UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Zambia

Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, and Gulf States can enter Zambia visa-free for tourism up to 90 days as of October 2022. Other nationalities require visas obtainable on arrival at international airports and land borders, or through e-visa applications before travel. Tourist visas cost approximately USD 50 for most nationalities. Passports must be valid for six months beyond entry with blank pages. The KAZA Univisa permits multiple entries to Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days, ideal for Victoria Falls visitors. Yellow fever vaccination certificates required if arriving from endemic countries.

The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), subdivided into 100 ngwee. US dollars are widely accepted at tourist establishments, hotels, and safari operators. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, lodges, restaurants, and shops in cities and tourist areas like Livingstone, but rarely in rural locations. ATMs are available in urban centers and major tourist destinations, dispensing kwacha with typical daily limits and fees. Cash remains essential for markets, street vendors, small businesses, and remote areas. Currency exchange available at banks and airports. Bring US dollars dated 2013 or newer for optimal rates.

The official language is English, used in government, education, and business throughout Zambia. English proficiency is good in cities, tourist destinations like Livingstone and Victoria Falls area, and amongst educated professionals and tourism operators. Rural areas have more limited English usage. Over seventy indigenous languages are spoken, with Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga being the most widespread regional languages. Many Zambians are multilingual, speaking English plus local languages. Signage at major tourist sites includes English. Learning basic local greetings demonstrates cultural respect, though English suffices for most travel situations in tourist areas.

Zambia experiences a tropical climate modified by altitude, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season (November-April) brings afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and temperatures of 25-30°C, with January-March receiving heaviest rainfall. The dry season subdivides into cool dry (May-August) with pleasant temperatures of 21-26°C during days and 6-12°C at night, and hot dry (September-October) with temperatures reaching 28-35°C before rains return. Lower elevation valleys including the Zambezi and Luangwa can exceed 40°C in October. The best visiting period for heritage sites is May-October during dry season, offering comfortable temperatures, minimal rainfall, and excellent wildlife viewing around water sources.