Welcome to Zambia

If it’s wilderness adventure you seek, Zambia is full of it. This is where to go if you want to track big game, paddle or whitewater raft down three great rivers (the Kafue, the Luangwa and the Zambezi) and venture far into the bush on walking safaris.

If you love waterfalls, this is the place – for spectacular Victoria Falls as well as the 17 other mesmerizing cascades throughout the country. Go houseboating on Lake Kariba. Walk with endangered cheetahs. This is legendary African adventure in one of the continent’s friendliest and safest countries.

Unique Facts

• Termite hills in Zambia are as big as a small house.
• The largest export industry in Zambia is copper. The country produces approximately 1.5 millions tons of copper each year.
• All of the Big Five wildlife can be found here, mainly in South Luangwa National Park.
• Located on Zambia’s border with Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• The national symbol of Zambia is the African fish eagle, representing freedom from colonial oppression.

Language

Zambia’s official language is Zambia.

When To Go

The best time to go to Zambia is between June and November, during the dry season.

Airports

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for all travelers when visiting Zambia: Measles, Polio and routine vaccinations. Most travelers need Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Cholera, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, D and G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Zambian Kwacha

Getting Around

Be extremely cautious if driving in Zambia, particularly at night and in inclement weather. Secondary roads are not well maintained. Be aware of pedestrians and livestock on the roadways.

Public transportation options include privately operated minibuses. There is bus service between Lusaka and Livingstone and the Copperbelt.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Lusaka
Subdivision 694/Stand 100 Kabulonga District
Ibex Hill Road
Lusaka, Zambia
Telephone: +(260) 211-357-000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(260) 211-357-000 or +(260) 966-877-805 or +(260) 761-107-000
Fax: (+260) (0) 211-357-224
ACSLusaka@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Zambia Tourism Agency
1st Floor Petroda House
Great East Road
Lusaka
Zambia
Tel: 260-211-229087

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 999
Police: 991

Safety and Security

The most commonly reported crimes are crimes of opportunity, including theft of unattended belongings, pickpocketing, purse snatching and smash-and-grab theft from idling or parked cars. Do not walk alone at night in the downtown area, high-density residential areas or public parks.