Zambia is a very safe country to travel around whether you're a family with small children or a solo female backpacker or self-driver.

 

But here's some tips:

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Travelling around:

Local transport consists of minibuses that are an affordable option for short trips.

Large coach travel is between major cities such as Lusaka - Chipata and Livingstone with occasional stops between. 

Local taxis are readily available and there are a few we suggest for a cheaper and more efficient way of travelling from one destination to another. 

We suggest leaving plenty of time between each location, ensure you do not travel at night and choose a registered or recognised operator for safety and convenience. 

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Self-driving is a perfect choice - Roads can be congested in towns and trading centres and it's best to keep your eyes out for road hazards that are often present on roads such as potholes, bicycles and people, goats, chickens and other domestic animals. Police stops are occasional with some speed traps so it's best to stick to 50km per hour in towns, cities and trading areas and 80km per hour on major roads. Lusaka police can be quite daunting and the highway rules confusing. Ensure you stop at an orange light and do not pass unless there is a clear green light. in the city center, stick to the last outside lane unless you're preparing to turn right.

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Zambia is broken up into three major roads - The Great North Road, The Great East Road and the Road down to Livingstone/ Vic Falls. Outside of these major roads, accessibility may be limited and tarred roads are few. Many game reserves become inaccessible between November and June. The tarred roads in Zambia have a lot of transport trucks operating on them and noticeable signs of road decay due to heavily weighted vehicles. Watch out for melted roads and large potholes. There are several toll gates to pass through on major road ways in Zambia. Ensure you tell the border crossing of your route through Zambia so you have your toll paperwork and ensure you have enough Zambian Kwacha to pay cash at these during your journey.

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Zambia does also have charter flights across the country to make things easier to travel the country in a shorter time-frame.

There are several airstrips surrounding game reserves and major tourists attractions including Mfuwe, Livingstone, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, North Luangwa, Kasanka & Bangweulu as well as Kitwe, Chipata, Kasama & Kasaba Bay.

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Weather:

January - April - This is the period around the peak of the rains but don't let the put you off! - Warm days and cool, stormy nights make the perfect dramatic backdrop to game drives. Zambia is thriving with crops and greenery and game reserves are packed with babies.

June - August - Winter in Zambia. It is still green after the rains and mid-day is still hot enough to catch a good tan!

September - December - Summer! As it approaches November and December the humidity rises and the occasional rainstorm breaks the heat. This is the best time for game viewing!