Matt Davison
Zambia vacations can include wonderful hallmarks of an African holiday such as safaris, or you can rather indulge in the local culture and natural wonders. Whether a tropical African holiday is something you’ve dreamed of for a while or you’ve simply been waiting for the best time to see Victoria Falls, a trip to Zambia is a no-brainer.
Why not both? Take a look at some of the hand-picked tour packages in this article to experience the ultimate Zambia vacation.
Trips to Zambia | What to Know
Zambia is a landlocked country in South-Central Africa. The most developed areas exist along the Line of Rail which links the Copperbelt with Lusaka — the capital — and Livingstone.
Weather in Zambia
From mid-November to March, the country experiences its hot and humid rainy season, with downpours and thunderstorms aplenty. Flooding is a normal circumstance, especially in the northern provinces where rainfall is much heavier and more frequent.
The dry season runs from April to mid-November, with a cool period that lasts from mid-May to mid-August. From September to mid-November, the weather in Zambia gets progressively hotter and less humid, with October being the hottest month.
Environments in Zambia
The country of Zambia is covered almost entirely by a plateau, tempering the climate and making the temperatures generally pleasant year-round. It can still alternate in altitude, so the overall climate ranges from tropical to subtropical depending on your elevation.
Zambia Vacation Packages
Most of the greatest tours take place around Livingstone, the closest city to Victoria Falls. No doubt it’s one of the greatest sights in Zambia, but that’s not all the country has to offer. Here are some of the best tour packages available.
Victoria Falls
One of the most awe-inspiring and popular things to do on a trip to Zambia is to witness the majesty of Victoria Falls. Situated at the bottom of the country, the mighty Zambezi River from which the falls flows forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
A trip to the falls is easily accessible from Livingstone, and there are multiple ways to experience them. One of the most thrilling is from the air — a helicopter tour of Victoria Falls that lasts 22 minutes to 1 hour and costs upward of $189 per person is exemplary.
A walking guided tour of the falls is also a great option, where you can see Victoria Falls from up close and feel the spray on your face.
This 2.5-hour tour includes learning about the falls and the rainforest ecosystem around them. You may even spot indigenous monkeys and birds on your trek. Its usual price is around $43 per person.
The Devil’s Swimming Pool
This one is for daredevils and bucket-list seekers alike: swim to Livingstone Island and take the plunge into the Devil’s Swimming Pool on the edge of the roaring Victoria Falls.
As far as Zambia tours go, this tour is the ultimate thrill. The island only allows 24 people at a time, so booking this short activity guarantees you a spot. From $165 per person, your ticket includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within Livingstone, morning or afternoon departure times, and even breakfast or lunch.
Whitewater Rafting
For some adrenaline-pumping adventure and the whitewater experience of a lifetime, traverse the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River during your vacation in Zambia.
With a plethora of grade 3 – 5 rapids to negotiate along a 14-mile stretch of turbulent waters, this day trip promises a highly memorable African experience. You’ll get to see the famous Victoria Falls from the bottom up, as well as marvel at the natural splendor of Batoka Gorge.
Once you’ve completed the rapids, you’ll hike back through the gorge where lunch and drinks will be waiting for you, as well as photos of your intrepid whitewater adventure. The entire tour takes 7 – 8 hours and costs around $120 per person.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Park
Located beside Livingstone, taking a tour of Mosi-oa-Tunya Park is a must for a Zambia safari holiday. The park is home to giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and impalas, amongst others. During the dry season it’s easier to catch a glimpse of hippos and elephants slaking their thirst at the river.
This convenient game drive offers pick-up from your hotel and is as little as $70 per person for a 3-hour tour you won’t forget in a hurry. Another game drive tour offers a light picnic lunch and a safari focused on sighting the protected rhinos in the park, including the mystical white rhino.
It’s also a 3-hour round trip, although it’s a little cheaper at $60 per person. If safaris are what you’re passionate about, these all-inclusive safari holidays in Africa are bound to whet your appetite.
Sunset Cruise
Zambia vacations are all about that river experience. Upstream of Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a delightful sunset cruise on the calm waters as part of your Zambia trip. This 2-hour cruise on a double-decker riverboat offers splendid views, as well as traditional cocktails and tastebud-tantalizing snacks.
The $75 per person price tag even includes transfers from your accommodation in Livingstone. For a more substantial experience, a 3-hour dinner cruise offers four courses to please your palate while you admire the 360º scenery.
The open-plan deck offers distant views of hippos and elephants in the shallows as the sunset approaches.
Quad Bike Experience
It may not exactly be a standard Zambia safari tour, but this 1-hour jaunt through the African bush is a massive amount of fun. Hop on your quad bike and make your way along this eco-trail in the landscape around Bakota Gorge and Livingstone.
You may even encounter a wild animal along the way, so keep your eyes peeled. Previous experience isn’t required to use these ATVs.
Tour of Lusaka
For something a little different than Zambia safaris, immerse yourself in the local culture of Lusaka. This tour that lasts 3 to 4 hours offers three attractions to visit, the admission prices of which are included in the $87 tour price.
The Kabwata Cultural Village, Zambia National Museum, and Thorn Park Matebeto are a few of the five options available to choose from.
Vacations to Zambia | Conclusion
Spending your holiday in Zambia is memorable, whether you relax on the river during a cruise or dive-bomb into it from Livingstone Island. This tropical African paradise is ready and waiting for you, with safaris, quad bike adventures, and more on offer.
Once you’ve had your fill of Zambia, why not consider a Botswana vacation for your next African destination?
