Located in south-central Africa, the landlocked country of Zambia is one of the fastest economically reformed countries and it has earned itself a reputation of being politically stable. Home to the wild Zambezi River, the mighty Victoria Falls, and raw wilderness, Zambia is a wonderful destination to explore the heart of Africa and its awe-inspiring natural wonders. From guided lion walks to bungee jumping over the Victoria Falls, the country offers a range of activities and experiences that draws in tourists from all over the world. Whether you are looking to enjoy the wilder side of the country’s stunning national parks or relax in a sunset boat cruise, here is a list of the things to do in Zambia that will give you a taste of genuine Africa.
1. Go on an African safari in Kafue National Park (from USD 6.0)
This tour is ideal for budget travellers looking to stay near the best spots of Kafue National Park. The tour features activities such as fishing, game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching. There are more than 400 species of birds found here that include the African finfoot, the Southern ground horn, the African Jacana, and the African fish eagle. Travellers can also choose to interact with the local communities of the area to understand the traditions and lives of the ethnic groups of the region. For a quintessential African safari, go ahead and book this tour.
Nyati “BIG 5” Tour: Lower Zambezi, Kafue & South Luangwa National Parks –13 days
Duration: 1 day 12 hours
2. Visit Victoria Falls and learn about its flora and fauna (from USD 85.0)
This half-day tour from Livingstone gives insights and information on how the Victoria Falls was formed and about its local ecosystem. The tour also includes a walking tour that takes you to viewing points with stunning vistas of the falls that spectacularly captures the sheer might of it. The falls would be roaring between April and August and would be trickling with water flowing over the rocks between September and March. The tour includes national park fees, a professional guide and pick-up from and drop-off to your hotel in Livingstone.
From Livingstone: Victoria Falls Guided Half-Day Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
3. Enjoy fishing at Lake Tanganyika
Posted by Friends of Lake Tanganyika on Monday, 28 September 2015
Lake Tanganyika is the second oldest freshwater lake in the world and it is the world’s longest freshwater lake shared the countries of Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. About three million years old and fed by 50 rivers and streams, the lake is home to more than 500 fish species that stay within 20 meters(65.6 feet) of the lake’s surface. Travellers can also take hiking and excursions to local fishing villages and local fish farms in the region surrounding the lake. This lake is suitable for anglers of all ages and also those that use conventional methods such as trolling and bottom fishing.
Lake Tanganyika
Address: Zambia
Website: Lake Tanganyika
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Experience a safari in Kasanka National Park
This is Reginald P. Arthur, a stunning white backed #vulture. He has a long-term girlfriend named Nora Jones-McKinley....
Posted by Kasanka Trust Zambia on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Located in the Serenje District of central Zambia, Kasanka is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks with more than 110 mammals and 450 bird species. The national park is blessed with remote and unspoilt wilderness and diverse animal and bird life that provides its visitors with amazing adventures such as photographic safaris, game drives, cycling, and camping. The picturesque landscape is well endowed with rivers, lakes, wetlands, meadows, lagoons, and forests that will put you at ease and give you some of the best memories of your trip.
Kasanka National Park Safaris
Address: Kasanka National Park, Zambia Mansa Road, Serenje District
Website: Kasanka National Park Safaris
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 25 USD
5. Go canoeing and catch glimpses of exotic birds at Luangwa River
One of the main tributaries of the Zambezi river, the Luangwa River and the surrounding valley is one of Africa’s prime wildlife sanctuaries and it is home to a variety of game and species of birds. Rising from the Lilonda and Mafinga hills in the northeastern part of the country, the river forms several kilometres wide flood-plain that is ideal for bird watching, fishing and photographing and viewing wildlife. During the dry season, land animals and their predators are found grazing and congregating near the river and can be easily seen.
Luangwa River
Address: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Website: Luangwa River
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 105 USD
6. Understand Zambia's art and culture at Lusaka National Museum
Posted by Lusaka National Museum on Friday, 21 July 2017
Opened to the public in 1996, Lusaka National Museum focuses on the cultural history of Zambia with collections in ethnography, archaeology, and history. The building resembles a Soviet-era Moscow ministry with exhibits on urban culture, contemporary Zambian paintings, and sculpture. This museum also houses a cafeteria, souvenir store, and a kids corner and it is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn about the development of Zambia’s cultural history and heritage over the last three million years.
Lusaka National Museum
Address: Independence Ave, Lusaka, Zambia
Website: Lusaka National Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4.30pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
7. View 19th-century locomotives at the Railway Museum
Learn about Zambia’s preserved railway heritage in the railway museum that displays some of the best-preserved exhibits of the transportation forms in the country. Ranging from vintage steam locomotives to minor railway memorabilia, the museum details the evolution of the trains from the colonial times to the days of independence. The museum also houses an exhibition on the history of the Jewish race in Zambia, and it is ideal for anyone looking to learn about the history and traditions of the Jewish community in the country.
Railway Museum
Address: 726 Limulunga Rd, Livingstone, Zambia
Opening hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
8. See stone-age rock paintings at Nsalu Caves
Editor’s note: There is no available image.
Located in the Serenje District, the Nsalu caves are well worth a visit to see the rock paintings of the stone-age man. Thought to be at least 20,000 years old, the paintings include abstract lines, patterns, and outlines rather than the usual stick figures and animals. After looking at the paintings, you can also soak up the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the cave’s mouth. These caves are just another reason why Africa is often considered to be the cradle of mankind.
Nsalu Cave & Rock Painting
Address: Serenje district, Zambia
Website: Nsalu Cave & Rock Painting
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Visit the Livingstone Memorial
Built in 1899, the Livingstone Memorial marks the spot where the explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, died near the edge of the Bangweulu swamps. The monument is a 35 km (21.74-mile) drive from Kansaka, with the heart of Livingstone buried under at the foot of a Mupundu tree. The local community has built simple chalets that are ideal for accommodation at the memorial site. If you love history and you’re curious to know about the life of David Livingstone, then make a point to visit this site.
Livingstone Memorial
Address: Chipundu, Zambia
Website: Livingstone Memorial
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Venture into the wilderness at South Luangwa National Park (from USD 2.0)
Visit South Luangwa National Park and get up close and personal with wildlife as a part of this four-day tour. The tour starts with a pick up from the airport and a transfer to the lodge through the Luangwa River on day one, followed by a game drive and safari with opportunities to meet wild animals such as lions, giraffes, leopards, baboons, and hyenas on day two. You will be taken to a local village to witness a traditional Zambian dance ceremony, and to a local school to learn about the culture and the educational system of Zambia. Then, you will get to taste the local food before your final safari in the wilderness. The tour includes breakfasts, lunches and dinners and accommodations by the river on all three days.
South Luangwa Safari adventure, Zambia
Duration: 4 days
11. Visit Shiwa Ngandu and Kapishya hot springs
With quiet hot springs surrounded by lush vegetation and tall raffia palms, the natural splendour of the Kapishya hot springs will leave you enriched and rejuvenated. A visit to Shiwa Ngandu estate is a step back in time that lets the guests learn about the history of the ancient and colonial times of the region. The estate is a world-class private game reserve and it is home to more than 30 species of wildlife and 200 species of birds.
Shiwa Ngandu and Kapishya Hot Springs
Address: Zambia
Website: Shiwa Ngandu and Kapishya Hot Springs
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: From 20 USD
12. Catch stunning sunsets at Lake Kariba
As the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir, Lake Kariba lies along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe with great opportunities for boating, fishing, and watersports. With spectacular sunsets and stunning views, the region surrounding the lake is also known as Zambia’s riviera and it is ideal for a relaxing holiday. The lake also offers houseboat holidays that are the best way to soak up the rays and create magical memories with your loved ones. Visit this tranquil spot and not only enjoy the stunning view but also get away from the cacophony of the big city.
Lake Kariba
Address: Zambia
Website: Lake Kariba
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Stroll around Lusaka
Lusaka, the glittering capital of Zambia, is the country’s largest city and is one of the fastest developing cities in Southern Africa. With tree-lined streets, busy markets and high-rise buildings, the sprawling capital is a bustling centre for economic, cultural and political activities. The upmarket clubs and restaurants, modern shopping centres and the cosmopolitan population are reason enough to visit this booming urban city. Spend time and explore the stores where you can snag yourself a souvenir or simply just experience the cosmopolitan side of Zambia.
Lusaka
Website: Lusaka
14. Enjoy a juicy steak at Marlin Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With a mission to provide quality food that tastes great every single time, Marlin Restaurant offers Chinese, steaks and Creole cuisine in Lusaka. The restaurant has built its reputation on quality affordable dishes, especially steaks and Mauritian Creole food. This restaurant features a friendly informal atmosphere and it offers a selection of classic dishes with a contemporary twist, which is the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and family. The restaurant also features a cash bar with wines, ciders, spirits and local beers like Castle and Mosi.
Marlin Restaurant
Address: Lusaka Club Los Angeles, Lusaka, Zambia
Website: Marlin Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 10 USD
15. Try out local dishes at Cafe Zambezi
Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya road, Cafe Zambezi offers an extensive menu with local favourites such as goat meat, mopane(woodland) caterpillars, and smoky crocodile tail. The old school front cafe offers an authentic Zambian experience and it is a breakfast spot too. The cafe serves sumptuous halloumi burgers, authentic wood-fired pizzas, and it also includes a bar with local Mosi beers.
Cafe Zambezi
Address: plot 214 217 area mosi o tunya road, Livingstone 60095, Zambia
Website: Cafe Zambezi
Opening hours: 8am - 11.30pm (daily)
Price: From 10 USD
16. Dance the night away at Chicago's Reloaded
Posted by Chicago's reloaded on Sunday, 21 May 2017
With friendly staff and a warm ambience, Chicago’s Reloaded is the ideal spot for anyone looking to have a hearty breakfast or lunch. The restaurant features tasteful decor inspired by the icons of the 1940s and 1950s USA, and a relaxed atmosphere with soothing music played in the background throughout the day. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu with a selection of continental food such as meat dishes, fish dishes, poultry, burgers, curries, sushi and a variety of finger foods. The restaurant also features a kiddies menu and hosts events such as corporate functions and birthday parties. At night, the restaurant transforms into a trendy bar with a variety of cocktails, shooters, non-alcoholic beverages, Cuban cigars and tangy food.
Chicago's Reloaded
Address: Lusaka, Zambia
Website: Chicago’s Reloaded
Opening hours: 11am - 4am (daily)
Price: From 10 USD
17. Shop for local products at Dambwa Central Market
This local marketplace in Livingstone is an interesting excursion for those looking to learn about the local products and the indigenous food of Zambia. The market also sells unique tropical fruits such as Mubuyu and Monso-Monsos. The market is full of a bustle and hustle and it is a great insight into the local life of the people of Livingstone, with everything from stunning African fabrics to live chickens on sale here.
Dambwa Central Market
Address: Livingstone, Zambia
Website: Dambwa Central Market
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
18. Taste local delicacies at Zest Bar And Restaurant
This fully stocked bar and restaurant is a local favourite in Livingstone, for their menu of signature espetadas plus, game meat, pizza, steaks, burgers & traditional food. Located in Mosi-oa-tunya road, the bar features sports bar vibes with yummy food and it is the go-to spot for meat lovers of the city. The restaurant also offers local food such as crocodile ribs, and caterpillars along with a selection of cocktails, beers and beverages.
Zest Bar And Restaurant
Address: Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone, Zambia
Website: Zest Bar And Restaurant
Opening hours: 8am - 12pm (daily)
Price: From 5 USD
19. Go shopping at Manda Hill Shopping Mall
With a variety of restaurants, clothing stores, jewellery stores, and banks, Manda Hill shopping mall is Lusaka’s premier shopping destination. Located close to the centre of Lusaka, the mall includes a range of local and international brands and will meet all your retail leisure needs. From electronic stores and restaurants to fashion and jewellery stores, the mall lets you get anything you want and also runs monthly events and promotions.
Manda Hill Shopping Mall
Address: Cnr Great East & Manchinchi Road Lusaka ZM, 10101, Zambia
Website: Manda Hill Shopping Mall
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
20. Buy handmade arts and crafts at the Sunday Crafts Market
Shop for Lusaka-made handicrafts, art pieces, and prints from local Zambian vendors in the city’s crafts market that is open every Sunday. The crafts market is an ideal place to mingle with the locals and get souvenirs and memorabilia such as carved animals, woodcrafts, and precious stone jewellery. All purchases at the crafts market support local artists and help build the local communities of the region.
Sunday Crafts Market
Address: Lusaka, Zambia
Website: Sunday Crafts Market
Opening hours:Sun: 10am - 7pm;
Price: Free
21. Go white water rafting on the Zambezi River (from USD 160.0)
Well-renowned as one of the best places to go river rafting, the Zambezi river provides an experience full of intense sensory thrills with its white water rapids and black cliffs. The tour includes a guide, all rafting safety gear, hotel pick-up and drop-off, a barbecue lunch and refreshments. The tour prioritizes safety measures with the guide making sure that you practice all maneuvres before the activity. The four-hour tour will introduce you to the beauty and tranquillity of Batoka gorge and it lets you experience Zimbabwe’s wilderness through rapids such as “The Overland Truck-eater” and “The Gnashing Jaws of Death”.
Victoria Falls: Zambezi River White Water Rafting Experience
Duration: 7.0 hour
22. Visit Livingstone Museum, Zambia's oldest museum (from USD 120.0)
Learn about the history of Zambia and the discovery of the Victoria falls in this guided half-day tour to the largest and oldest museum in Zambia. The tour guide takes care of the border procedures between Zimbabwe and Zambia, that allow you to explore Victoria Falls and the neighbouring city of Livingstone. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from the hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, landing and facility fees, a local guide and bottled water. Note that the tour does not include lunch and visa fees at the border.
Half Day Livingstone City, Museum and Victoria Falls Tour
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
23. Learn the history of Livingstone City (from USD 10.0)
Explore the history and soak up the culture of the city of Livingstone in this guided walking tour through the heritage town that was founded in 1905. The tour can be customized based on the interests of the group. Note that the tour only includes a local guide and it does not include transportation from the hotel and back and food. You can choose to visit the attractions with a focus on shopping, architectural sights or the Jewish history of the town.
Town Walk Livingstone City
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
24. Get up close with the wildlife at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (from USD 96.0)
This day trip combines a walking safari with a game drive that takes you to the best spots to view wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Explore the landscapes and wildlife and improve your wildlife photography as a part of this tour. The tour includes a tour guide who will share information about the park’s flora and fauna. The park is famous for its white rhinos which are frequently spotted along with elephants, zebras, monkeys, and giraffes during the tour. Other than the animals, you’ll also be enchanted by the wonderful landscape at Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Game Drive and Rhino Walk
Duration: 3 hours
Explore the heart of Africa
With incredible natural wonders, rich heritage, a peaceful history, and mesmerizing wilderness, Zambia is one of the best countries to experience Africa in all its glory. Take a pick from the above list of things to do in Zambia and experience the magic of the continent’s astonishing diversity of wildlife and its extraordinary landscapes. With our list above, you should be able to keep yourself busy during your stay in Zambia. However, there are lots more things to do beyond our list so go ahead and explore this fascinating country.
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