star rating and 43,615 reviews.
- World Expeditions: Provides standard group tours, small ship cruises, and custom itineraries with a 4.9/5-star rating and 470 reviews.
- Exodus Adventure Travels: Offers small-group adventures and culturally immersive experiences with a 4.8/5-star rating and 43,615 reviews.
- All Peregrine Adventures: Provides standard group tours with a focus on local culture and bucket-list destinations, rated 4.7/5 stars with 396 reviews.
- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.): Offers standard group tours and small ship cruises with a 4.2/5-star rating and 15 reviews.
Budget-Friendly Tour Operators
- Siyabona Africa: Offers budget group tours with a rating based on 2,413 reviews.
- African Budget Safaris: Provides budget-friendly group tours and custom itineraries with a 4.8/5-star rating and 688 reviews.
- Lion World Travel: Offers budget group tours and private guided trips with a 5/5-star rating and 4 reviews.
Airlines in Zambia
National Carrier
- Zambia Airways: The flag carrier of Zambia, relaunched in 2021 with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 45% stake. It operates domestic and regional flights, with plans to expand to intercontinental routes. Zambia Airways operates a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and Boeing 737 aircraft, focusing on reliability, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Other Airlines
- Proflight Zambia: A local airline offering domestic and international flights to destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Proflight Zambia operates a fleet of turboprops and narrowbodies, with routes to 3 countries and 29 destinations. They offer flights from Lusaka to Ndola, Livingstone, and other major cities in Zambia.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Partner airline with Zambia Airways, offering flights to various destinations, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines has extensive experience and expertise, contributing to Zambia Airways’ operational excellence.
Destinations
- Lusaka: Zambia’s capital city, served by Zambia Airways and Proflight Zambia.
- Livingstone: A popular tourist destination near Victoria Falls, served by Zambia Airways and Proflight Zambia.
- Ndola: A major city in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, served by Zambia Airways and Proflight Zambia.
- Johannesburg: A major hub in South Africa, served by Zambia Airways and Proflight Zambia.
- Nairobi: Served by Zambia Airways, connecting Zambia to East Africa.
- Dar es Salaam: Served by Zambia Airways, connecting Zambia to Tanzania.
Bus Transportation in Zambia
Zambia offers an extensive network of bus services, connecting major cities and towns. Here are some key options:
Bus Operators
- Mazhandu Family Bus Services: Offers luxury coach travel from Lusaka to Copperbelt, Livingstone, Kazangula, and Katima Mulilo, equipped with amenities like first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and entertainment systems.
- Shalom Bus Services: Operates between Lusaka, Livingstone, and Johannesburg, with strict schedules and customer safety prioritization. Buses are fully air-conditioned with in-car entertainment.
- KOBS Coach Services: Provides coach services with amenities like air conditioning, audio and visual entertainment, reclining seats, and onboard toilets.
- CR Holdings: Offers bus and coach travel with modern amenities, including air conditioning, entertainment, and high safety standards.
- Euro-Africa Bus Services: Runs daily services between Lusaka and Kitwe with hourly departures, equipped with sliding windows, television, and radio systems.
- Intercape: Operates 90 coaches with 49 daily departures, offering amenities like air conditioning, onboard toilets, and satellite tracking.
- Power Tools Coach Services: Provides super luxury coaches with plasma TVs, reclining seats, and refreshments on board.
- Ticklays Coach Service: Offers daily services from Lusaka to Mwinilunga with retracting seats and in-coach entertainment.
Popular Routes
- Lusaka to Harare: Daily buses with an average price of $122 and an 8-hour journey.
- Livingstone to Katima Mulilo: Daily buses with an average price of $25 and a 5-hour journey.
- Lusaka to Chirundu: Daily buses with an average price of $122 and a 2-hour 15-minute journey.
- Chirundu to Harare: Daily buses with an average price of $121 and a 5-hour 30-minute journey.
Bus Fare
- Local bus fare: Approximately $0.83 per ride.
- Bus fare calculator: Available online to estimate costs for specific routes.³
Boats in Zambia
Boat Options in Zambia
- Fishing Boats: Suitable for catching tiger fish on the Zambezi River or other water bodies.
- Houseboats: Available for overnight stays, these boats offer a unique experience on Lake Kariba.
- Jon Boats: Ideal for fishing and exploring shallow waters.
- Powerboats: Perfect for thrill-seekers, these boats can reach high speeds.
- Center Console Boats: Great for fishing and cruising.
- Deck Boats: Flat, open decks suitable for social gatherings.
- Cabin Cruisers: Larger motorboats with sleeping accommodations.
Boat Rental Services
- Getmyboat: Offers a range of boats for rent, from $95/hour, with options for fishing, sightseeing, and more.
- Aliboats: Specializes in purpose-built aluminum boats for various purposes, including fishing and transportation.
Boat Sales
If you’re interested in purchasing a boat, you can explore options on websites like:
- boats.com: Features new and used boats for sale in Zambia, including powerboats and other types.⁴
Popular Locations
- Lusaka Province: Offers tiger fishing on the Zambezi River.
- Western Province: Features houseboat rentals and fishing opportunities.
- Livingstone: A great spot for fishing and boat rentals.
- Kasane: Offers powerboat rentals and passenger boat trips.
Guides in tourism in Zambia
Local Tour Operators
- Expert Africa: Recommended for local knowledge and arranging travel plans.
- Voyagers: Offers local expertise and customized travel itineraries.
- People and Places: Provides guided tours and travel planning services.
- Maano Adventures: Offers boat tours and excursions.
- Savannah Southern Safaris: Provides private tours and safari experiences.
- Zambezi Rafting: Offers river rafting and tubing adventures.
- Bundu Adventures: Provides kayaking, canoeing, and river rafting experiences.
Luxury Tour Guides
- Time + Tide Travel: Offers luxury safari experiences with expert guides and tailored itineraries.
- The Luxury Travel Expert: Provides personalized travel guides and recommendations for luxury experiences in Zambia.
Travel Guides and Tips
- Zambia Tourism & Travel Guide: A comprehensive guide covering attractions, accommodations, and travel tips.
- Holidify: Offers travel guides, tips, and recommendations for exploring Zambia.
- Zambia Travel Guide & Tourism: Provides information on top destinations, activities, and cultural experiences.
Things to Do with Guides
- Safari experiences: Explore Zambia’s national parks with expert guides.
- Walking safaris: Experience guided walking tours in North Luangwa National Park.
- Victoria Falls tours: Visit the iconic Victoria Falls with knowledgeable guides.
- Cultural experiences: Learn about Zambia’s culture and traditions with local guides.
Tourism industry in Zambia
Zambia’s tourism industry is a significant sector that contributes to the country’s economic growth and development. The industry focuses on wildlife-based tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism, leveraging the country’s natural resources, including national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers.
Key Attractions
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located in Livingstone, Southern Province.
- National Parks: 20 national parks, including South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park, providing sanctuary to wildlife, including the Big Five.
- Zambezi River: Ideal for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
- Traditional Ceremonies: Immerse in Zambia’s cultural heritage and traditions.
- Waterfalls: 17 waterfalls, including Lumangwe Falls and Chisimba Falls.
Tourism Initiatives:
- Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA): Partners with the government to enhance marketing and promote tourism.
- SADC Tourism Protocol: Aims to promote regional tourism cooperation and facilitate travel across member states.
- Univisa: A single visa allowing travel across SADC countries, including Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Challenges:
- Transportation: Difficulty in accessing direct international flights and limited transportation options.
- Environmental Concerns: Balancing tourism development with environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Health Concerns: Addressing health issues, such as the spread of diseases like Dengue Virus.
Economic Impact:
- Job Creation: Tourism generates employment opportunities for locals.
- Income Generation: Contributes to the country’s GDP and supports local economies.
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports conservation efforts and protects Zambia’s natural resources.
Beaches in Zambia
Zambia may not have oceanfront beaches, but it offers stunning lakeside beaches and water activities. Here are some top destinations to explore:
Lakeside Beaches
- Lake Tanganyika: Known for its crystal-clear waters and longest lake in Zambia, offering swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Lake Kariba: Africa’s largest man-made lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports.
- Lake Bangweulu: A beautiful lake with abundant fish species, including catfish, bream, and tiger fish.
- Lake Mweru: Offers a glimpse into village life and water activities like fly fishing, boating, and scuba diving.
Popular Beach Spots
- Samfya Beach: Located on Lake Bangweulu, known for its scenic views and water activities.
- Ndole Bay Lodge: Situated on Lake Tanganyika, offering beach relaxation and water sports.
- Kapishya Hot Springs: A popular beach spot on Lake Tanganyika, famous for its natural hot springs and healing properties.
- Siavonga and Lake Kariba: A paradise for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Activities
- Water sports: Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and scuba diving in Zambia’s lakes.
- White water kayaking: Paddle the rapids on the Zambezi River.
- Fishing: Try your hand at catching tiger fish, catfish, and other species in Zambia’s lakes and rivers.
Touristic sites in Zambia
Zambia offers a diverse range of touristic sites, showcasing its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Here are some top destinations to explore:
Natural Wonders
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Experience the mighty waterfall, Devil’s Pool, and scenic views.
- Lake Kariba: Africa’s largest artificial lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and wildlife safaris.
- Lake Tanganyika: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Bangweulu Wetlands: A haven for bird-watchers, home to the shoebill stork and other species.
National Parks
- South Luangwa National Park: Renowned for walking safaris, night drives, and spotting leopards, lions, and elephants.
- Kafue National Park: One of Africa’s largest national parks, sheltering 150 mammal and 500 bird species.
- North Luangwa National Park: Exclusive reserve with walking safaris and opportunities to spot the Big Five.
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Encompassing the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, offering wildlife, scenery, and adventure opportunities.
Cultural Experiences
- Shiwa Ng’andu Estate: A colonial mansion with guided tours, showcasing Zambia’s history and culture.
- Livingstone Museum: A tribute to Zambian heritage, featuring archaeological and cultural exhibits.
- Lusaka: Explore the city’s Sunday Craft Market, Lusaka National Park, and vibrant cultural scene.
Adventure Activities
- Zambezi River: Experience riverside safaris, white-water rafting, and canoeing.
- Batoka Gorge: Enjoy white-water rafting and hiking near Victoria Falls.
- Liuwa Plain National Park: Witness the wildebeest migration and spot spotted hyenas.
Other Attractions
- Kasanka National Park: Famous for its massive fruit bat colonies and walking safaris.
- Blue Lagoon National Park: Great for wildlife spotting, particularly bird-watching.
- Mongu: Explore the Kuomboka ceremony, marking the movement of the Lozi royal court.
National Parks in Zambia
Zambia is home to 20 stunning national parks, each offering unique experiences. Here are some of the top parks to explore:
Top National Parks in Zambia
- South Luangwa National Park: Renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including leopards, lions, and elephants. It’s one of Zambia’s most popular parks, offering walking safaris and night drives.
- Kafue National Park: One of Africa’s largest national parks, covering 22,500 square kilometers. It’s known for its diverse wildlife, including cheetahs, antelopes, and over 400 bird species.
- Lower Zambezi National Park: Located along the Zambezi River, this park offers breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.
- Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This park is also known for its white rhinos and offers guided walking tours.
- Kasanka National Park: Famous for its massive fruit bat migration, with over 10 million African straw-colored fruit bats visiting between October and November.
Other Notable Parks
- North Luangwa National Park: Known for its black rhino and African elephant populations, this park is one of Zambia’s most remote and exclusive destinations.
- Liuwa Plain National Park: A haven for wildebeest and other wildlife, this park offers stunning scenery and opportunities for game drives and walking safaris.
- Blue Lagoon National Park: A small park known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for Kafue Lechwe and other waterbirds.
- Lochinvar National Park: Famous for its birdlife and Kafue Lechwe, this park offers scenic views and opportunities for game drives.
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit Zambia’s national parks is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources. However, some parks, like Kafue, turn into lush paradises during the wet season (November to April), offering unique experiences.
Cultural sites in Zambia
Zambia is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous sites showcasing its history, traditions, and natural beauty. Here are some top cultural sites to visit:
Museums
- Livingstone Museum: Zambia’s oldest museum, featuring historical documents, displays on Dr. David Livingstone, and exhibits on colonial history, archaeology, and ethnography.
- Moto Moto Museum: Dedicated to the Bemba people, showcasing traditional artifacts, clothing, and crafts, with a good representation of other Zambian tribes.
- National Museum of Zambia: Displays Zambian history, culture, and heritage, with ethnographic and archaeological artifacts.
- Copperbelt Museum: Features exhibits on Zambian history, culture, and natural resources, with a gift shop selling local crafts and jewelry.
Historic Sites
- Shiwa Ng’andu Estate: A historic property built by Sir Geoffrey Clayton in the early 20th century, reflecting colonial architecture and early European settlers in Zambia.
- Fort Rosebery Historical Site: Associated with Zambia’s railway development, featuring old railway buildings and artifacts.
- Kilwa Island: A 19th-century slave traders’ stockade on Lake Mweru.
- Old Drift: The first colonial settlement in the 1890s, located next to a river crossing point in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Cultural Villages
Mukuni Village: A traditional village of the Leya people, offering authentic Zambian culture, including traditional ceremonies and local cuisine.
Niamkolo Church: The oldest surviving church building in Zambia, located near Mpulungu on Lake Tanganyika.
Rock Art and Archaeological Sites
Kalambo Falls Archaeological Site: One of Africa’s most important archaeological sites, with human habitation dating back over 250,000 years.
Chisimba Falls: Features ancient rock art and petroglyphs created by early inhabitants.
Lwimbe Petroglyphs: Rock engravings located 15 km west of Kasama.
Kundabwika Rock Painting: A rock painting site near Kundabwika Falls, 96 km north-west of Mporokoso.
Hotels in Zambia
Zambia offers a wide range of hotels to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are some top options:
Luxury Hotels
- The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara: A 5-star hotel with luxurious amenities and stunning views of Victoria Falls.
- Radisson Blu: Offers high-end accommodations and excellent service.
- The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa: Provides a luxurious safari experience with top-notch amenities.
- Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere: A luxury hotel with excellent service and amenities.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Natwange Backpackers: Offers affordable stays from $11 per night.
- Chill Hostel: A cozy hostel with a pool, bar, and shuttle service.
- Urban Bliss Hotel: A modern hotel with a rooftop pool and gym.
Family-Friendly Hotels
- Lilayi Lodge: Offers spacious rooms and a variety of activities for families.
- Latitude 15 Degrees: Provides a serene atmosphere and unique boat cruises.
- Thorntree River Lodge: A great option for families with its pool and game drives.
Top-Rated Hotels
- Khaled’s Hotel: Known for its excellent service and convenient location near Levy Mall.
- Moba Hotel and Convention Centre: Offers top-notch service and amenities.
- Ravine Lodge: A beautiful lodge with stunning views and helpful staff.
- Njobvu Safari Lodge: Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent food.
