Zambia Travel Guide: the real remote African bush experience!

Zambia is one of the safer countries in Africa and I felt safe the entire time when traveling in Zambia. Crime levels are similar to European countries. The biggest issues are bag snatching and theft from cars in Lusaka and Livingstone. Just be aware of your surroundings. As long as you use your common sense, you should have no problems during your visit. 

Almost all foreign nationals require a visa to travel to Zambia. You can obtain a visa through the Zambian Embassy or Consulate, but you can also apply for an online (electronic) visa or a visa upon arrival. Just be sure your passport is valid for 6 months. Visit the official Zambia Immigration Department to apply for a visa online and to check what visa you need. Processing time takes about 5 working days. With the visa, you can stay in Zambia for 90 days from the date of entry. Visa prices vary from $50 (single entry and Kaza Visa) to $150 (multi-entry visa).

Top Tip: Zambia and Zimbabwe offer a universal visa, the KAZA Visa valid for both countries for visits up to 30 days (including trips to Chobe NP in Botswana) and you can cross borders between ZAM and ZIM (for example to visit Vic Falls at both sides) as much as you like for the same price as a single entry visa. Not all countries are eligible, but most countries of America, Europe, and North Asia can apply for this visa.

When it comes to responsible tourism in Zambia, the conservation efforts are not as impressive as other African countries. Elephant poaching is an issue, especially in the remote southwest, part of the KAZA transfrontier park, which roughly holds half of all elephants in Africa. Other parts, like the Sioma Ngwezi National Park, lack anti-poaching initiatives because it's still undeveloped with very few camps and tourists that visit. You can make a difference by visiting those reserves because your fees will support good practice, for example patrolling by rangers to prevent elephants from getting poached. 

Do not take part in trophy hunting - which is sadly still allowed in Zambia - and never purchase items made from endangered species. Consider visiting the Chimfunshi Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one of the oldest and largest chimp refuges in the world that runs educational and social projects.

Choose to stay at responsible camps and lodges that put money back into the local community and support conservation. Zambia is a poor country and local communities can benefit from tourism. Ask the lodge you are staying how they are involved in local life and if there are projects, villages, or rural schools they support or invest in education. This would be a great opportunity to sponsor a project. However, don't visit a school when pupils are still present as it disrupts their classes. 

Required vaccinations depend on what you will be doing in Zambia, and how long you will stay. However, most travelers to Zambia require Hepatitis A and Typhoid. There are polio outbreaks in several countries in Africa. CDC recommends that all travelers to these countries be vaccinated fully against polio. Depending on the travel itinerary some travelers might need Hepatitis B (if you're staying 3+ months), Rabies, and Cholera declaration ('not indicated'). Yellow Fever is not prevalent anymore, but if you have been or are going to be in transit in a Yellow Fever area for more than 12 hours, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is (generally) recommended, but not mandatory. Malaria is a risk in Zambia, especially at dusk. Insect repellant and antimalarials are highly recommended. Consult a travel clinic for the best advice.

The official language in Zambia is English, but there are over 70 Bantu languages widely spoken throughout the country of which Nyanja and Bemba are the most commonly spoken African languages. Locals appreciate it when travelers make an effort to learn a few words in their local language.