In the center of sub-equatorial Africa, serene Zambia shares a border with eight other countries. Its border with Zimbabwe is perhaps its most famous—the two countries are separated by the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, nicknamed Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders). Zambia attracts a diverse crowd and things to do include cruising down the river in search of hippos and crocodiles, taking a safari in the expansive Kafue National Park, and exploring the markets and museums of Lusaka.
Zambia offers excitement year-round, so pick a focus before you pick a season. For safaris, white-water rafting, or swimming in the Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls, visit during the dry season (July–October). Animals flock to watering holes and the lower water levels mean rafting is much safer. If you’d like a quieter trip, arrive in March as the rainy season ends—the falls are at peak power, the greenery is lushest, and thousands of migrating birds will be on display.
Most visitors tend to pick Livingstone or Lusaka as their bases for traveling to Zambia. The cities offer plenty of amenities and tours of game parks and reserves, and are easy to get around without a car. If you’re hoping to see more of the country, renting a car is a good bet; Zambia is large and transit between the towns and cities can be tricky to navigate.
A visit to Lilayi Elephant Nursery in Lusaka is a great way to support the vital work carried out by the rangers—the Elephant Orphanage Project rescues and rehabilitates young elephants who have lost their parents to poachers or other events. At the nursery, visitors can observe the calves from a viewing platform and learn about the work the organization does. The nursery is open to visitors for a short window from 11:30am and 1pm.
