ZAMBIA WILDLIFE GUIDE

Zambia is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. It is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, and Namibia to the southwest and west.

Zambia has a population of over 18 million people, with Lusaka as its capital and largest city. The official language is English, although there are over 70 other languages spoken throughout the country, with Bemba being the most widely spoken.

Zambia’s economy is heavily dependent on copper mining, which accounts for about 80% of the country’s export earnings. The country is also known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and several national parks and game reserves.

Zambia has a diverse culture, with over 70 different ethnic groups. Traditional music and dance are an important part of Zambian culture, with various styles and instruments used throughout the country. The country is also known for its traditional textiles, including the popular chitenge fabric.

In terms of governance, Zambia is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and government. The country has a multi-party political system and holds regular elections.

Country Code: +260.

Crime: Zambia is generally considered a safe country, but like any other country, it does have its fair share of crime. The most common types of crime in Zambia are petty theft, pickpocketing, and burglary. These crimes are more prevalent in urban areas, such as Lusaka, the capital city.

There are also occasional cases of violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and assault. These crimes are often associated with high-poverty areas, and travelers are advised to exercise caution in these areas. There have also been some incidents of political violence in the past.

The Zambian government has taken steps to combat crime, including increasing police presence in high-crime areas and improving communication and coordination between law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the government has implemented a community policing program that involves local communities in preventing and reporting crime.

Overall, while crime is present in Zambia, it is generally not considered a major issue for visitors or locals, and most people can go about their daily business without incident. However, it is always important to exercise caution, particularly in unfamiliar areas or at night, and to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Currency: Zambian Kwacha.

Electricity: Type C (2-pin round), Type D (3-pin round, triangular pattern), Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Language: The official language of Zambia is English.

Latitude and Longitude: 13.1339° S, 27.8493° E.

LGBT: In Zambia, homosexuality is illegal and criminalized, and there is widespread social stigma and discrimination against LGBT individuals. Same-sex sexual activity is punishable by up to 14 years in prison under Section 155 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature.”

There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT individuals face harassment, abuse, and violence. LGBT organizations are also not legally recognized, making it difficult for them to operate openly or access funding.

Despite this difficult situation, there are a few small LGBT activist groups in Zambia that are working to advocate for the rights of LGBT individuals and raise awareness about the issues they face. However, their work is often met with resistance and hostility from the government and society at large.

Population: 19.47 million (2021).

President: Hakainde Hichilema.

Please note that this list is not be exhaustive and there may be other embassies in Zambia as well.

Embassy of the United States of America, Eastern end of Kabulonga Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka, Zambia

High Commission of the Republic of South Africa, 3rd Floor, Mukuba Pension House, President Avenue, Ndola, Zambia

High Commission of India, 5200, United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 32111, Lusaka, Zambia

High Commission of the United Kingdom, 5210 Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 50050, Lusaka, Zambia

High Commission of the Republic of Botswana, Plot 4523/4, Diplomatic Triangle, Off Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 50106, Lusaka, Zambia

Zambia is home to some of the best safari lodges in Africa. Also, some of my favorite safari experiences. This is a list of some of the top safari lodges in Zambia.

Time and Tide Chinzombo:

Another top luxury safari lodge in South Luangwa National Park, Chinzombo offers stylish villas with private plunge pools and outdoor showers, as well as a spa, gym, and restaurant.

timeandtide.com/our-camps/

Time and Tide Chongwe, Lower Zambezi River:

Chongwe is a town in Zambia located near the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. Visitors to Chongwe and Lower Zambezi are encouraged to take advantage of their time in the area and make the most of the opportunities available to them, whether it’s going on a safari to see the wildlife, taking a boat trip down the Zambezi River, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

timeandtide.com/our-camps/

Tongabezi Lodge:

Tongabezi Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in Livingstone, Zambia, on the banks of the Zambezi River. The lodge is situated upstream from the Victoria Falls and offers stunning views of the river and its surroundings. It is known for its exceptional service, beautiful accommodations, and unique activities.

The lodge has a variety of accommodations, including river cottages, garden cottages, and houses. All of the rooms are elegantly decorated and feature unique touches such as open-air bathrooms and private plunge pools. The houses are ideal for families or groups, as they offer more space and additional amenities.

greensafaris.com/tongabezi

Mfuwe Lodge:

Mfuwe Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It is situated just inside the park’s main entrance, on the banks of the Luangwa River. The lodge is owned and operated by The Bushcamp Company, a family-run business that specializes in providing unique safari experiences in Zambia.

Mfuwe Lodge has 18 spacious thatched chalets, each with a private deck overlooking the river. The chalets are decorated in a traditional African style and come equipped with modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and mini-bars. The lodge also has a swimming pool, a spa, and a gift shop.

bushcampcompany.com/mfuwe-lodge/

Thorntree River Lodge:

Thorntree River Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge located within the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering stunning views of the river and its wildlife.

The lodge features 12 spacious and elegantly decorated suites, each with a private deck overlooking the river. The suites are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.

africanbushcamps.com

Chiawa Camp:

Located in Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa Camp is a luxury tented camp that offers spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a swimming pool, spa, and outdoor dining area.

www.chiawa.com

Sausage Tree Camp:

Another top luxury tented camp in Lower Zambezi National Park, Sausage Tree Camp offers stylish tents with private plunge pools, as well as a spa, gym, and restaurant.

sausagetreecamp.com

Kafunta River Lodge:

Located in South Luangwa National Park, Kafunta River Lodge is a mid-range safari lodge that offers comfortable chalets with private decks overlooking the river, as well as a swimming pool, spa, and restaurant.

kafuntasafaris.com

Flatdogs Camp:

Another mid-range safari lodge in South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury safari tents to family chalets. It also has a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

flatdogscamp.com

Kaingo Camp:

Located in South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo Camp is a small and intimate safari lodge that offers comfortable chalets with private decks overlooking the river, as well as a swimming pool, spa, and outdoor dining area.

www.shentonsafaris.com

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma:

Located near Victoria Falls, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is a luxury safari lodge that offers spacious treehouses with private decks overlooking the river, as well as a swimming pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant.

sanctuaryretreats.com

Croc Valley Camp:

Croc Valley Camp is a safari camp located in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. It is situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, in a prime location for wildlife viewing. The camp offers a range of accommodation options, including en-suite chalets, tented accommodation, and camping facilities.

The camp is known for its rustic charm and relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on providing guests with an authentic African safari experience. The camp’s facilities include a restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, and a viewing deck overlooking the river.

Croc Valley Camp offers a range of safari activities, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and night drives. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, and many species of antelope. The Luangwa River is also home to a large population of hippos and crocodiles, which can be seen basking in the sun along the riverbanks.

One of the unique features of Croc Valley Camp is its crocodile sanctuary, which is located on the camp’s grounds. The sanctuary is home to several large crocodiles, which were rescued from the local area and are now used for educational purposes. Guests can learn about the crocodiles and their behavior, and even watch them being fed.

www.crocvalley.com

Zambia is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in Africa. Here are some of the top national parks in Zambia:

South Luangwa National Park:

Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa is one of the most popular national parks in Zambia. It’s known for its abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and hippos.

Visitors can go on game drives or walking safaris to see the animals up close.

Lower Zambezi National Park:

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River in southern Zambia, the Lower Zambezi is a remote and unspoiled wilderness area that’s home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can go on game drives, canoe trips, or fishing expeditions to experience the park’s natural beauty.

Kafue National Park:

Covering an area of more than 22,000 square kilometers, Kafue is the largest national park in Zambia. It’s known for its diverse habitats, including savannas, forests, wetlands, and rivers, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.

North Luangwa National Park:

Located in northern Zambia, North Luangwa is a remote and undeveloped wilderness area that’s home to large herds of buffalo, as well as elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Visitors can go on walking safaris to experience the park’s unspoiled beauty.

Liuwa Plain National Park:

Located in western Zambia, Liuwa Plain is a vast grassland that’s home to the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, as well as large herds of zebras and other grazing animals. Visitors can go on game drives or walking safaris to see the park’s wildlife and explore its unique landscapes.

Lochinvar National Park:

Located in southern Zambia, Lochinvar is a wetland area that’s home to a variety of bird species, as well as antelopes, zebras, and other grazing animals. Visitors can go on birdwatching tours or boat trips to see the park’s wildlife.

Kasanka National Park:

Located in central Zambia, Kasanka is known for its annual bat migration, when millions of fruit bats descend on the park’s forests to feed on its fruit trees. The park is also home to elephants, hippos, and antelopes, as well as a variety of bird species.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park:

Located in western Zambia, Sioma Ngwezi is a remote wilderness area that’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Visitors can go on game drives or walking safaris to see the park’s wildlife and explore its rugged landscapes.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park:

Located near the Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya is a small park that’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. Visitors can go on game drives or walking safaris to see the park’s wildlife and enjoy its stunning views of the Victoria Falls.

Blue Lagoon National Park:

Located in northern Zambia, Blue Lagoon is a wetland area that’s home to a variety of bird species, as well as antelopes, zebras, and other grazing animals. Visitors can go on birdwatching tours or boat trips to see the park’s wildlife and enjoy its scenic beauty.

Zambia is a country with a rich cultural and natural heritage. It’s one of my favorites for safaris, as some of my coolest pictures came from South Luangwa. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Zambia:

Victoria Falls:

One of the most popular attractions in Zambia is the Victoria Falls, which is located on the Zambezi River and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is shared with the Zimbabwe side.

You can visit both sides with the KAZA Univisa, which costs $50 USD. Most of the falls lies on the Zimbabwe side but many people prefer to enjoy the Zambia side.

Lake Kariba:

This artificial lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and relaxing. Visitors can also go on game drives to see the animals that live in the area.

Like the falls, Lake Kariba is shared with Zimbabwe.

Livingstone Museum:

Located in the town of Livingstone, this museum showcases the history and culture of Zambia, including its colonial past and the influence of indigenous tribes.

Kuomboka Ceremony:

This annual festival celebrates the Lozi people’s migration from the Barotse Floodplain to higher ground. It takes place in April or May and includes a colorful procession of boats and traditional dances.

Lusaka National Museum:

This museum in the capital city of Lusaka has exhibits on Zambia’s history, culture, and natural resources, including a collection of traditional art and crafts.

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage:

This sanctuary for chimpanzees that have been rescued from the illegal pet trade or other abusive situations is located in the Copperbelt Province.