









Our Zambia expert, Kirsty, knows and loves the country with a passion. With her first-hand knowledge, real-life stories and personal touch, you'll know your precious holiday is in great hands.
Here at HA, we don’t believe in off-the-shelf holidays. Every trip we design is completely tailor-made, shaped around your interests, desires and travel style. Whether you’re after adventure, wildlife, authentic culture or a bit of everything, our expert Kirsty knows exactly how to bring it all together. With first-hand insight and brilliant local contacts, she's here to help you experience Zambia beyond the highlights, in the most meaningful and memorable way.










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[content] => The destination of choice for the safari connoisseur, the South Luangwa National Park has been widely labelled as one of Africa's top five wildlife destinations. It's a pristine, unspoiled swathe of riverine woodland, lagoons and small open plains, teeming with healthy populations of lion, elephant, zebra, antelope and the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe. Contented hippo pods relax in the Luangwa during the day, emerging after dark to graze amongst nocturnal animals like civet and genet. Perhaps most enticing of all is the large numbers of leopard, frequently seen on the superb night drives offered inside the park, making it one of Africa's best areas for leopard sightings. And against all odds the park is still improving, with the past year bringing a massive increase in wild dog sightings, where five years ago their very presence was a distant dream.
South Luangwa is also the home of the walking safari, pioneered nearly half a century ago by local legend Norman Carr. Leisurely morning strolls in the bush entice all the senses: the scent of a potato bush and wild basil; the sound of birdsong and antelope alarm calls as your presence in sensed; the visceral thrill of getting close to one of Africa's Big 5 on foot. Zambia’s multi-award winning guides are some of the best on the continent, ensuring safety and excitement in these thrilling encounters on foot, by boat or in game drive vehicles. Finally, South Luangwa boasts a selection of intimate, remote bushcamps where the service is impeccable and game viewing is enjoyed in your own patch of wilderness with no other cars for miles. With all this on offer, it is little wonder that first-time visitors to the South Luangwa are generally highly likely to return.
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[content] => The less travelled, even wilder little brother of its southern counterpart, the North Luangwa National Park is genuinely remote and pristine. Half the size of the South Luangwa but with one camp and few visitors, this is big game country, ideally suited to authentic walking safaris. The Mwaleshi River flows throughout the year, even during a dry season that tests wildlife to the fullest, drawing large gatherings of game to its permanent water sources. With very few roads in the park, access generally only feasible by air and an exclusive selection of specialised walking guides, your wildlife experiences on foot here are likely to be more exciting than anywhere else.
Although less accustomed to humans and more alarmed by approaches on foot than in a vehicle, the North Luangwa wildlife is still abundant. Encounters undoubtedly have a special fission, with lion and buffalo dominating in terms of big game. Interaction between the permanent prides and vast herds of potential prey allows for fascinating game viewing experiences. The North Luangwa is probably not the ideal destination for first-time safari participants seeking guaranteed sightings of diverse animals. However, for Southern Africa addicts, the rustic but comfortable accommodation and outstanding resident guides make the North Luangwa an attractive addition to itineraries visiting Zambia's more well-known highlights.
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[content] => Zambia's capital is a relatively laid-back city with few sightseeing highlights, but there are relaxing places to stay and recharge the batteries after a tiring safari or long-haul, overnight flight into Zambia. BA run a direct service between Heathrow and Lusaka, where there are some pleasant accommodations to enjoy a calm one night stay, usually outside of the chaotic city centre itself. In the city, there are occasional charming, tree lined European-style boulevards, as well as markets and a couple of underwhelming museums and galleries.
Most people will want to just spend a night in Lusaka at the beginning or end of an itinerary, perhaps not leaving their accommodation. It is reassuring then that there are some attractive overnight options, from an African styled, modern boutique guesthouse in the suburbs to a relaxing, unpretentious bush camp outside the city. Whatever your choice, you should leave refreshed after a good night's sleep and relaxed breakfast.
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[content] => Close to the capital and offering a diverse range of experiences, unique accommodation and sensational big game viewing, the Lower Zambezi National Park is an authentic safari gem. The majestic Zambezi is a constant presence, attracting large volumes of game and providing an evocative backdrop to all of the park's camps. Facing directly across the river to Zimbabwe's renowned Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi also boasts outstanding numbers of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and some vibrant, river based birdlife.
Perhaps most notable of all, there are few places in Africa that offer quite the diversity of safari experiences as the Lower Zambezi. From weaving between dense hippo pods by canoe to remote walking safaris, evening river cruises and tiger fishing, there is more than enough to keep visitors occupied with different activities for stays of up to five nights. Day and night game drives are also outstanding, with a range of well-maintained trails close to the river and through the woodland offering privileged access to iconic big game. A range of camps line the Zambezi, from rustic and simple to tented and opulent, with elephants frequently wandering through camp to their favourite riverside haunts. This is also an excellent family safari destination, with quirky private safari houses, top guides and camps that run programmes specially designed for younger guests. With all these varied attractions, it is a travesty that the Lower Zambezi is relatively overlooked, but this is also part of its unspoiled charm!
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[content] => The magnificent Victoria Falls are Livingstone's raison d'etre, a must-see natural wonder that has thrown up a thriving tourist town on the banks of the Zambezi. Livingstone itself is not particularly inspiring, but the Mosi Ao Tunya ("the smoke that thunders") is genuinely awe-inspiring. And there are varied ways to take it in, by air, on foot or in shallow pools on the ridge of the Falls, peering over the precipice as a massive volume of water thunders down over 100 metres. Viewing from the Zambian side can be enjoyed independently or with a guide, and there are different perspectives after dark, when an ethereal lunar rainbow can appear amidst the spray. The Falls also vary in character throughout the year, with the late dry season and early rains rendering them more of a trickle but permitting access to pools on the lip. After reinforcement by emerald season downpours, the Falls are a multi-faceted cascade, when all that restricts your view can be the vast amount of spray!
Accommodation around Livingstone is characterful, quaint and often luxurious, with lodges stationed on the banks of the Zambezi and some actually on exclusive islands in the middle. Two to three night stays permit detailed exploration of the Falls, with guided tours often included and the option to book a helicopter or microlight flight. Evening river cruises with a sundowner and snacks are romantic and relaxing, while the small Mosi Ao Tunya National Park provides an enjoyable introduction to game drives. Livingstone and the Falls absolutely should not be missed, representing the perfect introduction to Zambia or a relaxing climax to a tiring safari itinerary.
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[content] => A remote frontier national park in Zambia's far west, Liuwa Plain is impressively unspoiled. If you're not outrageously adventurous, Liuwa is only accessible on organised expeditions with Robin Pope Safaris, as there are no roads or permanent accommodation available. November and December departures operate at the early stages of Zambia's rains, with imposing storms, wildebeest young being born, migrant birds arriving and wild flowers in bloom. Soon after, the park becomes flooded and completely inaccessible, but returning in early May, the pans are full, birdlife abundant and wildlife happy and refreshed!
Liuwa Plain itself is a flat expanse of mainly grassland, interrupted by occasional water pans and tree islands. Wildlife includes buffalo, wildebeest, red lechwe, hartebeest and reedbuck, plus rarities such as sitatunga and oribi. Many of these gather in large herds that have perhaps erroneously been described as migrations, but nevertheless the significant congregations of blue wildebeest, zebra and other antelope is an impressive sight that you will be sharing with very few other people. There are also small numbers of leopard, hyena, lion, cheetah and even wild dog, which are not guaranteed but increasingly frequently sighted. Remote, wild and uncompromising, a visit to Liuwa is a privilege that few get the chance to enjoy.
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[content] => Truly off-the-beaten-track and relatively inaccessible for much of the year, the Kasanka National Park and Bangweulu Wetlands provide distinctive wildlife experiences that attract dedicated nature lovers. In Zambia's little visited north, the small Kasanka National Park is privately managed by the Kasanka Trust, which ploughs tourism proceeds directly into conservation. Dominated by miombo woodland, the park is a delight for bird lovers and there are diverse antelope species, including the rare sitatunga. Elephants pass through and there are small, rarely seen populations of lion, leopard and hyena. The undoubted highlight occurs at the beginning of the November rains, when over 5 million straw-coloured fruit bats converge on the trees to enjoy ripening fruit, before taking off en masse at sunset. An awesome spectacle, this unvarnished nature show can be enjoyed on special interest safaris.
A larger area north west of Kasanka, the Bangweulu Wetlands surround peaceful Lake Bangweulu. There are two major wildlife highlights: the virtually endemic black lechwe and the bizarre shoebill stork. Black lechwe are darker versions of the far more common red lechwe prominent in Kafue, and there are very healthy numbers in the Bangweulu swamps. The shoebill stork is an intriguing sight, a very large, arguably ugly bird that is extremely rare and sometimes compared to the dodo. The shoebill doesn't migrate and is only found elsewhere in Sudan and Uganda, so the 500 or so specimens here are highly prized. Although access to Kasanka and Bangweulu is difficult and pricey, the remote scenery and unique wildlife are well worth it!
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[content] => Kafue is wild, remote and challenging. Over such a vast tapestry there is a diverse range of habitats, from permanently flowing rivers to lush woodland, with a number of wide open plains more reminiscent of East Africa. This permits an impressive range of activities, including game drives, boat cruises, walks and fishing. Access can be difficult, with few good roads and long distances to cover, but once you arrive in the Kafue National Park there is a delicious feeling of isolation. Perhaps the best way to arrive is by helicopter to the Busanga Plains, an entrance that combines style and luxury with unique views of the park's wildlife.
The centrepiece of the Kafue is the impressive Busanga Plains, a permanently flooded swampland with unique wildlife to seek out. This is the home of Kafue's famous tree climbing lions, their unusual ascensions driven by the demands of living near permanent flood waters. Big cat lovers will also enjoy looking for cheetah, far more likely to be spotted here than anywhere else in Zambia. The elusive sitatunga antelope is uniquely adapted to swamp life, with its water proof coat and strong swimming skills, while the plains are also a perfect home for large herds of red lechwe. Despite poaching issues in the 1980s, recent conservation projects have realised excellent results, leaving a significant volume of wildlife to enjoy in the Kafue. Although costs of visiting can be high, this combination of genuine remoteness and excellent wildlife makes it very attractive to safari purists.
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Zambia offers travellers some of the finest experiences in Southern Africa, from the wondrous Victoria Falls to three of the continent’s premier safari destinations. There is little of interest in the cities, so a holiday to Zambia is all about the natural world. The Victoria Falls are known as the Mosi Ao Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”) in the local dialect, an evocative moniker that goes some way to illustrating the primaeval majesty of one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders. The Falls are easy to view multiple times during a stay in Livingstone, which lies on one of Africa’s great rivers, the Zambezi, and offers a wide range of activities to suit thrill seekers or honeymoon couples.
But Zambia is perhaps most renowned as the destination of choice for safari connoisseurs. This is where walking safaris were pioneered and are still operated to an exceptional standard, taking place in unspoiled wilderness areas where guests at a tiny bushcamp are able to enjoy game viewing activities that are utterly private. The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s best leopard hotspots, the vast Kafue National Park is thrillingly wild, and the picturesque Lower Zambezi allows visitors to enjoy a diverse range of activities that include canoe safaris. With all this choice, the first-time visitor to Zambia should try to find time to combine at least two safari areas with a little downtime by the Falls.
And a final word for the people. Zambia has always remained relatively safe and stable compared to some of its near neighbours, and it’s easy to see why. Warm, welcoming and friendly, with a wicked sense of humour, Zambians also happen to be amongst the best, most decorated guides in Africa.
For the safari destinations, the most popular times to travel are generally May to November. September and October are very hot and dry – prime game viewing time as animals congregate around the few remaining water sources, but much of the wildlife is at its lowest ebb, and there are far more frequent kills to see (great for some, stomach churning for others). Heavy rains hit Zambia from December to April, a period which is referred to as the Emerald Season. There are attractions to a safari at this time, including lush scenery, healthy animals and birthing season for many species, but a number of roads become inaccessible and many camps close.
The Victoria Falls are at their fullest after some months of the wet season: incredibly impressive, but the sheer volume of water can create so much spray that the Falls become less visible! In the middle of the wet season, the Falls are far less imposing, but lower water levels make Livingstone Island visits and swims in the Devils Pool on the rim of the Falls more feasible.
Food and non-premium drinks are often included on safari, as well as at some lodges on the Zambezi outside Livingstone. It tends to be delicious, international fare with large portions, numerous courses at dinner and a surprisingly wide range of options given that you are often dining at a remote bushcamp with no easy access to fresh supplies or modern technology! Snacks and drinks are regularly provided between meals, meaning that most visitors to Zambia tend to return feeling extremely well fed! At hotels catering for international tourists, prices for food and drink should be relatively similar to what you would pay in the UK, although imported wines and spirits can be more expensive.
There are currently no direct flights to Zambia from the UK, so the choice that you have to make is where to fly via and which airline to use. The most convenient is normally to fly via Johannesburg and then connect up to Livingstone or Lusaka from there. There are flights via Dubai straight into Lusaka which can also work well, as well as options with Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airways into Livingstone which works for trips combining time in East Africa.
UK passport holders require a visa to enter Zambia. This is purchased on arrival in the country at immigration by cash payment (at the moment the amount is USD50 per person). We recommend that you ask for the KAZA Uni-Visa which is a multiple entry visa at the same cost of US$50 per person (cash only). Validity – the KAZA Uni-Visa will be valid for 30 days and act as a multiple entry visa as long as visitors remain in Zimbabwe and Zambia i.e. visitors can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as they like within the 30 day period. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through the Kazungula Borders, however, it will not be valid if staying in Botswana overnight. In this case, you would need to purchase a new Visa.
If you are travelling via South Africa with children (18yrs and under) you will be required to present an unabridged birth certificate for each child, and possibly sworn affidavits permitting them to travel from parents not travelling. Please ask us for more details.
Zambia is largely a very safe country, particularly in the remote areas most frequented by tourists. Crime rates are high in the major cities, and we would not recommend walking alone in Lusaka after dark, but it is unlikely that you will spend much time in the capital anyway. Livingstone is safer, with a strong backpacker presence, but we would still recommend taxis if you are visiting the town at night.
As we’re not medical experts we feel it is essential you contact your GP regarding vaccinations and medication for travel to Zambia. What follows are some suggestions, but they must be verified by a medical professional. In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria.
Malaria is present in all areas of Zambia, particularly during wetter months, and we would strongly recommend that you take malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your GP for advice on what malarial precautions to take.
We also like these guys but again you must talk to your GP first: The Travel Doctor, an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.
The local currency is the kwacha (ZMK) and it’s seen plenty of recent upheaval! Firstly, the government announced that US dollars would no longer be legal tender in Zambia. Now, the Zambian kwacha has also undergone a change and been “rebased”, with three zeros knocked off it with immediate effect. This has primarily been done to avoid confusingly high numbers and the need to carry large bundles of cash! There should be no impact at all on visitors, but the exchange rate is now roughly 8.5ZMK to the £, having previously been approximately 8,500! All a little confusing, but in the long term, this should actually make Kwacha payments easier to follow.
It is still possible to pay for visas on arrival in US$, but all subsequent payments, including departure taxes, must now be paid for in kwacha. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and at some lodges but cash is necessary at some of the more remote safari camps. ATMs are reasonably widespread in Lusaka and Livingstone, and your driver or guide will be happy to stop off at one if you require more cash. There are also ATMs and money exchange desks at Lusaka, Livingstone and Mfuwe airports.
Tipping
Tipping is welcomed in Zambia, particularly when you remember that poverty is widespread. The safari season can be short and guides, drivers and camp staff are not tipped during the off-season, when many return to agrarian work for relatively low pay. 10% is normal in restaurants, and small contributions are expected for porterage at hotels and lodges. On safari, we would advise tipping your guide direct, roughly at around ZMK25,000 per person per day. Lodges and camps tend to have tipping boxes for camp staff, including chefs, housekeepers and hosts, and we would recommend a similar amount per day for this communal contribution. You may also want to tip your driver or spotter on safari, although they may well be included in the camp box contributions. For transfer drivers, a small amount of roughly ZMK25,000 per journey is usually sufficient, unless transfers are extremely long. It is important to remember that tipping is a very personal thing, and if you feel someone deserves more or less, or even no tip, then that is entirely your prerogative and you should not feel bound by these suggestions.
We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.
If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!
A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.
To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.
Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’
Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).
Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.
We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.
Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.
If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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