Zambia is great for seeing wildlife because it offers a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats that support a wide variety of animal species. The country is home to several national parks and game reserves, including the famous South Luangwa …
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Backpacking Zambia in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Zambia with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Zambia
Embark on a backpacker's paradise in Zambia, where the heart of Africa beats in every step. Pros? Immerse yourself in stunning wildlife, majestic Victoria Falls, and vibrant local cultures, all within a more budget-friendly range. Zambia offers an authentic African experience without the crowds. However, infrastructure can be basic in some areas, demanding flexibility. For backpackers seeking untamed wilderness and a genuine connection with nature, Zambia stands out as a unique destination, promising an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, where each encounter is a brush with the raw and unspoiled beauty of the continent.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Zambia
Wildlife
Scenery
Zambia is known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One of the top attractions in Zambia is the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Zambia is vibrant and diverse, attracting travelers from all over the world. Hostels and budget accommodations are readily available in popular tourist destinations such as Livingstone, Lusaka, and the South Luangwa National …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Zambia can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $20-30 per day for basic accommodation, local meals, and transportation. Entrance …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Zambia
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a must-visit attraction in Zambia. The sheer size and power of the falls is awe-inspiring, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
- South Luangwa National Park: Known for its abundant wildlife, South Luangwa National Park is a paradise for safari enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes, while exploring the park on game drives or walking safaris.
- Lower Zambezi National Park: Situated along the banks of the Zambezi River, this national park offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy canoeing safaris, game drives, and boat cruises, providing unique opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide range of bird species.
- Lake Kariba: Africa’s largest man-made lake, Lake Kariba is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a large population of hippos and crocodiles, and visitors can also catch tiger fish and bream while enjoying the serene surroundings.
- Kafue National Park: As one of the largest national parks in Africa, Kafue offers a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can go on game drives, boat trips, or walking safaris to spot animals like lions, cheetahs, zebras, and more, while also enjoying the tranquility of the park’s untouched wilderness.
But Zambia offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Zambia
The best time to visit Zambia for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers the most comfortable weather conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. In particular, the months of June to August are popular as temperatures are cooler, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals in national parks such as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Additionally, this time is ideal for visiting Victoria Falls, as the water levels are lower, allowing for better visibility and opportunities for activities like white-water rafting.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Zambia
- Opportunistic petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and vehicle break-ins, is common. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centres. Stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking alone or travelling after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.
- Spontaneous demonstrations are common, and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. Avoid all protests, political rallies and large public gatherings.
- Date-rape drugs have been used in bars and restaurants in Lusaka. Always keep a close eye on your food and drinks. If you're not sure it's safe, leave it.
- Thieves sometimes follow people after they withdraw money from ATMs. Avoid using ATMs at night, and be vigilant of your surroundings as you withdraw money.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
ZambiaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Zambia sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Zambia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Zambia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Zambia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Zambia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Zambia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Zambia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024