Stays & Spaces

Is it safe to go to Zambia for a holiday?

Zambia's wilderness, rivers and Victoria Falls make it an enticing destination, but what about safety?

Zambia rewards travellers who are willing to look beyond the obvious. Victoria Falls may be the country's best-known attraction, yet the wildlife of South Luangwa, the waterways of the Lower Zambezi and the vastness of Kafue National Park offer very different experiences. The question many travellers ask first is simpler: is Zambia safe?

There is no destination where safety can be guaranteed.

Current UK government travel advice does not advise against travel to Zambia as a whole, although it highlights specific security considerations. Travellers should check the latest advice before departure because conditions can change.

For most holidaymakers, sensible precautions matter. Petty crime can occur, particularly in urban areas. Avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily, take care around ATMs and do not wander unfamiliar areas after dark.

Lusaka deserves normal big-city awareness. Demonstrations occasionally occur, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises avoiding protests because gatherings can become violent and disrupt transport.

Road travel requires its own consideration. Distances are considerable and road conditions vary. Travellers heading into remote areas should use reputable operators, allow generous travel time and avoid unnecessary night driving.

Zambia's borders also deserve attention. The FCDO specifically advises care in rural areas close to the Democratic Republic of Congo border, where sections are not clearly demarcated.

For safari visitors, the biggest risks are often less dramatic than the headlines suggest. Listen to guides, remain inside designated vehicles, respect wildlife distances and follow camp instructions. Elephants, hippos and other wild animals are magnificent precisely because they remain wild.

Health preparation is equally important. Arrange suitable travel insurance and consult a travel-health professional about vaccinations, malaria prevention and other destination-specific precautions.

Victoria Falls itself offers a remarkable range of activities. Zambia's tourism authority highlights everything from canoeing and fishing to sunset cruises and visits around Livingstone.

The Lower Zambezi offers another distinctive experience, with canoe safaris, walking safaris and game drives. The park lies along the northern bank of the Zambezi and covers about 4,092 square kilometres.