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Main: Flora, Geography, Important Areas, National Parks, Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, UNESCO Sites, Urban Areas, Wildlife
Detail: Bangweulu Wetlands, Blue Lagoon, Isangano, Kafue NP, Kafue Flats, Kasanka, Lavushi Manda, Liuwa Plain, Livingstone Town, Lochinvar, Lower Zambezi, Luambe, Lukusuzi, Lusaka, Lusaka NP, Lusenga Plains, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Mweru Wantipa, North Luangwa, Nsumbu, Nyika Plateau, Shiwa Ng'andu, Sioma Ngwezi, South Luangwa, Victoria Falls, West Lunga, Zambezi Floodplain
Admin: Travel Tips, Entry Requirements/Visas

Geography

Zambia is a landlocked country located in the northernmost edge of the Southern Africa region, but is sometimes grouped into the Central Africa region. To the northeast is East Africa, the original wildlife safari region that includes Kenya and Tanzania. South of Zambia is the more recently developed safari region of Southern Africa, which includes Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Zambia offers some attributes of both these regions.

Zambia shares borders with eight other countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Namibia, Botswana (a very small border at Kazungula), Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Zambia's terrain consists mainly of a high, rolling plateau with an altitude ranging between 3 200-5 300 feet (1 000-1 600 meters), plus hills, river valleys, and some low mountains.

Two major river systems drain out of Zambia. The Zambezi/Kafue/Luangwa basin covers roughly three-quarters of the country and flows south and out to the Indian Ocean via Mozambique, while the Luapula/Luvua catchment flows north and joins the Congo River, which flows through the DRC and eventually west to the Atlantic Ocean.

There are several significant lakes that lie along Zambia's borders: Kariba on the border with Zimbabwe, Tanganyika on the borders with Tanzania and DRC, and Mweru on the border with DRC.

Lake Bangweulu and the Bangweulu Wetlands cover a large area in the north and drain northwards into Lake Mweru, which empties via the Luvua River into the DRC and the Congo River.

Flora

The majority of Zambia is covered in a patchwork of woodlands, tropical grasslands, savannas, and shrub-land. Woodlands are differentiated from forests in that woodlands are more open, with tree canopies that do not interlock, whereas forests are much more dense and have connected canopies. Zambia has very little forested area.

'Miombo' is the predominant woodland, so named for the miombo trees (Brachystegia genus) that are prevalent in much of Zambia. Miombo woodlands are common throughout central Africa and are notable for their high level of plant diversity, which makes them very productive habitats for sustaining diverse wildlife. Besides miombo, there are also areas of mopane tree woodlands and acacia scrub in the lower elevations.

Wildlife

Located on the far northern edge of the Southern Africa region with East Africa directly to the north, Zambia's wildlife includes most species found in both those regions. 

Large predators include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, African wild dog, and in the parks with substantial grasslands (like Kafue), cheetah. Buffalo and elephant occur in good numbers in most of the larger national parks and along the Zambezi River in the south. Sadly, rhino are mostly gone from Zambia, having been poached during the turbulent 1970s and 1980s.

The large antelopes and other herbivores are well represented, with zebra, giraffe, puku, and impala found in most of the protected ecosystems. Hippo and crocodile are abundant in the major river systems, including the Zambezi, Kafue, and Luangwa.

Zambia is also host to some regionally endemic subspecies of the more common iconic animals, including Crawshay's zebra (in the Luangwa Valley), Cookson's wildebeest (Luangwa Valley), Thornicroft's giraffe (Luangwa Valley), Kafue lechwe (in Kafue NP), and black lechwe (in the Bangweulu wetlands).

Birding in Zambia is regionally very good, especially when the migrants arrive from the north to breed. Much of Zambia receives good rainfall from December through April and its major river systems create excellent habitat for a variety of birds. Around 850 species of birds have been recorded in Zambia.

Protected Areas

Zambia has a great variety of national parks and game management areas (GMAs). The national parks offer full protection for wildlife and the natural resources within their borders. GMAs are typically multi-use land, which usually include villages, farming, controlled hunting, and sustainable resources usage. GMAs are typically located on the borders of national parks and offer a buffer zone to the parks.

National Parks

Zambia has 20 national parks; however, some of these parks are poorly maintained or not at all. Additional information on each is included further below this list:

• Blue Lagoon National Park - Small park on the northern side of the Kafue Flats, a vast wetland known for birds and large herds of 'Kafue' lechwe.
• Isangano National Park - Borders the Bangweulu Wetlands, but has had significant human encroachment and is mostly depleted of wildlife due to subsistence farming. Not recommended.
• Kafue National Park - Zambia's largest national park. Seasonal destination offers exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly around the Busanga flood plains in north. Diverse plains game, elephant, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena. Big herds of buffalo, red lechwe, hartebeest, and more.
• Kasanka National Park - Small park close to the southern edge of the Bangweulu Wetland. Privately funded and striving to bring tourism back. Good wildlife and superb birding.
• Lavushi Manda National Park - Borders the Bangweulu Wetlands, but human settlement and farming within the park borders has depleted wildlife. Not recommended.
• Liuwa Plain National Park - Remote park in western Zambia. Rich floodplains attract huge herds of blue wildebeest plus a variety of other plains game. Few visitors and a special place to visit.
• Lochinvar National Park - Small park on the southern side of the Kafue Flats, a vast wetland known for birds and large herds of 'Kafue' lechwe.
• Lower Zambezi National Park - Located on the banks of the wildlife-rich Zambezi River, which is home to thousands of diverse animals, this beautiful park is part of a larger protected area that spans the river and into Zimbabwe to the south. Game drive, canoeing and walking and excellent to combine with a Luangwa safari.
• Luambe National Park - Small and seldom visited park in the Luangwa Valley situated across the Luangwa River from the North and South Luangwa parks. Wildlife viewing improving, but not on a par with the larger parks across the river.
• Lukusuzi National Park - Remote, seldom visited, no facilities, and only s single, unmaintained track thru the park. Not recommended.
• Lusaka National Park - Small, fully fenced part on the outskirts of Lusaka city. Variety of antelope and other herbivores, including one rhino. Spotty game viewing.
• Lusenga Plains National Park - Remote and seldom visited park in the far north, near Lake Mweru. Not recommended for a wildlife safari.
• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Meaning 'the smoke that thunders', the park protects the Zambian side of The Victoria Falls and land both upriver and along the gorges below The Falls.
• Mweru Wantipa National Park - Remote and long-neglected park protecting the lake of same name in far north. Wildlife mostly depleted. No tourist facilities  and not recommended.
• North Luangwa National Park - Remote and mostly undeveloped park in the Luangwa River Valley. Excellent wildlife that is largely the same as the more popular South Luangwa park. Walking safaris are the main activity at the bush camps here.
• Nsumbu National Park - Remote park on the southern end of Lake Tanganyika. Wildlife safaris, but low game densities. Fishing and boating on the lake. Very scenic along the lakeshore.
• Nyika Plateau National Park - Very small highlands park best accessed from the Malawian side. Beautiful scenery, great hiking and birding.
• Sioma Ngwezi National Park - Undeveloped park in name only bordering Angola and the Caprivi Strip. Long history of poaching has decimated wildlife. Not recommended.
• South Luangwa National Park - Zambia's top wildlife safari destination, with diverse wildlife, top-notch safari camps and lodges, and superb guiding. Renowned for its elephants, leopards, African wild dogs, and guided walking safaris.
• West Lunga National Park - Wild and remote park in far northwest. No accommodation nor visitor facilities. Roads are minimal. Low human population, so wildlife still thought to be decent.

Important Areas

Other areas of interest in Zambia include the following:

• Bangweulu Wetlands - A vast and wild wetland that includes a large lake, seasonally flooded grassland, and plenty of wildlife.
• Kafue Flats - An area of seasonal floodplains, marshes, and lagoons along the Kafue River, east of Kafue National Park.
• Shiwa Ng'andu - Historic estate built an English aristocrat in the early 1900s and now a guest house.
• Zambezi Floodplain - Beautiful, seasonally inundated wetland wilderness area at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites 
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose mission is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the arts, the sciences, and culture. The Convention concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage was signed in November 1972 and ratified by the 189 UN member "states parties".

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is geographically and historically identifiable and has special cultural or physical significance. To be selected as a World Heritage Site, a nominated site must meet specific criteria and be judged to contain "cultural or natural heritage of outstanding value to humanity". An inscribed site is categorized as cultural, natural, or mixed (cultural and natural). As of 2021, there were over 1 100 sites across 167 countries.

Zambia has one UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls (since 1989, Natural) - One of Earth's greatest waterfalls, with prime example of geological land formation processes.

Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was the first of the modern global nature conservation conventions, negotiated during the 1960s by countries and non-governmental organizations concerned about the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife. The convention is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.

Presently there are some 75 member States to the Ramsar Convention throughout the world which have designated over 2 300 wetland sites onto the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Zambia has 8 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) as follows.

• Bangweulu Swamps - Breeding grounds for vulnerable birds, fishes, and other wildlife, including the semi-aquatic black lechwe antelope, wattled crane, and shoebill stork. The swamp is a natural flood controller and crucial for groundwater recharge and water quality. (4 247 sq miles/11 000 sq kms)
• Busanga Swamps - Diverse ecosystem, with swamps, lagoons, rivers, woodlands, grassy plains provide habitat for large numbers and diversity of mammals, birds, and fishes. Crucial for groundwater recharge and flood control for Zambezi and Kafue rivers. (772 sq miles/2 000 sq kms)
• Kafue Flats - Vast expanse of floodplains, woodlands, and grasslands, with lagoons, oxbow lakes, marshes, and small rivers along the Kafue River. Habitats support many endangered species, like Kafue lechwe, wattled crane, sitatunga. Crucial for large numbers of fishes of migratory birds. Important for groundwater filtering and storage. (2 510 sq miles/6 500 sq kms)
• Luangwa Floodplains - Rivers, springs, lakes, lagoons, marshes, and streams provide crucial water for sustaining huge numbers and diversity of wildlife and vegetation. Habitat for over 50 mammal species and important breeding ground for numerous bird species. (965 sq miles/2 500 sq kms)
• Lukanga Swamps - Largest permanent water body in the Kafue Basin, with shallow swamps that provide habitat and breeding grounds for birds, mammals, reptiles, and fishes. Used by locals for fishing and reed collection. (1 004 sq miles/2 600 sq kms)
• Mweru Wantipa - Encompasses portions of Mweru Wantipa NP and Kaputa GMA. Rivers, swamps, Lake Mweru Wantipa basin and surrounding wetland plains, with evergreen forests, itigi thickets and miombo woodlands. The diverse habitats are home to ~400 bird species, plus threatened mammals, reptiles, and fishes. (1 892 sq miles/4 900 sq kms)
• Tanganyika - The Zambian portion of Lake Tanganyika, including shoreline areas of Nsumbu NP and Kaputa GMA. Steep, rocky shoreline with areas of swamp and sandy beach with rich diversity of biomes providing habitat for large numbers of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fishes. (888 sq miles/2 300 sq kms)
• Zambezi Floodplains - Zambezi River and surrounding floodplains are second largest wetland in Zambia, with floods occurring from February thru March. Important habitat and breeding grounds for thousands of blue wildebeest, large numbers of water birds, and over 80 species of fish. Habitat for many other mammals including lion, as well as reptiles. Used by locals for fishing and collection of reeds and sedges. (3 475 sq miles/9 000 sq kms)

Urban Areas

Zambia has two significant urban areas worth mentioning, one of which is their capital city and the other is a major tourism hub. See details on each below.

• Livingstone - Located at The Victoria Falls and the destination for travelers wishing to stay on the Zambian side (versus the Zimbabwe side) when visiting the waterfall. Lots of adventure activities, though many choose to stay outside the town in one of the lodges along the Zambezi River.
• Lusaka - Zambia's capital and by far its largest city.

South Luangwa National Park

Undoubtedly Zambia's premier game-viewing destination, South Luangwa National Park (SLNP) protects over 3 000 square miles of the fertile Luangwa Valley, which is an extension of the Great East African Rift. The park was pioneered by the British conservationist Norman Carr, who is also credited with the creation of the commercial 'walking safari', an activity for which South Luangwa is still known today.

South Luangwa is bordered by the Luangwa River on the east and the Muchinga Escarpment on the west, with the interior of the park dominated by mature woodlands, dense thickets, and smaller areas of open, tall-grass plains. The Luangwa River is one of the largest in Africa and is essentially a pristine waterway, with no dams nor commercial farming along its route. Wildlife activity and most of South Luangwa's safari camps are located along this river or its numerous tributaries.

The park's diversity of biomes create niche habitats for a variety of herbivorous species, with big herds of buffalo, some numbering in the hundreds, and an abundance of elephant, which are usually seen along or near the Luangwa River. The elephants in SLNP are quite relaxed around game drive vehicles, making it easy to view them up close without disturbing them.

Puku are the most common of SLNP's antelopes and they often congregate in large herds. Impala are common, as are giraffe, zebra, and blue wildebeest. Other species common in the park include greater kudu, bushbuck, and eland. The Luangwa River is home to huge numbers of hippo and crocodile.

South Luangwa's is also home to healthy populations of predator species, including lion, leopard, Africa wild dog, and spotted hyena. Lion are the most easily seen on safari in SLNP, but the park is renowned for being one of Africa's best for leopard. Birding in the park is also very good.

Read full details on South Luangwa National Park here.

North Luangwa National Park

Like its much larger sister park to the south, North Luangwa National Park (NLNP) is situated along and bordered in the east by the beautiful Luangwa River. Unlike South Luangwa, NLNP receives very few visitors and remains one of the best kept secrets for safari enthusiasts wanting to experience Africa like it was 200 years ago - wild, untouched, and remote.

Walking safaris are the main activity in North Luangwa, with only a handful of more rustic "bush camps" that are located along both the Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers. These safari camps are located in the 'Wilderness Zone', which comprises 40 percent of the park and is only accessible to guests staying at one of the permanent camps there. The 'North Zone' is open to self-drive visitors and guided overland trips that utilize camping sites in the park.

North Luangwa's habitats are more diverse than in South Luangwa, with the highlands of the Muchinga Escarpment lying almost entirely within the park. The vegetation is generally thicker in NLNP, but there are patches of open savanna, evergreen forest on the escarpment, and miombo woodlands on the lower elevation hills.

The game drive network of roads is much less developed here, so visitors should not expect to explore as much ground in a vehicle here as is possible in South Luangwa. Guided walks in the bush can provide some wildlife sightings and are especially rewarding in terms of the feeling one gets when on foot versus in a vehicle.

Wildlife in NLNP is generally similar to that in South Luangwa, with a good variety of plains game and predators. Common species include puku, impala, and Cookson's wildebeest. Elephant are present, but generally more cautious than those in South Luangwa, as they are not as accustomed to seeing people. Zebra, eland, hartebeest, greater kudu, waterbuck and several other antelopes are also common in NLNP.

Predators include lion, spotted hyena, African wild dog, and leopard. Hippo and crocodile are abundant in the Luangwa River. Bird life is prolific.

Read full details on North Luangwa National Park here.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park & The Victoria Falls

Protecting the Zambian side of The Victoria Falls, as well as a small wildlife section upstream from the waterfall and the gorges below The Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is named for the local name for the waterfall, meaning 'the smoke that thunders'.

The Victoria Falls are located along the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia in the north and Zimbabwe in the south. The historic Victoria Falls Bridge spans the deep gorge below The Falls and connects the two countries by road and rail. Visitors can choose to stay on either side of The Falls (Livingstone town in Zambia or Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe).

Besides the waterfall, The Victoria Falls are renowned for being the adventure sports capital of Southern Africa. Activities at The Falls include white-water rafting (in the gorges below the waterfall), bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, canoeing above the falls on the Zambezi River, zip lining, kayaking below The Falls, and more.

The national park on the Zambian side has some wildlife, with guided, self-drive, and walking safaris all possible. There are two additional national parks on the Zimbabwe side of The Falls and portions of the three parks are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read full details on Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park here.

Lower Zambezi National Park

Home to abundant wildlife and protected areas on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi Valley is one of Africa's finest safari destinations. The Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP) protects 1 600 square miles on the northern banks of the Zambezi River, while directly across the river is Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. Together these two parks protect some of the most pristine and beautiful habitat anywhere in Africa.

The Zambezi Escarpment rises parallel to the river some 5 miles inland, while rich floodplains and open grasslands cover the valley floor along the Zambezi River. The changing course of the river has, over time, created oxbow lagoons and back flows, which are favored by the myriad wildlife species that live in the valley.

Elephant and buffalo are abundant in the park, and they cross the Zambezi River to and from Zimbabwe as they choose, stopping on the islands to graze, while other species like impala, zebra, and waterbuck graze on the floodplains. Lion and spotted hyena are common and packs of African wild dog commonly hunt along the river in early morning. Hippo and crocodile live in great numbers in the Zambezi River and can be seen sunning themselves on the banks.

There are plenty of safari camps and lodges in the park, nearly all of them situated along the Zambezi River. Activities offered include game drives, canoeing on the Zambezi River, and bush walks.

Read full details on Lower Zambezi National Park here.

Kafue National Park

Zambia's largest protected area, Kafue National Park covers 8 650 square miles (22 400 sq kms) and is named for the Kafue River, which flows through the northern half of the park. Other major rivers in Kafue include the Lunga and Lufupa, both of which are tributaries of the Kafue River.

The northern portion of the park is the best for wildlife safaris and contains seasonally flooded plains, particularly along the Lufupa River. The largest of these rich floodplains is called the Busanga Plains. The Busanga Plains offer seasonally excellent game viewing between late June and mid- to late-October. Portions of the Busanga remain wet all year and this important biome supports huge numbers of birds.

The rest of Northern Kafue is a mix of miombo woodland, savanna, thicket, mopane woodland, and riparian forest along the numerous smaller rivers. As in Botswana's Okavango Delta, the seasonal floodplains in Kafue are dotted with small 'islands' supporting tall Phoenix palms, wild date palms, fig trees, and baobab trees.

Once the floodplains begin to dry up, they support rich grasses, which attract large herds of grazers, like buffalo, red lechwe, puku, and roan antelope. Other wildlife in Northern Kafue includes good numbers of elephant, zebra, greater kudu, eland, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, and defassa waterbuck. Northern Kafue is also home to healthy populations of lion, cheetah, African wild dog, and spotted hyena. Leopard are common, but elusive, staying mostly hidden in the riparian woodlands.

Primates in Kafue include vervet monkey and chacma baboon. Hippo and crocodile are found in the deep sections of the Kafue, Lunga, and Lufupa rivers. Bird life in Northern Kafue is prolific and offers outstanding birding. Kafue's bird list tops 500 species.

The southern portion of Kafue National Park is much drier than the north and characterized by Kalahari sand. The land becomes more arid as one moves further south. Southern Kafue's wildlife includes impala, which are not found in the north, as well as blue wildebeest, buffalo, greater kudu, puku, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, eland, roan antelope, sable antelope, warthog, and elephant.

The southern section of Kafue National Park has few safari camps and is seldom visited, so the wildlife there is much more skittish and game viewing not on a par with Northern Kafue.

Read full details on Lower Zambezi National Park here.

Liuwa Plain National Park

Certainly one of Africa's most remote reserves, Liuwa Plain was first protected in the early 1880s as a royal hunting ground for King Lewanika, the paramount ruler of the Lozi people. The park covers 1 413 square miles (3 660 sq kms) and was declared a national park in 1972. Liuwa is managed as a joint conservation effort by African Parks and the Zambian government.

Liuwa is a very special and mostly untouched place, dominated by seemingly endless grassy plains, most of which become flooded in shallow water between December and April. During these flood months, huge herds of blue wildebeest, numbering in the thousands, arrive on the plains for the fresh grazing. Although not a true migration, this large gathering of wildebeest is estimated to number 30 000 individuals.

Besides wildebeest, the plains attract good numbers of zebra, tsessebe, red lechwe, roan antelope, eland, oribi, and buffalo. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, and African wild dog. November is the one of the best months to visit and the posh King Lewanika safari camp (open October to July) is highly recommended. Birding in Liuwa is excellent, particularly when the plains begin to flood in November and December, coinciding with the arrival of migrant species from the north.

Wildlife is seasonal in Liuwa Plain and the best time to visit the park is the opposite of most wildlife destinations in southern Africa, with the wet season attracting the big herds to Liuwa's grassland plains. Driving becomes impossible at this time, but canoeing and walking offer an outstanding experience.

The onset of the rains, which usually begin in early November, is a prime time to see Liuwa. Game viewing continues excellent well into December, but the game driving becomes increasingly difficult as the season progresses. The end of the wet season (May and June) is also very good before the herds begin to disperse.

Liuwa's daytime temperatures are warm all year, but can become very hot in September and October, reaching 93-95°F (34-35°C) most days, but dropping to a pleasant 58-60°F (14-16°C) at night. December thru April average daytime highs of 85-87°F (29-31°C), falling to 57-63°F (14-17°C) overnight. June and July are the coolest months, with daytime temps averaging 80-82°F (27-28°C) but getting quite chilly at night, averaging 44-46°F (7-8°C).

Adventure seekers and those that enjoy beautiful wilderness regions will love Liuwa Plain. The park receives very few visitors, making it a truly memorable place to experience.

Kasanka National Park

Covering 180 square miles (466 sq kms) just south of the Bangweulu Wetlands, Kasanka National Park was gazetted in 1972 and is one of Zambia's smallest protected areas. Kasanka is unique in that it is privately funded (since 1986 by the UK-based Kasanka Trust, Ltd.).

The park's topography is mainly flat, with a network of small permanent lakes, small rivers, streams, and marshy areas with reed and papyrus beds. Around three-quarters of the park is miombo woodland. Controlled burning by local people living along the park borders has kept mature forests from forming in the park, as their fires often spread into Kasanka.

Wildlife in Kasanka includes puku antelope, which are the most common large mammal in Kasanka, reedbuck, bushbuck, sable antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, defassa waterbuck, common duiker, and warthog. Small numbers of zebra, elephant, and roan antelope are also found in Kasanka. The elusive water-dwelling sitatunga antelope can be found in the papyrus swamps.

Primates in the park include vervet monkey, blue monkey, and Kinda baboon. Hippo and crocodile are found in the larger rivers. In terms of predators, lion and hyena are no longer resident, but leopard are present in Kansanka, as are side-striped jackal, caracal, and serval.

Birding is exceptionally good in Kasanka, with over 400 species recorded, a huge number for a park this small. Kasanka's rivers, lakes, and wetlands are excellent for water birds. A popular wildlife spectacle in Kasanka is the nightly emergence of millions of straw-colored fruit-bats. The bats have a huge one-meter wing span and take to the air at dusk each night from their roosting place in the forest near the swamps. 

Kasanka receives healthy rains from November into April and roads may become impassible. The dry season, from June thru October is the best time to visit, although October can be brutally hot. Access to Kasanka is from the tarred road west of the park.

Isangano National Park

Declared in 1972, Isangano covers 324 square miles (840 sq kms) of grassland and low-lying floodplains on the northeastern side of the Bangweulu Wetlands. Unfortunately, human settlement by subsistence famers has degraded the park and eliminated much of the wildlife that once existed here.

In 2007, the government began an initiative to evict the illegal settlers, but visitors interested in a Bangweulu experience should explore the western side of the wetlands.

Lavushi Manda National Park

Bordering the Bangweulu Wetlands on the southeast, Lavushi Manda National Park was declared in 1972 and covers 611 square miles (1 582 sq kms) of mostly hilly terrain with miombo woodland, with various streams and small rivers that drain into the Bangweulu basin. There are a few areas of grassland, some of which are seasonally inundated.

As with Isangano, human encroachment and poaching has depleted most of its native wildlife.

Nyika National Park

A tiny national park on the western side of the Nyika Plateau, which adjoins the national park of the same name in Malawi. The combined park was created by the British Colonial Administration, which had authority over what is today Zambia and Malawi, so when the countries were divided, a small portion of the original park became part of Zambia. The Zambian portion covers a mere 32 square miles (84 sq kms) and access to the Zambian side is only possible from Malawi.

The key feature of both parks is the Nyika Plateau, a rolling highland that is part of the western Rift Valley Escarpment with an average elevation of 6 900-7 200 feet (2 100-2 200 meters), covering roughly one-third of the combined area of both parks. The remaining portion on the Malawi side are the lower slopes of the escarpment which descend eastward into the Rift Valley and Lake Malawi.

The Nyika Plateau is home to rolling hills covered in montane grasses, heather, and fern, with wide valleys, streams, and sections of exotic pine and eucalyptus forest. The highland scenery is spectacular, with wildflowers blooming throughout the year and peaking in January and February. Over 200 species of orchid have been found on the plateau.

Commonly seen wildlife includes roan antelope, eland, Crawshay's zebra (a subspecies of Burchell's zebra), common reedbuck, and bushbuck. Side-striped jackal are common and the only predator seen regularly, although spotted hyena can also be seen on occasion.

Birding on the plateau is very good, but even better on the lower slopes. The most notable feature of the Zambian park, which is much more forested than the plateau itself, is the Chowo Forest. Chowo offers perhaps the best birding in the entirety of Nyika, with localized specials such as bar-tailed trogon, olive-flanked robin-chat, white-chested alethe, Fülleborn's boubou, a variety of greenbuls, and other forest skulkers.

In terms of accommodation, the Zambian side is undeveloped except for a now-disused colonial-area rest house built in 1946, which at the time, was the only accommodation in Nyika. It closed in 1988.

Luambe National Park

Declared in 1938, Luambe National Park is located in the low-lying Luangwa River Valley, with the river forming its western boundary. Luambe covers only 139 square miles (361 sq kms) and is situated in the north-south gap between the valley's better known national parks, North Luangwa and South Luangwa, but on the opposite (eastern) side of the Luangwa River.

The park is characterized by riparian forest along the river with cathedral mopane forest, miombo woodland, and short grass savanna further east away from the river. Luambe is surrounded by a vast Game Management Area (GMA). GMA's are multi-use protected areas that allow controlled hunting, so although Luambe's habitat is roughly identical to that found across the river in the North and South Luangwa parks, Luambe's wildlife is generally more skittish and shy.

Wildlife in Luambe is generally the same as in South Luangwa, with the endemic Cookson's wildebeest, Crawshay's zebra (a subspecies of Burchell's zebra), impala, warthog, elephant, and buffalo commonly seen.  Thornicroft's giraffe, which are common in South Luangwa, are only rarely seen in Luambe.

Hippo and crocodiles are abundant in the Luangwa River and are seen seasonally, but move to deeper sections of the river as water levels drop. Leopard are resident in Luambe, but not easily seen.

The park receives few visitors, as most people choose to go to South Luangwa, which offers far better wildlife numbers, but is of course more crowded. Luangwa's dry season is from May thru October, with virtually no rain, while the rainy season runs between November and April. The roads in Luambe are rough, even during the dry season, but become impassable during the heavier rains.

Accommodation in Luambe is limited to one dry-season camp and a basic campsite and it's likely that you will have the entire park to yourself if you choose to visit. Luambe Camp can arrange road transfer from South Luangwa's Mfuwe airstrip or the airstrip located just north of the park.

Lukusuzi National Park

Located on the eastern side of the Luangwa Valley, Lukusuzi covers an area of 1 021 square miles (2 646 sq kms) of miombo woodland and patches of grassland savanna. Lukusuzi has never had any management and wildlife numbers are unknown, though poaching has surely been rampant and the animal numbers are presumed to be low.

Access to Lukusuzi is via the Chipata-Lundazi road east of the park, and game scouts are on site at the gate. Lukusuzi has just one very rough dirt track leading west into the park. There are no visitor facilities and no accommodation in Lukusuzi, and an expedition to the park would be a significant undertaking. Anyone considering a visit would be advised to avoid the wet season (December thru April).

There has been mention of plans to bring in private management to develop the park.

Lusaka National Park

Located only 9 miles (15 kms) outside of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka National Park was established on the site of a fenced forest preserve in 2011. The park covers an area of 26 square miles (69 sq kms) and opened to the public in 2015.

The park is stocked with numerous species, none of which are predators. There is a white rhino that is fed in a boma, but is also released to roam the park, where seeing it would be unlikely; call ahead if you are keen to see the rhino.

There are also a variety of other species, including eland, hartebeest, greater kudu, lechwe, puku, zebras, impala, giraffe, sable antelope, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck, warthog, and more. Unfortunately, seeing the animals is apparently not easy, so we cannot recommend the park as a wildlife destination. 

Entry is very inexpensive and self driving in the park is easy. Guided tours are also available.

Lusenga Plains National Park

Covering 347 square miles (898 sq kms) in the Northern Plateau, Lusenga Plains is another of Zambia's seldom visited and mostly unmanaged parks. Lusenga was declared in 1972 to protect a large grassland plain, in the southwest corner of the park. The Kalungwishi River forms most of the park's eastern boundary. And the river passes over three lovely waterfalls: Kundabwika, Kabwelume, and Lumangwe.

The plain, after which the park is named, measures about 13.5 square miles (35 sq kms) and was formed by an ancient volcanic dome. Located towards the center of the plain are wet and swampy areas. Set back from the plain are patches of dry, evergreen forest. The majority of the rest of the park consists of miombo woodland, some of which are tall and dense and others that are more open and stunted.

Lusenga Plains has never received much in the way of funding nor management and wildlife numbers have thus suffered from subsistence poaching. No data on recent wildlife numbers exists and we cannot recommend traveling to this remote corner of Zambia for a safari. Birding is reputedly good, though there has only been one short ornithological survey, that revealed a rich variety of birds including a good number of Zambezian endemics.

There is no accommodation in the park itself, but visitors can find camping areas just north of the park.

Mweru Wantipa National Park

Named for the lake within its borders, Mweru Wantipa National Park covers 1 220 square miles (3 161 sq kms) of what was once a thriving haven for wildlife, including elephant, crocodile, and black rhinoceros. Unfortunately, like many of Zambia's more remote protected areas, this park has been almost entirely neglected for decades and its wildlife and habitat have been badly degraded.

Besides the lake itself, Mweru Wantipa's habitat is made up primarily of a vegetation biome called 'Itigi-Sumbu thicket', an almost impenetrable bush consisting of about a hundred plant species meshed together so densely that it is literally impossible to walk through. Itigi-Sumbu is only known from one other location in central Tanzania. Much of this habitat in Mweru-Wantipa has already been destroyed by human encroachment.

The lake and surrounding land lie at a relatively low elevation (3 000-3 300 feet/900-1 000 meters), but further west, the terrain gradually rises and reaches 4 600 feet (1 400 meters), with hilly and craggy terrain near the eastern side of Lake Mweru. In this western area, the vegetation is miombo woodland.

Lake Mweru-Wantipa (which means 'muddy lake') lies within the national park and is part of the East African Rift, situated between Lakes Tanganyika and Mweru. As its name implies, Mweru-Wantipa's waters are muddy in appearance and in the past, the lake's water levels have shown great fluctuation, sometimes becoming a marsh and even drying completely during extended dry periods.

There are no visitor facilities in the park and just a single track running roughly north-south along the western shore of the lake. Camping is possible along the lakeshore. During the wet season (December thru March), the road in the park is typically impassable.

Despite the lack of most large mammals in the park, the lake and swamp are home to the shy Sitatunga antelope and yellow-backed duiker. The lake also supports good numbers of waterbirds at times, with the shoreline visited by large numbers of migrant waders. The national park and lake were designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2007.

Nsumbu National Park

Covering 782 square miles (2 026 sq kms) at the southern end of Lake Tanganyika is Nsumbu (sometimes spelled Sumbu) National Park. The park includes roughly 60 miles (100 kms) of the lake's shoreline and extends a short way into the lake's waters.

Nsumbu is adjoined by two Game Management Areas (GMA): Kaputa GMA, which covers about 1 150 square miles (3 000 sq kms) to the north and west, and the smaller Tondwa GMA, covering 170 square miles (439 sq kms). These two GMA's are used primarily for commercial hunting, but act as an effective buffer zone for the park by reducing subsistence hunting and poaching by locals. 

The perennial Lufubu River runs through the park, entering from the southwest, before coursing northeast and flowing through a valley then forming the eastern border of the park as it flows into Lake Tanganyika. Much of Nsumbu's terrain is covered by miombo woodland, with Combretum, Acacia, and Trichillia (mahogany) trees, as well as large fig and candelabra trees close to the lakeshore.

Like many of Zambia's parks, rampant poaching in the 1970s and 1980s drastically reduced Nsumbu's wildlife numbers, but the animal populations have since been recovering. Wildlife densities are still low, but species that can be seen in the park include buffalo, elephant, puku, bushbuck, sable antelope, roan antelope, eland, hartebeest, zebra, blue wildebeest, and warthog.

Lion, spotted hyena, and leopard are found in the area, but seen infrequently. Hippo and crocodile are abundant on the lake shore (swimming not advised). Birding is very good, particularly along the Lufubu River and near the lake.

There are a few good lodges located along the Lake Tanganyika shore. Land-based activities include game drives and bush walks, while the lake offers boating and fishing.

Game viewing is best during the dry season (July thru October) when the animals are found more easily near the lake and Lufubu River. Birding is best during the wet season (November thru April), but rain can interfere with activities on the lake.

Nsumbu's climate is warm and tropical, with fairly static temperatures all year, averaging 86-90°F (30-32°C) during the day and 59-68°F (15-20°C) at night. June and July experience the coolest temps, while October can be extremely hot. December thru April can also be hot, but the almost daily rain showers keep things cooler.

Like most of Zambia, Nsumbu has two distinct seasons: one rainy and the other dry. Rain falls frequently between mid-November and mid-April, but is seldom an all-day affair, with most days experiencing some sunshine. The wettest months are December thru March. Mid-May through early November are almost completely rain-free. Game drives can become difficult during the rains, as the tracks become muddy.

Access to Nsumbu is by road from the south (a long way from pretty much everywhere) or a not inexpensive charter flight to the park's airstrip.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

Located in the far southwest of the country and sharing a border with both Angola and Namibia's Caprivi Strip, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is another of Zambia's undeveloped parks, with no permanent facilities, nor roads.

Proclaimed in 1972, the park covers 1 734 square miles (4 491 sq kms) of mostly flat and dry terrain comprised of Kalahari sand, with dense Mopane, miombo and Acacia woodland, some grassland, and some pans that only fill with water during the rainy season (December thru March).

Sioma's western border is the Cuando River (called the Kwando once it crosses into Nambia and then Botswana), which flows into the Linyanti swamp and then into the Chobe/Zambezi river system. A long history of poaching in both Sioma Ngwezi and the bordering Caprivi to the south have decimated the wildlife populations, so this is definitely not a recommended wildlife safari destination.

Elephants pass through the Caprivi and into Sioma Ngwezi from Botswana's Okavango and Linyanti regions, as do African wild dogs, but overall game populations are low. Species that are likely present in Sioma Ngwezi in small numbers include, roan, sable, tsessebe, greater kudu, impala, zebra, and buffalo. Lion, leopard, and even cheetah are reportedly seen on occasion according to Zambian Wildlife rangers.

Sioma Ngwezi's location near northern Botswana and not far from Victoria Falls would presumably make it a candidate for Zambia to put resources into the park, but unless they do in the future, the park will remain just another national park in name only. Not recommended.

West Lunga National Park

Covering 650 square miles (1 684 sq kms) in remote northwest Zambia, West Lunga National Park was first proclaimed a protected area (game reserve) in the 1940s to safeguard its population of yellow-backed duiker.

Unique to Zambia's protected areas, West Lunga is primarily covered in forest of a type called 'Zambezian Cryptosepalum dry forest'. The vegetation is characterized by dense evergreen forest of medium height on sandy soil.

The park is bordered by the Kabompo and West Lunga rivers on the east and west, respectively. The Lukwakwa Game Management Area (GMA) is contiguous with the park to the west. There are also some grasslands and miombo woodlands interspersed within the park and the GMA. Papyrus swamps occur along the two rivers close to where they meet in the south and west.

Like many of Zambia's more remote parks, there are no roads in West Lunga, nor any visitor facilities or accommodations. Visitors to this wild destination will need to be self-sufficient.

The park has had some pressure from local people in terms of wildlife poaching, but the human population in this region is sparse, so West Lunga has not been as badly affected as many of Zambia's unmanaged parks. Reports on animal populations only come from the few intrepid visitors that arrive every so often.

Reported species include buffalo, impala, puku, bushbuck, defassa waterbuck, hartebeest, eland, sable antelope, roan antelope, warthog, elephant, hippo, and crocodile. Several species of duiker are likely in West Lunga, including the aforementioned yellow-backed, as well as blue, and common duiker species. Wild dogs have also been reported by some visitors. Primates include yellow baboon, vervet monkey, samango monkey, and thick-tailed bushbaby. Sitatunga may be surviving in the swamps.

Walking is the most common way to get around in West Lunga, as there is little in the way of cleared roads. Canoeing on the rivers is reportedly outstanding. In either case, a good and experienced guide is almost a must for an expedition to this wild and remote part of Zambia.

Getting to West Lunga is only possible by road from either the Copperbelt in the east or from Lusaka.

Bangweulu Wetlands

Bangweulu means ‘where the water meets the sky’ and this is an apt description for these vast wetlands and one of Africa's last remaining wilderness areas. The Bangweulu Wetlands have been declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and are one of Zambia's gems, although it is seldom visited by tourists.

This rich 5 800-square-mile (15 000-sq-km) ecosystem is characterized by the 1 160-square-mile (3 000-sq-km) Lake Bangweulu in the northwest, plus permanent swamps, seasonally flooded grasslands, small woodlands, and several rivers that feed the lake and swamps.

The Bangweulu basin receives substantial annual rainfall (over 50 inches / 1 400 mm), with rains falling between December and April (Jan-Feb are peak months). The lake and swamps drain south via the Luapula River, which eventually flows north into the DRC and the Congo River.

Bangweulu is a community-owned Game Management Area (GMA) and there are some 50 000 local people living in and around the wetlands. Years of unsustainable harvesting of fish and wildlife in Bangweulu was certainly leading to the demise of this rich ecosystem, until in 2008, then the communities around Bangweulu entered into a long-term agreement with the non-profit African Parks (AP) to manage and protect this natural asset.

Since AP took over management of the Bangweulu GMA, poaching has been largely controlled, the black lechwe (a darker race of red lechwe) population has grown from 35 000 in 2010 to over 50 000, fish bans have been imposed and are being adhered to, and the local communities have been given schools and needed food security through funding obtained by AP.

Community programs such as bee-keeping and fishery management have been introduced to provide income for the local people. Local fishermen are also paid to guard known shoebill stork nest sites to prevent poaching of their eggs.

African Parks has reintroduced wildlife species that had become extinct in Bangweulu, including impala, zebra, as well as supplementing the local buffalo population to add genetic diversity to the herds.

Bangweulu is classified by BirdLife International as an 'Important Birding Area' and is well-known for being a stronghold of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. These incredible birds stand 50-60 inches (1.4-1.5 meters) tall, do not migrate, and are vulnerable to human disturbance.

During and after the rains, the birdlife in the swamps explodes in number, with many waterbirds breeding and nesting in the wetlands. Besides the shoebill, Bangweulu is home to around 400 species of bird and untold numbers of fish.

Wildlife commonly seen in Bangweulu includes black lechwe, sitatunga, reedbuck, puku, impala, hartebeest, tsessebe, oribi, zebra, and common duiker. Buffalo and elephant are often seen. Predators are seldom encountered, but there are side-striped jackal, spotted hyena, and leopard in the area.

The recommended accommodation is at Shoebill Island Camp, which sits on a patch of high ground in the wetland, with a prime position for showing its guests the swamp and its wildlife. The best time for seeing the shoebill is late May to mid-June, with sightings often within shouting distance from the camp.

Wildlife viewing is from boats propelled by long poles by the guides. September thru November offers the best overall birding, with many species of migrant waterbirds coming to the wetland to breed, though seeing the shoebill requires more effort at this time.

The majority of the rain falls between mid-November late March, while May thru October receive little to no rain. The wetlands have receded significantly by June and July, exposing fresh grazing for Bangweulu's black lechwe antelope, which can be seen in high herds at this time. When the swamps are mostly dried, the shoebill storks move further towards Lake Bangweulu, so seeing them requires a longer journey on the water.

By August and September, the water has receded even further and wildlife viewing is done mainly on foot or in 4x4 vehicle. Seeing the shoebills at this time is very difficult, requiring a long journey towards the permanent lake.

October is hot, dry, and dusty, but after the first rains arrive, usually in early November, the wetlands start to revitalize and the heat dissipates. November and December are beautiful, with fresh grass on the plains, which attracts large numbers of black lechwe and more moderate numbers of tsessebe and other plains game.

January and February are the middle of the rainy season, and also the worst time of year for the tiny, but biting lechwe flies that emerge in huge cloud-like swarms. Insect repellent is vitally important and head netting is highly recommended! In spite of the flies and rain, birding at this time is superb, with most species in their full breeding plumage. The lechwe are into the swamp and other grazers, like the tsessebe move away into the marginal woodlands.

Temps in Bangweulu follow the general pattern in Zambia, with warm days throughout the year, averaging 78-81°F (25-27°C) and overnights dropping to 57-63°F (14-17°C). October days can be very hot, reaching 90-92°F (32-33°C). June and July are the coolest months, averaging 73-75°F (23-24°C) during the day and falling to 48-50° (9-10°C) at night. 

Getting to Bangweulu can be done by road from Lusaka or by air charter to Shoebill Islands Camp's airstrip. Driving from Lusaka is best done over two days, stopping along the way for an overnight, as the drive time is 8-10 hours. Most visitors opt to fly in, which takes around 2 hours from Lusaka or one house from Mfuwe (South Luangwa).

Zambezi Floodplain

The area at the far eastern tip of Namibia's "Caprivi Region" is characterized by the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. The meeting of these two significant rivers forms the tip of a triangle of seasonally inundated wetland covering roughly 270 square miles (700 sq kms).

This beautiful wilderness is a mixture of floodplains, swamps, small islands, flowing channels, reedbeds, and papyrus, framed by the two permanent rivers. The meeting of the rivers is also the spot where the four countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia meet.

The Zambian side of the river offers tourist accommodation that base their activities on sport fishing. Tiger fish are a prized catch and anglers worldwide come to try their skills in the pristine blue waters of the Zambezi.

Elephants and buffalo are frequently seen and the birdlife is outstanding. The best fishing is from mid-July to December, but this area offers good fishing year-round.

Kafue Flats

(Including two national parks: Blue Lagoon NP and Lochinvar NP)

The Kafue Flats are a vast expanse of seasonal floodplains, swamps, and open lagoons located along the Kafue River west of Kafue National Park. The Kafue Flats extend east-to-west for around 150 miles (240 kms) and at their widest point (north-to-south) are roughly 30 miles (50 kms) wide.

The Kafue Flats include two protected areas, Blue Lagoon National Park to the north of the Kafue River, and Lochinvar National Park to the south. The parks were created in the 1970s (Lochinvar in 1972 and Blue Lagoon in 1976) on what was then cattle ranching land. Kafue Flats has been declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, covering some 2 320 square miles (6 000 sq kms).

Covering 175 square miles (455 sq kms) north of the Kafue River, Blue Lagoon National Park is known for its large herds of Kafue Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis), a subspecies of the red lechwe, that are endemic to the region. The land was previously owned by a British couple named the Critchley's, who converted from farming to conservation and their old farmhouse is now the park reception.

To the south of Blue Lagoon NP is Lochinvar National Park, which protects 157 square miles (406 sq kms) of the Kafue Flats. The Kafue River and the Chunga Lagoon mark Lochinvar's northern boundary. The land gets progressively drier moving south in the park, with open Acacia and Combretum woodland surrounded by grassy plains, dotted with numerous termite mounds.

The southern portion of Lochinvar is home to the Gwisho Hot Springs, as well as the remnants of a late Stone Age settlement, both of which are are interesting to visit. Other spots worth checking out are Drum Rocks, an outcrop of rocks that echo when tapped and Sebanzi Hill, which is a national monument where an Iron-Age settlement was excavated in the 1960s.

Beginning around 1908, Lochinvar's land was used for cattle ranching and its owner eradicated nearly all wildlife, which at that time included large numbers of plains game, as well as lion and leopard. Predators and species like eland, sable, roan, wildebeest, and even warthog, were wiped out by the late 1940s. In 1966, the Zambian Government purchased Lochinvar Ranch and converted it into protected land.

The damming of the Kafue River in two places, Itezhi-Tezhi Dam to the west and Kafue Gorge Dam to the east, has negatively impacted wildlife in the Kafue Flats by disrupting the natural seasonal flooding of the Kafue River in this region. Nonetheless, wildlife is fairly abundant along the Kafue Flats, with good herds of Kafue Lechwe, and good numbers of Burchell's zebra, eland, roan antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, blue wildebeest, puku, and reedbuck.

The shy sitatunga antelope, a water-dwelling species is found in the permanent swamps of Kafue Flats. The drier areas away from the river and floodplains are home to greater kudu, bushbuck, bush pig, warthog, baboon, and vervet monkey.

Bird life, particularly water birds, is prolific in the Kafue Flats. Birding and wildlife viewing in general are best when the water levels are up, which is typically March thru May. Palearctic migrant birds arrive around September and remain in the region until around April.

The rains fall in the Kafue Flats from December thru April, while the rest of the year is mainly dry. Being a wetland, wildlife viewing, as well as birding, is generally more interesting when water levels are up, even though this means a risk of rain.

Shiwa Ng'andu

Shiwa Ng'andu is the creation and life-long project of Stewart Gore-Browne, an English aristocrat who came to Africa in 1911 as a member of the Anglo-Belgian Boundary Commission to determine the border between Rhodesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gore-Browne became enamored with the land around a lake called Shiwa Ng'andu (which means the 'lake of the royal crocodile'), and he negotiated with a local chief to purchase the lake and the surrounding land with an ambition of settling there.

The story of the Shiwa Ng'andu estate and Gore-Browne's life is chronicled in an autobiographic book called The Africa House, The True Story of an English Gentleman and His African Dream, published in 1999.

Today, the Shiwa Ng'andu Manor House is a luxurious guest house with 5 rooms, offering an historic view of this interesting and beautiful estate. The property has a private airstrip and can also be reached by road.

Lusaka

Lusaka is Zambia's capital city and home to about 1.3 million people, making it Zambia's most populated urban area. Prior to 1935, the small town of Livingstone at The Victoria Falls, was the country's capital.

Lusaka is not typically a destination for most tourists visiting Zambia. The country's main airport, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) is located here, and so the city is often included as the starting and ending point for most visits to the country that include destinations other than The Victoria Falls.

Lusaka does not offer a lot of activities for most visitors, although there are local markets, some museums, and the streets are great for people watching. Like most large cities, do not carry valuables if walking on your own.

There is a small but good variety of hotels and guest houses in Lusaka and in its suburbs, offering various amenities and price points.

Livingstone Town

Visitors to The Victoria Falls have a multitude of choices when it comes to where to stay. The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the gorge over just below The Falls and connects Zimbabwe to Zambia, with the Zambezi River forming the border between the two countries.

On either side of the bridge, connected by road and rail, are two towns: Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwean side and Livingstone Town on the Zambian side.

Many tourists to The Falls choose which side of the river on which to stay based on what makes the most sense considering the rest of their itinerary. Viewing The Falls from both sides of the river is possible, and activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and flights over The Falls are possible regardless of which side one chooses. Besides the two towns, there are a number of lodges and camps situated on both sides of the river both upstream and downstream from The Falls.

Read full details on Livingstone and The Victoria Falls here.

Quick Facts & Travel Tips

• Zambia is situated directly in the tropics, but its climate is moderated due to its altitude and good rainfall. The low-lying valleys can be very hot between September and December.
• Rainfall in Zambia mainly occurs beginning late Oct/early Nov and continues thru April. Jan/Feb are the wettest months.
• There are abut 70 official languages/dialects in Zambia, mostly of the Bantu family, of which Bemba and Tonga are the most widely spoken. English is the official language and is widely spoken in commercial settings.
• The national currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW), but US Dollars (old bills often not accepted), UK Pounds, and Euros are accepted in the larger cities, hotels, and safari camps.
• The US Dollar and Euro have consistently favorable exchange rates (10-20 to 1) versus the Zambian kwacha.
• Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, except at the higher-end hotels and safari camps. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.
• Zambia uses 230v electricity and types C, D and G plug adapters.
• Zambia time is GMT+2 and does not observe daylight savings time (DST); 7 hours ahead of New York (6 during DST).
• The population of the country is around 18.5 million, with about 1.3 million in its most populated city, Lusaka. About 45% of the population is urban.
• Zambia covers 287 024 square miles (743 390 sq kms) with only 64 people per sq mile (25 people per sq km).
• Most Zambians are of Bantu-speaking origin. Bemba is the largest ethnic group (~20%), followed by Tonga (~14%).
• There are very few citizens of European decent remaining in Zambia; most left after independence in 1964. The is a growing population of Indian decent, mostly in the major towns.
• The majority of Zambians are Christians, accounting for around 95% of the population. Few have totally abandoned their traditional beliefs systems.

ENTRY / VISA REQUIREMENTS

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Zambia is required by nationals of USA/Canada/Australia/UK/EU.
• Possession of valid return air tickets is required on entry.
• The passport must contain at least three (3) unused (blank) pages labeled Visa when presented for entry.
• Note: Visa pages referred to above do not include pages reserved for Endorsements, Amendments or Observations.
• Single-entry, double-entry, and transit visas can be obtained on arrival, but it is recommended to apply for a tourist visa in advance from the embassy/high commission in your home country or through the e-visa facility.
• Multiple-entry visas are only available in advance through the e-visa facility.
• Single-, double-, and multiple-entry visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, with the exception of USA nationals, whose multiple-entry visa is valid for 3 years.
• Single-, double-, and multiple-entry visas issued for tourism purposes are valid for ninety days within a 12-month period.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required on arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

Note: entry/visa requirements are subject to change without notice, so please check with the official government pages shown below.

Official Government Pages

• US Department of State info: click here
• Zambian Consulate - USA: click here
• Zambia eVisa application: click here
• Zambia Home Affairs: click here
• CDC information: click here

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Main: Flora, Geography, Important Areas, National Parks, Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, UNESCO Sites, Urban Areas, Wildlife
Detail: Bangweulu Wetlands, Blue Lagoon, Isangano, Kafue NP, Kafue Flats, Kasanka, Lavushi Manda, Liuwa Plain, Livingstone Town, Lochinvar, Lower Zambezi, Luambe, Lukusuzi, Lusaka, Lusaka NP, Lusenga Plains, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Mweru Wantipa, North Luangwa, Nsumbu, Nyika Plateau, Shiwa Ng'andu, Sioma Ngwezi, South Luangwa, Victoria Falls, West Lunga, Zambezi Floodplain
Admin: Travel Tips, Entry Requirements/Visas