Situated in Southern Africa, Zambia is a landlocked nation. However, the long Zambezi River flowing across the country makes it a fertile land with safari and gaming parklands, many beautiful landscapes, awesome Victoria Falls, and a vibrant mix of many ethnic groups making the country a fascinating melting pot of cultures, festivals and attractions drawing visitors to explore and enjoy themselves.

Arriving in Zambia

Unless you are driving across from a neighbouring country, you must arrive at the international airport in the capital city, Lusaka. Based on your point of departure you may need to take connecting flights to arrive in Lusaka. Once you are here getting about within Zambia is possible with the domestic National Airline Proflight Zambia as they operate from Lusaka to most major safari parks.

Length of stay

This important point needs some deliberation considering whether this is a business cum leisure trip or purely a leisure visit. If it is the former, you have chosen the right location as there are many excellent conference venues in Zambia you can choose from for a business event with all the latest facilities and conveniences and accommodation available. Therefore, you can easily include a post-conference safari, as the perfect bonding experience for the group of decision-makers with a duration of 5 to 6 days based on the kind of camaraderie and bonding expected.
If it is the latter case, for pure leisure, it can be up to 10 days or even more as per the budget and the interest in exploring various attractions of Zambia such as Victoria Falls, a walking safari, game viewing activities, exploring the food, the cultural diversity etc.

Best times for travel

December to the end of March tend to be the best months to visit the safari parks as these periods are known as green months with almost no dust on the leaves and trees and everything looking lush and glowing and the air clean and crisp. This is also a good period to visit the majestic Victoria Falls which would have a magnificent flow of water as claimed by guests from Avani Victoria Falls Resort.
During April, May and November dry weather sets in and the greenness gradually recedes. However, there is much to see and experience at lower rates for accommodation and internal flights. Victoria Falls will still be running majestically and the Zambezi River flowing down merrily. So, for budget-conscious travellers, this can be a better period.
June to October is the dry season, with humidity and higher temperatures. The upside is there is no rain, therefore is the peak period for those animal lovers to capture great natural photographs of their beloved creatures in good light.

Family Travel

There is an increasing trend of families visiting Zambia to explore the country and enjoy a safari and there are several family houses available catering to this new segment of travel. With the majority of safari guides being family men, it works well as these experienced men engage the children with many intriguing and humorous stories from their experiences making them enjoy the wilderness and gain a thirst to experience it.
However, the guides adhere to the rule of not including children under 12 taking part in walking safaris.

Other Useful Tips

The currency used in Zambia is Zambian Kwacha, however, US Dollar notes are accepted at hotels and lodging facilities.
Food is reasonably priced in Zambia and there is an array of vibrant food you must try.
Travelling between the national parks in Zambia means covering great distances and the facilities in terms of infrastructure is quite limited and no regular bus services are available. As most parks are livelier during the wet periods internal flights are the best form of travel, to move between parks. Keep in mind that the baggage permitted on these flights is generally 12 kg.
For those wishing to use chauffeur-driven vehicles or dial-up cab services, these are available at a cost.