Zambia

Types of trips: Adventure, Nature, Exploration, Sport, Culture, Geography

Best known for: Victoria Falls, Lake Tanganyika, Emeralds

Why Go?: For a landlocked country, Zambia has an incredible amount of rivers and waterfalls - the Victoria Falls alone will amaze anybody, but canoeing down a river, spotting river wildlife and exploring the winding waterways is all available to do as well! Zambia will be a great destination for a trip - there are rarely any busy crowds at tourist hotspots, decent weather and much to see and do - a great all-rounder. 

Fact File

Population: 14,300,000

Capital: Lusaka

Language(s): English

Ties to the UK?: Good relationship, increasingly popular travel destination

Landscape: High plateaus with varied hills and mountains, some river valleys

Climate/Seasons: There are three general seasons - the dry period from April - August with cool nights, the hot September - November period and the wet season from November - April.

When to Go: Depending on the purpose of the visit you may want to consider different times to go - the hot season is best for wildlife sightings, but the wet season is best for birdwatching!

Reasons to Visit: Local geography and nature, Museums

How to Get There: Air travel is the best way to travel from the UK to Zambia - there are several international airports in the country, but it's likely you'll need to take a connecting flight somewhere.

Places to Go: Livingstone Museum, Lusaka National Museum, Nembo Scenic Park, Railway Museum

Famous People: Edgar Lungu, Kalusha Bwalya, Wilbur Smith

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Victoria Falls, Kalimba Reptile Park, Munda Wanga Environmental Park

History: Under British control for a period until gaining independence in 1964

Culture: Traditional culture still very evident in ceremonies and the arts, with more modern European influences in large cities. 

Sport: Football, Rugby, Boxing, Cricket

Events: Nc'wala Ceremony, Shungu Namutitima International Film Festival, Kwanga Festival 

Watch Out For: You will need a visa to enter the country - this should be done before you travel for ease of access. You should exercise caution travelling at night in the country and avoid any large crowds!

Medical Issues: There are some advised vaccines and boosters for travel to Zambia - check here for a general overview and always consult a doctor.