Whether it’s your first time to Zambia or whether you’re coming back again to visit, it’s always important to stay up to date with what’s happening in Zambia in terms of visa requirements, travel arrangements, exchange rates, climate, etc. Here is a list of our 20 most frequently asked questions:
1. How long must your passport be valid for when travelling to Zambia?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when travelling to Zambia and it must have at least 2 blank pages.
2. Do you need a visa in order to travel to Zambia?
This would depend on where you are travelling from. Click here to check if you require a visa to enter Zambia.
3. What are the current Covid-19 regulations when travelling to Zambia?
At the time of this article being posted, the current Covid-19 regulations are that if you are fully vaccinated then you do not require a negative PCR test upon arrival into Zambia but will be required to show proof of vaccination and if you are not fully vaccinated then you will need to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival that is no older than 72 hours. Children under 12 years old are exempt from these regulations. Please check if there are any updated regulations before travelling to Zambia.
4. Do you need any extra vaccinations when travelling to Zambia?
There are no mandatory vaccinations that are required when travelling to Zambia. However, we suggest that you seek medical advice from your doctor about vaccinations that may be recommended to get before departure.
5. Do you need to worry about Malaria?
Malaria is prevalent throughout Zambia so it is definitely something you should keep in the back of your mind. We recommend bringing Malaria tablets with you just in case, and also to put on mosquito spray whilst you’re in the bush.
6. What time zone does Zambia fall into?
Zambia falls into the GMT +2 time zone.
7. How long is the flight to Zambia?
This would depend on where you’re coming from but here are a list of some major flight routes and their approximate durations:
- London to Zambia: 9 hours 30 minutes
- New York to Zambia: 15 hours 35 minutes
- Sydney to Zambia: 17 hours 45 minutes
- Beijing to Zambia: 22 hours 20 minutes
8. How do transfers and luggage allowances work within Zambia?
The best way to travel within Zambia is by air. These small aircrafts allow a maximum luggage allowance of 15 kilograms (33 pounds) which includes hand luggage. We are able to help you book your transfers within Zambia. Email us on corporate@voyagerszambia.com
9. What is the climate like in Zambia?
The climate in Zambia can be described as subtropical humid. Our summers are hot (an average of 25°C) and our winters are mild (an average of 16°C).
10. Where are the best places to visit in Zambia?
The best places to visit in Zambia are definitely our national parks, Victoria Falls and our capital city, Lusaka. We recommend reading our blog post: Top 5 Places to Visit in Zambia to find out more about these wonderful destinations.
11. When is the best time to travel to Zambia?
This will depend of what you’re wanting to do when you’re in Zambia.
- If you want to go on safari in Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, anywhere in the Luangwa Valley or anywhere in Northern Zambia then we would suggest that the best time to visit in terms of the weather as well as seeing the most game would be between July and October.
- If you want to go on safari in Liuwa Plain National Park in Western Zambia then we would suggest that the best time to visit in terms of the weather as well as seeing the most game would be between November and July.
- If you want to visit the Victoria Falls then we would suggest the best time to visit in terms of the weather as well as seeing the Falls would be between January and April when Zambia is at the peak of its rainy season.
However, these are only suggestions. You can travel to Zambia all year round and still be blessed with amazing weather and loads of game.
12. What currency is used in Zambia?
The currency used is the Zambian Kwacha. At the time of this article being published, the exchange rate is 1.00 US Dollar = 16.22 Zambian Kwacha but it is subject to change so please research the latest exchange rate before your travels. Considering that it is almost impossible to find Zambian Kwacha outside of the country, most lodges and tourism facilities in Zambia accept US Dollars. They also accept credit cards, but smaller bush camps only accept cash so please contact your accommodation provider to find out these details before travelling.
13. What language is spoken in Zambia?
Zambia has 72 languages but the main official languages are English, Bemba, Nyanja and Tonga. English is spoken throughout the country and all signage is in English.
14. Should you tip your guides when going on safari?
Even though this is not mandatory, we highly suggest tipping your guides when you’re on safari. Therefore, it is important to always carry a bit of cash on you. As a guideline, we recommend tipping your guide $25 per couple per day and another $25 to be shared amongst the lodge staff; so $50 per day.
15. What animals can you expect to see on safari in Zambia?
Zambia boasts a huge diversity of wildlife and birdlife that you’ll be able to tick off your safari bucket list! We recommend reading our blog post: Top 10 Animals You Can Expect to See When You Visit Zambia to get an idea of what you’re likely to see.
16. What do you need to bring with you on safari to Zambia?
There are certain things that you need to bring with you when you visit Zambia and go on safari. We recommend having a browse through our blog post: 10 Things to Bring On Your Zambian Safari to get an idea of what to pack when travelling to Zambia for your safari.
17. What plug type do they use in Zambia?
Plug type C and plug type G are widely used in Zambia. Plug type D is occasionally used but your lodge can provide you with an adaptor for plug type D if they use those plugs. We suggest buying an adaptor that supports plug type C and plug type G. You can Google those plug types to get an idea of what they look like but the perfect travel adaptor to bring with you to Zambia would be something similar to this one found on Amazon.
18. What food is mostly eaten in Zambia?
The staple food in Zambia is called “nshima”. It is made from pounded maize and is usually served with stewed meat and vegetables. We recommend experiencing a true and authentic Zambian meal whilst you’re on safari in Zambia. It is a hearty, comfort meal that is perfect after a long day in the bush.
19. Is Zambia welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers?
Whilst Zambians are naturally friendly and welcoming people, homosexual acts are still illegal in the country. There has been some effort to decriminalise homosexuality in Zambia but at the moment there has been no progress in this regard. Therefore, it is important for LGBTQ+ travellers to be mindful of the local sensibilities, especially in rural areas.
20. Where can you get your laundry done?
Most accommodation providers, whether they’re hotels in town or lodges in the national parks, should be able to provide you with laundry services, either included or at an extra fee. Please contact your accommodation provider to find out more details.
If you have a question about travelling to Zambia that isn’t on this list, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on DMC@voyagerszambia.com
