Best Tours and Safari to Zambia

While Victoria Falls is a must-see, Zambia offers many other hidden gems. You can take a boat safari on the Lower Zambezi River to get up close with hippos and elephants. Visit the Kasanka National Park in November for the world’s largest mammal migration, where millions of fruit bats fill the sky. You can also experience a traditional village stay in the Gwembe Valley to learn about Tonga culture and farming practices.

One of Zambia’s most fascinating cultural events is the Kuomboka Ceremony, held annually by the Lozi people in Western Province. It celebrates the movement of the king’s palace from the floodplains to higher ground. Another unique experience is visiting the Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony in the Zambezi region, where the Makishi masquerade honors the passage of boys into adulthood. In villages nationwide, travelers can participate in traditional cooking, weaving, and drum-making workshops.

In addition to standard vaccinations, you should take anti-malaria medication and use insect repellent, especially if visiting remote or wetland areas. Pack a small first aid kit with essentials for safaris and rural locations, as medical facilities may be limited. If traveling to more remote parts of Zambia, consider getting a yellow fever vaccination, mainly if you visit other African countries. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

While Zambia is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to take standard precautions, especially in cities. In Lusaka and Livingstone, avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit streets and use registered taxis or ridesharing apps for transportation. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always ask your local guides for the safest areas to explore on foot.

The shoulder seasons, from May to June and November, offer an outstanding balance of good weather and fewer tourists. During these times, wildlife is abundant, particularly around watering holes, and many lodges offer lower rates. November is also when Zambia’s “emerald season” begins, and while it’s the start of the rainy season, it transforms the landscape into a lush paradise with fewer crowds.

A visit to Zambia wouldn’t be complete without trying Nshima, the staple food made from maize flour, typically served with vegetables, meat, or fish. For something truly local, try Kapenta (small, dried fish) or Chikanda, a delicacy known as the "African polony," made from wild orchid tubers. If you’re feeling adventurous, Caterpillar stew is another traditional dish. Pair your meal with Munkoyo, a fermented maize drink enjoyed nationwide.

Zambia is one of the best places in Africa for walking safaris, pioneered in South Luangwa National Park. Unlike traditional vehicle safaris, walking safaris let you immerse yourself in the environment, tracking animals on foot with a guide. Zambia also offers night game drives, which provide the rare opportunity to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies.Ask our experts at Sarah Tours for a customized safari or any other overland trip to Zambia.

Zambia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 750 species of birds. Head to Lochinvar National Park to spot rare species like the wattled crane and black lechwe. The Bangweulu Wetlands are another birding hotspot, home to the elusive shoebill stork, while Kafue National Park offers sightings of Pel’s fishing owl, African finfoot, and the African skimmer. November to March is the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive during this period.

Zambians are known for their warmth and hospitality. It’s customary to shake hands when greeting someone, and adding a slight bow is a sign of respect, especially when greeting elders. Modesty in dress is appreciated in rural areas, especially when visiting villages. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, and when visiting homes, it’s polite to bring a small gift, such as fruit or bread.