8-Day Zambia Highlights Safari - Standard - RACK

Zambia is a country reclaimed by nature: time is measured in seasons; a hand-painted drum lid announces hair-cuts and coffins; and a rough-hewn plank nailed to a pole indicates your arrival at one of Africa's best safari reserves.

One of the focal points of activity on a Zambia safari is Victoria Falls. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the spectacle of the Zambezi River throwing its entire width over a 100m chasm in a thundering, mist-shrouded roar can produce sensations of epiphanic proportions.

There is also a never-ending list of things to do in and around Vic Falls including elephant-back safaris, scenic flights, game viewing, river cruises and a host of world-renowned adventure activities.

North of Victoria Falls is the seasonal Kafue National Park, which has found a new lease of protected life and is enjoying itself tremendously. Kafue is Zambia's largest and most diverse game reserve with grassland, woodland and wetland habitats supporting a range of wildlife from cheetah to sitatunga, lion to lechwe and Lichtenstein's Hartebeest to the endemic Defassa waterbuck. Safari territory at its best.

In the far east of Zambia and part of the Great Rift Valley, the Luangwa River carves its way through Zambia's most revered game reserve: the South Luangwa National Park. Beautiful, wild and captivating, the South Luangwa is the birthplace of the famous Zambia walking safaris and to this day ranks as one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. Open all year round the South Luangwa offers exceptional birding and wildlife safaris on foot, on water and in open vehicles day and night.

Completing the Zambian wildlife safari circuit is the sensational Lower Zambezi National Park, its namesake marking the southern border of the wildlife reserve for 120km. Opposite Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi features distinct habitats, exciting river safaris and the full spectrum of wildlife along one of Africa's great rivers.

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 

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 

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: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

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. 

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 cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

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.