Planning Your Zambia Vacation: What First-Time Visitors Should Know
Zambia does not come up in conversation the way its neighbours do, which is part of what makes a holiday in Zambia worth taking. Here is a first-timer's guide to enjoying spectacular wildlife and iconic natural landmarks in Zambia.
Victoria Falls
If there is one thing worth rearranging an entire itinerary for in Zambia, it is this. Victoria Falls sits right on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, and the Zambian side offers a genuinely different perspective from the more visited Zimbabwean side. Staying at a place like Avani Victoria Falls Resort puts guests within walking distance of the falls themselves, which makes an early morning or late afternoon visit to beat the crowds a realistic option rather than a rushed excursion.
Vacation Season
The peak Zambia vacation season is during the dry season, which runs from May through October. The climate makes it the ideal time for safaris. The wet season runs from December through April and brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds, although game viewing can be quite challenging.
Getting Around
Zambia is a large country, and distances between its main attractions are considerable. Planning around two or three focal points rather than trying to see the entire country in one trip is the standard advice from anyone who has done it before.
Practicalities
Visa requirements vary by nationality, with e-visas available online before departure for most travellers. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, although having kwacha for smaller purchases and local markets smooths things considerably.
