Preparing for Your African Safari
Your safari is carefully coordinated to provide a seamless and memorable experience. However, traveling through Africa can be different from other destinations, and a little preparation will help you make the most of your journey.
What to Expect on Safari
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals roam freely in their natural habitats, and every game drive brings its own discoveries. Patience and flexibility are part of the experience.
Travel Between Destinations
Your itinerary may include light aircraft flights, scenic road transfers, and travel through remote areas. Schedules and routes occasionally change due to weather, wildlife activity, or local operating conditions.
Safari Lodge Experiences
Many safari lodges and camps operate in remote wilderness areas. Daily activities, meal times, and game drives may be adjusted to accommodate local conditions and maximize your experience.
Health & Travel Documentation
Before departure, ensure your passport meets the entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary. Depending on the countries visited, visas, electronic travel authorizations, vaccinations, or mandatory inbound insurance may be required.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip interruption, and cancellation protection. Some destinations have additional mandatory insurance requirements.
Respecting Wildlife & Local Communities
Always follow your safari guide’s instructions, respect wildlife viewing distances, and observe local customs. Your journey is an opportunity to experience Africa responsibly while supporting conservation and local communities.
Your CURAH Africa Travel Resources
To help you prepare, we’ve included additional resources with your travel documents, which may include:
- East Africa or Southern Africa Essential Travel Guide: Entry requirements, visas, health preparation, and important travel information.
- Safari Tipping Guide: Suggested gratuities for guides, lodge staff, drivers, and other services.
- Safari Etiquette Guide: Helpful tips for wildlife viewing, photography, and responsible travel.
Please review the resources relevant to your itinerary before departure.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about your itinerary, travel documents, or preparations, please contact CURAH Travel. We’re happy to guide you through the process.
CURAH Travel
+1 858-533-0933
www.curahtravel.com
Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with thrilling adventure activities, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife found within its vast national parks and wilderness areas. Spend your evenings admiring the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, after an exhilarating day of white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. For a more relaxed experience, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba aboard a houseboat, watching elephants gather along the shoreline while trying your hand at catching the elusive tigerfish. From unforgettable safari adventures to breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Zambia offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whatever your interests, this remarkable country is sure to leave a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Entry Requirements
- U.S. visitors are generally eligible for visa-free short tourism entry; confirm current rules before travel.
- For travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, assess whether the KAZA UniVisa is relevant and available.
- Confirm passport validity, blank pages and documentation for repeat border crossings.
- Official country information: https://travel.state.gov/
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Health and Medical Information
- Discuss malaria prevention, especially for Victoria Falls/Livingstone and safari regions.
- Check yellow-fever certificate requirements for your specific route and any transit countries.
- CDC resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Observe barriers and guide instructions near Victoria Falls, rivers and wildlife.
- Avoid photographing sensitive government or military facilities without permission.
- Take precautions on remote roads and during transfers.
- Current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Chibwantu (a thick, fermented drink made from maize grits) and Munkoyo (a mildly fermented drink made from maize and local roots).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
