Things To Do
in Zambia

Polite greetings are important; a handshake and a friendly 'hello' or local greeting is customary. Use titles and show respect to elders. Ask permission before photographing people and remove hats in some traditional settings.

Dress conservatively in towns and villages; swimwear is fine at pools and river beaches but not appropriate for everyday wear in local communities.

If visiting villages, small practical gifts (school supplies, beads) are appreciated but ask guides about appropriate contributions and avoid creating dependency. Respect local customs during ceremonies and follow guides’ instructions.

Do not litter, avoid feeding wildlife and follow park rules. Wildlife viewing etiquette includes keeping distance and not using flash photography that could disturb animals.

Tipping is appreciated for guides, lodge staff and drivers: typical amounts range from $5–20 per day for guides (depending on length and quality), a few dollars for porters and servers, and rounding up small bills for café staff. Always tip in local currency (Zambian kwacha) when possible and consider pooling tips at lodges for staff.

Major hotels and lodges accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) but many rural camps and markets are cash-only. ATMs are available in larger towns but can be unreliable — carry sufficient cash. US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services but smaller vendors prefer kwacha; notify your bank in advance about travel.

Guided walks along parts of the Zambezi Gorge and viewpoints near Victoria Falls; provide dramatic scenery and geological features; follow park rules and stay on marked paths.

Guided bush walks around riverine and woodland habitats — best arranged through lodges and guides for safety and wildlife insight.

Remote trails and walking safari routes in North/South Luangwa regions offering immersive bush experiences with experienced guides and tracking opportunities.

Less-visited highland area in the northeast with waterfalls, rocky outcrops and scenic trails for multi-day hikes and camping.

Main international gateway with connections to regional and some international flights; located about 20–30 km from Lusaka city center with taxi and shuttle services.

Primary airport for Victoria Falls and Livingstone area, served by regional and some international charter flights; short transfer to town and tourist sites.

Small airport serving South Luangwa National Park with regular charter and scheduled domestic flights; convenient for lodge transfers.

Serves the Copperbelt region and northern Zambia with regional connections; ground transfers to nearby towns and industry sites.

One of the largest ethnic groups predominantly in the northern and copperbelt regions, with significant cultural influence.

Widespread in Lusaka and eastern Zambia; Nyanja (Chinyanja) is a commonly spoken lingua franca in urban areas.

Prominent in southern and western provinces respectively, each with distinct languages and cultural traditions.

Growing urban middle class, NGO workers and expatriates centered in Lusaka and tourist hubs like Livingstone contribute to cosmopolitan pockets.

The most popular sport with passionate local and national following; local matches and community games are common.

Widely played among women and girls at community and school levels.

Boxing has produced notable athletes; athletics and running events are common at school and community levels.

Traditional dances, community games and ceremonies remain important cultural sporting expressions in rural areas.

Vegetarian options exist (ifisashi, vegetable stews, legumes) but outside major towns choices are limited; bring snacks and clearly explain dietary needs — nshima with vegetable relishes is usually safe.

Vegan dining requires advance planning; many vegetable relishes are vegan-friendly but watch for added fish or meat stock. In lodges and urban restaurants, request simple vegetable dishes.

Nshima is naturally gluten-free (made from maize); however packaged and processed foods may contain wheat. Ask about ingredients and avoid processed sauces without confirmation.

Stick to well-cooked foods, bottled or boiled water, and reputable eateries to reduce risk of foodborne illness. Peel fruits you buy from markets or wash with safe water.