Destination · Southern Africa
Zambia fam trips for travel agents and hosts
A Zambia fam trip introduces travel agents to river country and immersive safari. Use this guide to discuss a focused itinerary with a host, compare the experiences on offer and clarify what is included. Actual dates, availability and hosted arrangements depend on the individual programme.
Photo by Dmitrii Zhodzishskii on Unsplash
Which places in Zambia should travel professionals know?
Key parks, reserves, cities and coastlines in Zambia, with when to go and how guests usually get there. Each links to Google Maps.
South Luangwa National Park
Eastern and Muchinga provinces, Zambia
A national park in the Luangwa Valley known for walking safaris, night drives and leopard sightings, with most camps along the Luangwa River near Mfuwe.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Geoff Gallice, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lusaka Province, Zambia
A park on the north bank of the Zambezi, opposite Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, between the river and the Zambezi escarpment. Activities include canoeing, boating and fishing as well as game drives and walks.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Joachim Huber, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kafue National Park
Central, Southern and Western provinces, Zambia
Zambia's largest national park, managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife with African Parks, with the Busanga Plains in the north and the Kafue River and Lake Itezhi-Tezhi in the south. It can be reached by road from Lusaka or Livingstone, which suits combined itineraries.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Victoria Falls (Zambian side)
Southern Province, Zambia
The Zambian side of the falls lies in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone, with views of the Eastern Cataract and the Knife-Edge Bridge; the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Zimbabwe. In the low-water months parts of the Zambian side can run dry.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Revention24, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Livingstone
Southern Province, Zambia
The tourism town on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, with lodges along the upper Zambezi, river cruises and adventure activities. Its airport is a common entry point for itineraries combining the falls with Chobe, Hwange or Kafue.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lusaka
Lusaka Province, Zambia
Zambia's capital and main international gateway, at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Scheduled and charter flights connect it to South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Livingstone.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: Lupali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Liuwa Plain National Park
Western Province, Zambia
A remote grassland park in western Zambia, managed by African Parks with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Barotse Royal Establishment. It hosts Africa's second-largest wildebeest migration, which arrives with the early rains.
Open in Google Maps ↗Photo: S1m0nB3rry, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How should a Zambia fam itinerary be planned?
Select one park for a deeper introduction, or compare two areas when the transfer plan allows. Ask hosts to show how guiding, camp style and the setting change the experience.
Confirm camp opening dates, transfer arrangements and the activities actually operating during the fam. List park fees and any specialist activities as separate budget lines.
What should agents confirm with the host?
Ask for a written itinerary and inclusions list before accepting. A hosted stay does not automatically include transport or every experience.
- Accommodation, meals and the activities included at each stop.
- International and domestic travel, transfers, fees and any permits.
- Personal costs, cancellation terms and the expected follow-up after the trip.
- Current entry requirements for your passport, travel advice and suitable insurance for the planned activities.
When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The dry season from May to October is the main safari season in Zambia, with game concentrating near water as the bush dries out towards September and October; the rains from November to April turn the parks green, but many bush camps close and some roads become impassable.
General pattern only; it varies by region and from year to year.
| Months | Season | What agents see |
|---|---|---|
| May to August | Cool dry season | Little or no rain, cool mornings and nights; the bush thins as it dries |
| September to October | Hot dry season | The hottest, driest months; water sources shrink and game gathers at rivers and lagoons |
| November to April | Rainy season | Rain starts in November and is heaviest from December to February; green landscapes and migrant birds, but many bush camps close and remote roads can be impassable |
What do travellers to Zambia need to know?
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Currency
- Zambian kwacha ZMW
- Official language
- English
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time UTC+2
- Dialling code
- +260
- Driving
- On the left
Plugs and power
Plug types C, D, G. Mains supply 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a plug adapter for these types; check whether devices also need a voltage converter.
International gateways
- LUN Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka
- LVI Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone
- MFU Mfuwe Airport, Mfuwe (South Luangwa)
Entry
Zambia waives visas for nationals of many countries, including the UK; others apply through the Zambia Department of Immigration's online service. The KAZA UNIVISA, issued by Zambia and Zimbabwe, covers both countries and day trips into Botswana through Kazungula, for eligible nationalities. Check the current requirements for your passport before travelling.
Health
Official sources describe a low potential for yellow fever exposure in parts of western and north-western Zambia, and a vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from, or transiting through, countries with yellow fever risk. Malaria risk is high throughout the country; check with a travel health professional before travel.
Checked against the sources below. Rules change: confirm entry and health requirements before travel.
Questions travel agents and hosts ask
Are Zambia fam trips always free?
No. The invitation determines which costs are hosted and which are paid by the agent. Confirm flights, transfers, permits, activities and personal expenses before accepting.
Where can travel agents find Zambia fam trips?
Hosts list fam trips on RepBud, where travel agents can join RepBuddies free. Availability varies by destination and market; a country guide is not a promise of a current departure.
When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The dry season from May to October is the main safari season in Zambia, with game concentrating near water as the bush dries out towards September and October; the rains from November to April turn the parks green, but many bush camps close and some roads become impassable.
What plugs are used in Zambia?
Zambia uses type C, D and G plugs. The mains supply is 230 V, 50 Hz.
What currency is used in Zambia, and what time zone is it in?
Zambia uses the Zambian kwacha (ZMW) and is on Central Africa Time, UTC+2.
Explore the destination
Destination references for this guide. Confirm current arrangements with your host.
- Zambia Tourism: national parks
- UK FCDO travel advice: Zambia entry requirements
- Zambia Department of Immigration: KAZA UNIVISA
- TravelHealthPro: Zambia
- CDC Travelers' Health: Zambia
- Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre: Climate profile of Zambia (2021)
- African Parks: Liuwa Plain
- Mains electricity by country (Wikipedia, compiled from the former IEC World Plugs data)