Zambia

Zambia centers on the Zambezi River, which builds toward Victoria Falls, a curtain of spray audible for miles before you see the water plunge into the gorge below. Beyond the falls, the country's parks, South Luangwa especially, are known for walking safaris that put visitors on foot among elephants, leopards and hippos rather than viewing them only from a vehicle. It's a quieter, less-touristed alternative to its bigger safari neighbors, with a strong reputation among experienced guides.

Why go thereSafari Nature & landscapes Wildlife Adventure sports Rural traditions Culture & heritage Indigenous cultures Road trips

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Nshima

Maize meal cooked thick and shaped by hand, eaten twice a day with relish.

Ifisashi

Greens cooked in ground peanut with tomato and onion, served over nshima.

Kapenta

Small dried lake fish fried with tomato and onion, eaten whole with nshima.

Food & drink to try

Nshima

Maize meal cooked thick and shaped by hand, eaten twice a day with relish.

Ifisashi

Greens cooked in ground peanut with tomato and onion, served over nshima.

Kapenta

Small dried lake fish fried with tomato and onion, eaten whole with nshima.

Chikanda

Ground wild orchid tubers set with peanut and chilli, sliced like a cake.

Village chicken

Free-range chicken stewed long with tomato and onion, tougher and better tasting.

Delele

Okra cooked with bicarbonate until it slips, the relish people argue about.

Samp

Crushed dried maize boiled with beans until both soften.

Vitumbuwa

Fried maize-flour cakes eaten with tea in the morning.

Ifinkubala

Caterpillars dried then fried with onion, a seasonal delicacy.

Munkoyo

Root-fermented maize drink, sour and thick, served cool.

Chibwantu

Sweet fermented maize drink made with root extract, drunk fresh.

Practical info

Drives on the left

Entry & health

Set your passport

zambiatourism.com worldstandards.eu

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Service charges are rarely included, so tipping is customary: around 10% at sit-down restaurants, small change for cafés, and 10–15% (or a per-day rate of USD/ZMW equivalent) for safari guides and trackers; taxi drivers appreciate rounding up the fare rather than a strict percentage.

Greet people warmly before starting a conversation or transaction — a quick handshake and polite greeting is expected, especially in rural areas and with elders.
Use your right hand (or both hands) to give/receive items and to eat, as the left hand is considered less polite.
Dress modestly, particularly away from tourist lodges and in towns; swimwear should stay at the pool or riverside.
Photographing government buildings, military/police personnel, or airports without permission is prohibited and can lead to confiscation of equipment.
Ask permission before photographing local people, especially in villages.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so discretion is advised.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Zambia — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA