Culture

A Living Culture, a celebration of tradition!

Home to over 13 million people with seven major ethnic groups, the country has over 73 language dialects. Despite the impact of western ideals, Zambia has maintained its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

The country’s ethnic diversity results in over 30 traditional ceremonies occurring annually countrywide. Each ceremony celebrates the significance of natural cycles, past military glories or age-old traditions. Traditional values are perpetuated and cultural identity confirmed through ritual ethnic celebrations.

To experience one of these ceremonies is to be a privileged witness to the tradition, rhythm and beat of Africa. They provide a valuable insight into our culture which has been passed from one generation to another for many years.

Whilst modernity may seem to be perceived as eroding culture, the Zambian people embrace growth, whilst preserving their rich cultural heritage.

Traditional Ceremonies Calendar

Major Cities

Lusaka, the Capital and business city!

Lusaka officially became the capital of Zambia in May 1935, due to its fairly central location, replacing Livingstone. Lusaka was elevated to the status of a City by Royal Charter, 25 years later.

The choice of Lusaka to become the capital did not follow what is usually regarded as the traditional development pattern. The Town’s main attribute was its central location and healthy climate.

Its metropolis provides a home to about 3 million (2022 est.) inhabitants of many different nationalities.

Conference tourism infrastructure is available and the city has hosted major international events since the country’s independence more than 40 years ago.

Tourist attractions in the capital include the national museum, botanical garden, reptile park, national park, a cultural village and fun-filled night life.

Lusaka was the site of a village named after its headman Lusakasa, which, according to history, was located at Manda Hill, near where the Zambia’s National Assembly building now stands. After the federation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia in 1953, it was a centre of the independence movement amongst some of the educated elite that led to the creation of the Republic of Zambia. In 1964, Lusaka became the capital of the newly independent Zambia.

 In recent years, Lusaka has become a popular urban settlement for Zambians and tourists alike.

Livingstone

Livingstone, the tourist capital and gateway to the Victoria Falls, is named after the Scottish missionary and explorer Dr David Livingstone who was the first European to sight the Falls in 1855.

 The city offers cultural and historical experiences and adventure activities such as white-water rafting canoeing, river cruises, horseback trails, helicopter flights above the Victoria Falls, micro-lighting, river surfing, jet boating rapids, abseiling at the gorges, gorge swings, bird-watching trails, fishing, kayaking and spectacular 111 metres bunji jump.

New to the adventure capital is ‘walking with the Lions’ and the luxurious ‘railway dining’.

NDOLA

Ndola is Zambia’s second largest city and the heart of the Copperbelt. Considering its strong industrial base, it is a pleasant city with broad, leafy streets and little to indicate its industry apart from a certain air of prosperity.

Kitwe

Kitwe is the central hub of the Copperbelt connecting various towns namely Ndola, Luanshya, Mufulira and Chingola which are all copper mining towns. Special visits can be arranged to see and tour one of the biggest open pit mines in the world – the Nchanga Open Pit Mine.

National Heritage sites

There are over 100 natural heritage sites of archaeological, historical, anthropological and architectural significance. Scholars in archaeology, history and anthropology should not miss a visit to these sites in their lifetime.

Special Interest Holidays

Bird watchers, anglers, heritage trailers, community and cultural tourism enthusiasts will find Zambia a particularly rewarding place to visit.

Birding: the ornithologists’ paradise with over 728 bird species recorded. The Bangweulu Swamps is home to the Shoebill, a rare bird. Busanga Plain in Kafue national park is a prime birding area for both the grassland and woodland specials.  Lochnivar national park has about 428 bird species in its comparatively small 410 square kilometres and its claim to hold the world record for the diversity of types is yet to be challenged. All the other national parks are rich in birdlife.

Angling: Fishing is a delight and it can be enjoyed throughout the year but the best period is between April and November. Fishing competitions are held in Kafue National Park and Lake Tanganyika.

Golfing: Enjoy golfing at the Livingstone Golf Club – one of Africa’s oldest golf clubs, a scenic and historic course close to the Victoria Falls. Other golfing facilities can be found in Lusaka, Ndola and Chingola.

Community/Cultural tourism: mingle with the locals in their communities and stay with them to learn their cultures.

Weddings and Honeymoons

There is no better place to enjoy beautiful settings that offer privacy and exclusive service for the ultimate relaxing time after a couple’s big day.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular locations, national parks too serve as special places to celebrate your wedding, renew your vows, commemorating an anniversary or spend your honeymoon.

Celebrate your special day in style with every moment of celebration memorable.  

Travel Information – Quick Facts

Banking

Banks open between 8:15 am and 3pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks also open on the first and last Saturdays of each month.

Climate

Zambia enjoys a tropical climate. There are three seasons: warm and wet from December to April; cool and dry from May to August; and hot and dry from September to November. The hottest month is October where temperatures can rise up to 45℃ (about 113 °F) in river valleys such as the South Luangwa national park.

Clothing

For walking safaris – light neutral coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for evenings and early mornings and a wide brimmed hat. For water activities, nylon water sandals.

Communication

Fixed and mobile line communications are widely available throughout the country. The mobile service provided use 5G technology. Zambia is divided into 72 districts and communication facilities including internet facilities are available in most of the areas. Data technology includes fibre especially in urban centres.

Cuisine

Travellers to Zambia will be accorded an opportunity to enjoy both local and international cuisine offered by many excellent restaurants.

Electrical Supply

Electricity is supplied at 220/240 running at 50Hz. Both three-pin British type (Type G) and Euro plug (Type C) can be used.

Departure Tax

The departure tax is US$11 and $30 for domestic and international flights respectively, the rate is subject to change. Most airline tickets include the international departure tax for Zambia coded JI.

Domestic Air Travel

Baggage allowance on domestic flights is 15 kilos on checked-in bags.

Driving

Zambia drives on the left

Getting there

By Air: Non-stop flights from London, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Addis Abba. Zambia has four International Airports in Lusaka the capital, Livingstone, Ndola and Mfuwe.

By road: Zambia is accessible through Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania on good tarred roads. Scheduled coaches operate daily, 3 times weekly flights to and from Zambia. The buses run from the central bus station named ‘Intercity Bus Terminal’ which is centrally located in Lusaka, the capital city.

By Train: Zambia connected to Tanzania by railway and the TAZARA train operates an express service three timely weekly between the two countries and local service running between Kapiri-Mposhi and Nakonde Zambia’s border town with Tanzania.

Hotels

Zambia offers different accommodation types ranging from the international five-star hotels, guesthouses and lodges. In national parks, most accommodation is thatched-roof and tent style (semi-permanent luxurious tents and ordinary tents). Global hotel brands include the Radisson, Hilton, Marriott, Intercontinental, Taj and Sarovar Hotels.

Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

There are good health facilities in the country. However, as health precautions for travelling in Africa may be unfamiliar to most travellers, we recommend consultation of local doctors prior to travelling to discuss the need for any possible immunisation and malaria prophylaxis. Comprehensive medical and repatriation insurance is recommended.  COVID-19 vaccination certificates may be required or in their absence proof of testing prior to travel.

Money

Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha. Major international currencies such as the US Dollar and British Pound are easily convertible at Bureaux de Change located in various places in the major cities.

International credit cards especially visa-electron enabled cards are acceptable at most hotels and the cards can be used to draw money at various cash point machines (Automated Teller Machines).

Photography

Outstanding photo opportunities abound. A good camera, telephoto lenses and plenty of film will be well rewarded. Ensure your equipment is in a padded, dust and heatproof case.

Time Zone

Two hours ahead of GMT. Zambia does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Telephone

The country code is +260. Zambia enjoys both fixed and mobile telephone line

Visa Requirements

A passport is required for all travellers and it should be valid for not less than 6 months for all nationalities.

Where visas are required, for most nationalities they can obtain the visas on entry. E-visas are available and can be accessed via  www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

Tourism Link

Zambia Tourism Agency www.zambia.travel

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