Co-home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, Zambia has an abundance of things to see and experience: whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River; catching tiger fish on Lake Kariba; visiting 19 national parks housing a plethora of animals; bungee jumping the longest drop in the world; or just experiencing the friendliness of the Zambian people.
Zambia is a landlocked country situated north of the Zambezi River in Central Africa. The legendary Zambezi River flows through western Zambia and forms the southern border with Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Besides Zimbabwe, Zambia borders seven other countries - Angola, Botswana, DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania. Major cities in Zambia are Lusaka, the capital, Livingstone in the south, Ndola in the northern Copperbelt region and Mpulungu bordering Lake Tanganyika in the upper northern corner of the country.
Weather in Zambia is moderate. There are three distinct seasons, cool winter from May to September, hot, dry summer from October to December and the wet rainy season from December to April.
Both European and African airlines have regular service to Lusaka with various charter airlines operating domestically in Zambia. The rail network in Zambia operates on two primary lines connecting most of the major cities. There are buses, both public and private, operating domestically and to neighboring countries. Shared taxis, often crowded, operate in all the urban areas. The road network in Zambia is fairly extensive, but not always well maintained. The best way to get around Zambia is with a private car, preferably a four-wheel drive vehicle.
The communications network in Zambia can be described as efficient but not extensive. Most communication services (local and international phones, faxes, Internet cafes, mobile phones) are available in Zambia, but the efficiency and availability of service decreases as you leave the major urban areas.
Although it is slightly more expensive than most neighboring countries, Zambia is still a relatively inexpensive destination compared to most Western countries. Foreign currencies and traveler's checks can be exchanged with little difficulty, but most credit cards are not widely accepted. Even though both the government and private sector provide medical services, especially in the larger urban areas, travelers should not expect to find facilities comparable to Western standards.
The official language in Zambia is English, but there are more than 30 local languages spoken as well. The 35 different ethnic groups in Zambia add to the country's diversity and it is interesting to experience the people. They are generally very friendly and humble. They enjoy Zambian music, which is almost always accompanied by dancing.
Zambia's crime rate is high. This is in part due to the lack of funding for the police that in turn leads to inefficiency, corruption and many unsolved crimes. Violent crimes, such as murder, armed robbery and carjacking are common. Even petty criminals are bold in their ventures to snatch bags, pick pockets or steal personal property. Scams, especially commercial scams, are prevalent in Zambia and foreigners are often targeted.
For a free map of Zambia and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Zambia can be dynamic and volatile. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Zambia.