Zambia Safari Trips & Tours

In our books, true luxury is found in a closeness with nature, the type that cannot be bought or sold. And in Zambia, luxury safaris come with a huge helping of unceasing, splendid wilderness and the chance for close encounters with its incredible wildlife. In Zambia, luxury safari lodges still have their place and come complete with winning staff, cushy amenities and, often, an infinity pool from which you can enjoy the parade of wildlife that wanders by. Of course, there is also a bevy of delightful lodges on Zambia's side of Victoria Falls, which provide a wonderful bookend to any safari with stand-out sights of their own. On a luxury safari in Zambia, you'll experience the best of both worlds, revelling in the splendour of the bush whilst enjoying the highest level of hospitality.

Zambia has two international airports; Livingstone (LVI) and Lusaka (LUN). These are the hubs for most airlines arriving from the US and Europe. There are various domestic airports and airfields connecting all major towns and safari destinations, and to other destinations in Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to overnight before catching your connecting flight to your first safari camp the next day. International flights We would recommend booking your flights online in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know. Domestic flights and transfers Connecting between all the locations on your trip may necessitate a variety of modes: light aircraft charters, domestic commercial flights and road transfers. Please review the inclusions and exclusions on your specific trip page for details. If you need help understanding the best flights to book, please let us know. From the moment that you land in Zambia you will be greeted and assisted to your onward connections. You will be looked after from that point on until you are

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary, as well as your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. Important vaccinations to consider and which may either be required or recommended are: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Cholera, among others. Please always carry your "International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)" (or "Yellow Card") with you. Malaria We advise that you consult a medical practitioner at least six weeks prior to travel. Malaria is present in most areas of Zambia and considered high-risk. Particularly in the following areas: Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Park. The highest risk of transmission is during the rainy season from October to May. It is strongly advisable to take malaria prophylactics before, during and after your visit, if you are visiting a known malarial region. Please consult a medical professional regarding which prophylactics would be suitable for you. In addition to the recommendations of your travel clinic or physician, you may also consider the following proactive preventative measures: Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Recommended repellents contain 20-35% DEET but it is a very virulent repellent, and should be used cautiously. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants at dawn and dusk, as well as closed shoes. Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed. If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during or within four to six weeks after your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately and let him/her know that you have been in a malaria area. You can also visit www.malaria.org.za for more information. Yellow Fever There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Zambia; however, vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or elsewhere worldwide). This requirement can change unexpectedly, therefore, we recommend carrying a Yellow Fever card with you at all times. Communication: Zambia country code: +260 Calling overseas from Zambia: From a landline dial 00 followed by the country code plus area code and number. e.g. USA: 00 1 910 795 1048 When calling from a cell phone dial + prefix followed by the country code plus area code and number. e.g. USA: + 1 910 795 1048

Money The currency we would recommend using in Zambia is the US dollar. You can convert money to USD at a bank or Forex Bureau prior to departure. You can withdraw from a bank or ATM, which are widely available in the larger airports and towns. Please check with your bank for charges and advice when using international ATMs. VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards. American Express has limited to no coverage. It is advisable to have some cash (ZMK – Zambia Kwacha) for smaller shops, stalls and gas stations. IMPORTANT: When bringing in foreign currency (e.g. USD, GBP, EUR), be sure to bring the new format with no damage or marks. Gratuities Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is an extra reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Tips can be made in USD, GBP or EUR. Gratuities suggestions: Safari camp or city lead guide: $15 - $20 per guest per day Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between the airport and hotel/lodge): $5 per guest per transfer Porter: $1 per bag Ranger or any “ancillary” guides on ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $5 - $10 per guest per activity General Camp staff (put in a central box in each camp’s main area): $10 - $15 per guest per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% - 15% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc.). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals. Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Zambia. Immigration control is very strict, and is known to deny entry to those not meeting the requirements. Passports MUST be valid for at least six months (we recommend nine) from your departure from Africa to home. There must be at least TWO (we recommend four) consecutive blank VISA pages in the passport (not endorsement pages). Should you require one, visas can be obtained in advance or on arrival. Please have USD in cash for payment. If you are visiting Zambia and Zimbabwe on your trip we recommend purchasing the KAZA UNIVISA which costs USD 50 and allows tourists to obtain one visa to visit both countries multiple times. The visa is valid for up to 30 days in any given period of 12 months, as long as the holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day-trips through Kazungula Borders. Other visa fees are as follows: Effective 01 January 2022 Zambia Visa Fees have been revised in line with the Immigration and Deportation (General) (Ammendment) regulations 2021. Single Entry - US$25 Double Entry - US$40 Multiple Entry - US$75 KAZA - US$50 Day Tripper - US$10 Please do contact the embassy or consultant in your home country to reconfirm visa requirements, as they are known to change frequently. Visa Central is also a good resource.

The weather in Zambia is generally pleasant throughout the year. There are two main seasons in Zambia; the rainy season (November to April) corresponding to summer, and the dry season (May to October/November), corresponding to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May to August), and the hot dry season (September to October/November). During the hot and dry season, temperatures can rise up to 39°C (100°F) so a hat and sunblock are a must. The modifying influence of altitude gives the country pleasant subtropical weather conditions for most of the year. Dress Code Conservative to casual clothing is acceptable throughout Zambia, though it is recommended that revealing clothing be avoided. Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries (camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when travelling in Zambia). When on safari, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the colder evenings. A hat is also a must have! Bright and dark colours like yellow, red and purple are discouraged, or sometimes not allowed (on a bush walk) if you are going on safari. What to Pack • Layers - long and short sleeve shirts and trousers • A warm fleece or jumper • A lightweight waterproof jacket • Comfortable but sturdy shoes • Flip-flops • Swimming costume (Bathing suit) • A hat or baseball cap • Sunglasses • Sunscreen – a must! • Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap • A small torch • Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment • A good pair of Binoculars (8x40 /8x42 is recommended) • Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis. Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts) • A telephoto lens (200/300mm) • Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography • Lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if using an SLR cameras • Spare memory cards for digital cameras • Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag • Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines. Luggage Restrictions on Internal Flights Please be advised that on light aircraft flights, luggage is limited to one SOFT duffel bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg/33lbs. No hardshell bags are permitted. Electricity In Zambia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Zambia, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you will need a voltage converter in Zambia.

In comparison to some of Africa’s most well-known safari destinations, Zambia’s national parks are far more remote and wonderfully people-free so sightings feel especially exclusive. It is also the birthplace of the modern walking safari and offers some of the best on the continent. Zambia prioritises responsible tourism with a strong emphasis on protecting ecosystems and working alongside local communities. Zambia is also blessed with two impressive rivers, which draw wildlife from miles around, specifically in the dry season.

For first time safari-goers, the best trip for you depends on what kind of experience you hope to have, your budget, and time. Our classic circuit combines the enthralling Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, offering a well-rounded itinerary where you could venture out on a walking safari and explore Zambia’s waterways (or stick to game drives), and enjoy a thrill or two at Victoria Falls.

Naturally, the dry season months (June to October) are prime safari time where wildlife gathers beside waterholes and rivers, and the conditions are ideal for both game drives and walking safaris. However, the green season (November to April) has its own allure with lush landscapes, incredible birding and great value – but be aware that many camps in remote areas close during this time. If you’re looking for idyllic weather, fewer tourists and lower prices, May and early-November may be for you.

Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and remains one of the best locations for it in Africa. The original walking safari stalwart, South Luangwa sets the standard with ideal terrain, and many camps offer walking-focused itineraries. For a walk on the (even more) wild side, head to North Luangwa, where the game may be less dense but the experience is altogether thrilling. The Lower Zambezi also offers outstanding walks, which you can combine with its famous water-based activities.