It's always a good idea to know a bit about the country you intend to visit. So see our facts and information section below and if there is something else you need to know, just contact an expert consultant.
Because Zambia is a tropical country, it does not have a distinct summer and winter as such but rather a
rainy and dry season. From November to March, there is a lot of rainfall and this means the national parks are lush and green. The game watching is not as good due to the plentiful water supply and the dense bush but the birding is spectacular. This time of year is also known as the Emerald Season, due to the bright green colours.
Game viewing is at its best from June onwards, during the dry season. September and October offer an optimal wilderness experience as animals congregate around waterholes, rivers and lakes. Having said that, game viewing is still pretty good all-year round and it often depends on what exactly you want to see.
Victoria Falls are at their most mighty in April and May, just after the rains have finished. In fact the Falls are the largest curtain of falling water in the world (when in full flood). In the dry season the levels may be lower but there is less spray so you have better panoramic views and you can explore the surroundings more fully.
NB: Zambia is a good year-round destination. Speak to us about what you want to do and we can advise you on the best time to visit.
Don't delay - contact us to plan your tailormade trip!
Zambia is a sizeable country in southern Africa which is still little visited in comparison to its neighbours. But tourism is on the rise and many travellers are beginning to see Zambia as a more authentic and off-the-beaten track alternative. After years of poaching and poor maintenance, the country's 19 national parks and reserves have been well rehabilitated. The game viewing now ranks among the best in Africa, but without the crowds of tourists!
Zambia is landlocked and borders ten other countries - though most travellers fly in here from Johannesburg or East Africa. The Zambezi River forms the border with Zimbabwe while Lake Tanganyika straddles the border with Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the north. The country gained independence in 1964 from the British and changed its name from northern Rhodesia to Zambia and Kenneth Kaunda was the first democratically elected leader.
Zambia is one of the more stable countries in the region and entirely safe to visit. The government has committed itself to tourism and there has been a concerted attempt to eradicate poaching and protect the country's fragile environment. Travellers are coming back but we recommend you get here before the rest!
Population: 11,227,000
Capital: Lusaka
Area: 752,614 square kilometers
(290,586 square miles)
Religion: Christian, Muslim, Hindu
Life Expectancy: 41
GDP per Capita: U.S. $800
Literacy Percent: 81
Language: There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English.
Currency: The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), divided into 100 ngwee, but the coins are now worthless and seldom used. It is best to bring travelers cheques, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns.
Time: GMT +2.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two-and three pin round plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00 27 for South Africa).
