Destination · Southern Africa

Zambia fam trips for travel agents and hosts

The short answer

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.

An elephant beside a tree in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

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.

A herd of elephants with calves crossing the Luangwa River in South Luangwa National Park, ZambiaNational park

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.

Best months
June to October
Getting there
Scheduled flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe Airport (MFU)
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Geoff Gallice, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Zambezi River under storm clouds in the Lower Zambezi valley, ZambiaNational park

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.

Getting there
Light aircraft from Lusaka, or by road and boat via Chirundu
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Joachim Huber, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A safari track through dry grassland and woodland in Kafue National Park, ZambiaNational park

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.

Getting there
By road from Lusaka or Livingstone, or light aircraft
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Water falling into the gorge at Victoria Falls, seen from the Zambian sideWaterfall

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.

Best months
February to June for the most water
Getting there
By road from Livingstone
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Revention24, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The upper Zambezi River near Livingstone, Zambia, with spray from Victoria Falls rising in the distanceTown

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.

Getting there
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI)
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aerial view of central Lusaka, Zambia, with Findeco House and the Kafue RoundaboutCity

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.

Getting there
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Open in Google Maps ↗

Photo: Lupali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rain falling from storm clouds over the open grassland of Liuwa Plain National Park, ZambiaNational park

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.

Best months
November and December for the wildebeest
Getting there
Light aircraft, or 4x4 via Kalabo
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.

Zambia seasons, general pattern
MonthsSeasonWhat agents see
May to AugustCool dry seasonLittle or no rain, cool mornings and nights; the bush thins as it dries
September to OctoberHot dry seasonThe hottest, driest months; water sources shrink and game gathers at rivers and lagoons
November to AprilRainy seasonRain 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.

Next step

Connect with the hosts and agents behind Africa fam trips

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Photo by Dmitrii Zhodzishskii on Unsplash