Zambia: walking safaris, the Falls & wild rivers

International flights arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International (Lusaka) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International (Livingstone) for Victoria Falls. There are no direct flights from Australia — most travellers connect via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa or the Gulf hubs.

• Light-aircraft transfers are the standard way to reach the parks — Proflight Zambia and charter operators link Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe (South Luangwa), the Lower Zambezi and Kafue. Soft-sided bags only. Charter flights between bush airstrips (Proflight / charter Cessna aircraft) require 100% frameless soft-sided duffel bags with no rigid bottom plates or wheels to fit in aircraft luggage pods, with a strict limit of around 15–20 kg total per person. This restriction explicitly includes all checked luggage, carry-ons, and heavy camera equipment — confirm with your lodge.
• Road transfers serve some routes (for example Mfuwe to the South Luangwa camps), but distances are long and many park roads are rough or seasonal.
• Self-drive is for the experienced and well-prepared only — a 4x4 is essential, fuel and services are sparse, and the wet season closes many roads. Most visitors travel on a fully guided, lodge-arranged basis.
• In towns, use lodge transfers or a trusted taxi or ride-hailing app rather than hailing on the street.

The currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW, written K). By law, payments inside Zambia should be made in Kwacha, but US dollars are widely used in tourism — many lodges, parks and operators quote and accept USD, and park fees and the KAZA Univisa are priced in dollars.

• Bring clean, recent US dollar notes (series 2013 or newer; small denominations like US$5 and US$10 are handy for tips). Worn or pre-2013 notes are often refused.
• Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, larger lodges and some restaurants in the cities, but acceptance is patchy in the bush — never rely on cards alone.
• ATMs are found in Lusaka, Livingstone and larger towns and generally dispense Kwacha; use ones at banks or malls and shield your PIN.
• Carry cash for tips, curios, park areas and remote camps. Change US dollars for Kwacha at banks or bureaux de change, not on the street.
• Tell your bank you'll be travelling so your cards aren't blocked.

See your GP or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you leave.

• Malaria — present throughout Zambia, all year, including the safari parks and Victoria Falls. Take anti-malarial medication (your doctor will advise on options) and prevent bites with repellent, long sleeves and trousers at dusk, and the bed nets provided at camps.
• Yellow fever — Zambia is low-risk and the vaccine is not routinely required for travel direct from Australia, but you must show a vaccination certificate if you arrive from, or have transited more than 12 hours through, a yellow-fever-risk country (parts of Africa and South America) — relevant on multi-country trips. Carry your certificate.
• Other vaccines — make sure routine vaccinations are up to date; many travellers also add hepatitis A and typhoid, and your doctor may discuss others. Ask before you go.
• Water — drink bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.

Insurance: medical facilities are limited, especially in the bush, so comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is essential.

• NOTE: Over-the-counter medications containing diphenhydramine (such as standard Benadryl) are illegal in Zambia and subject to strict enforcement/confiscation.

Zambia is one of Africa's more stable and welcoming countries, and the great majority of safari trips are trouble-free.

• In Lusaka and towns — petty theft and bag-snatching occur, so keep valuables out of sight, don't walk alone after dark, and use trusted transfers or a ride-hailing app at night.
• Safari areas — lodges, camps and national parks are very safe; always follow your guide's instructions, especially on walking safaris and around water (hippos and crocodiles are dangerous).
• Borders — take care near the remote border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where boundaries can be unmarked; stick to recognised crossings and tourist routes.
• Adventure activities — Victoria Falls offers white-water rafting, bungee and microlights; use reputable, well-equipped operators.

Emergencies: dial 999 or 112 (police), 991 (ambulance) and 993 (fire) — though response can be slow; your lodge and travel operator are your first call in the bush.

English is Zambia's official language — used in government, business, signage and tourism — so you'll communicate easily everywhere. Alongside it, more than 70 local languages are spoken, with Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga and Lozi among the most common; a greeting in the local tongue is always welcomed.

Zambians are famously friendly, courteous and relaxed. Greetings matter — take a moment to say hello before getting to business. Dress is modest and casual; neutral colours for safari, and respectful cover at villages and places of worship. Always ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing government buildings, airports and military sites. Same-sex relationships are criminalised under Zambian law, so LGBTQIA+ travellers should be aware and discreet — see Smartraveller for current advice.

• Mobile coverage (3G/4G) is good in Lusaka, Livingstone and the larger towns, but patchy to non-existent in the remote parks — part of the appeal.
• Wi-Fi — most lodges have it in common areas, though it can be slow or limited; many bush camps are deliberately offline.
• SIMs & eSIMs — local prepaid SIMs (Airtel, MTN, Zamtel) are cheap; registration requires your passport. Travel eSIMs are a convenient alternative — set one up before you fly.
• Power — the grid can suffer load-shedding (scheduled outages); good lodges run on solar or generators, and many remote camps are solar-powered with limited charging hours.

Last verified: 29 June 2026. This guide is researched from official and authoritative sources and reviewed by Explore Africa. Visa, health and safety rules can change — always confirm the current advice before you travel.

Key sources:

• Smartraveller (Australian Government): smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/zambia
• Zambia Department of Immigration: zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
• Australian Embassy, Harare (accredited to Zambia): zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
• US CDC Travelers' Health: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/zambia
• Zambia Tourism Agency: zambiatourism.com