Zambia safari packing list

Zambia safari: What to pack and wear

Zambia’s summers (September to November) are hot, only cooling down slightly at night. For these months, we suggest packing light clothes, with long sleeved, cotton shirts to protect you from the sun. A wide brimmed hat is important, and a lightweight jacket or fleece can also be useful to have for cooler evenings.

Winters (May to August) can be cool at night, and it can feel especially cold on morning and evening game drives in open vehicles. However, it can still get warm during the day so we suggest dressing in layers, including a thicker fleece and a jacket, so that you can easily remove items as the day warms up.

Most lodges have an informal dress code; therefore, depending where you are, casual clothing goes down best. There are no safari lodges and hotels where you are required to wear a collar at evening meals.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lip balm, shady hats, binoculars, insect repellent, a torch and an animal guide book are all essentials for game park visits. Don't forget your bathing costume as many places have swimming pools.

If you plan to do a walking safari in Zambia then please note that brightly coloured, cream and white clothes are not advised for safety reasons as they attract the attention of animals. Dark blue and black may also attract biting flies. Clothing in muted safari colours like brown, dark beige, khaki and green are ideal. Army camouflage uniforms or hats are forbidden (khaki is fine to wear). We have included a suggested packing list below; however, please call Expert Africa if you are in any doubt as to what to take.

Packing checklist

Passport
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Cash (US dollars are the most useful currency in Zambia)
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Footwear (including walking shoes/boots if appropriate)
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera, charger, spare batteries and memory cards
Mobile (cell) phone
Chargers and adapters (Zambia generally uses UK style type G plugs, with three square pins)
Torch
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Zambia. Your phone can also be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be pricy, bring a cheap/old mobile with you and buy a local SIM card and call minutes when you arrive. (Make sure this spare phone is not locked against SIM cards from other providers.) The main airports in Zambia have outlets where you can arrange this.

Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Zambia

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Puku Safari

11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT

Discover South Luangwa’s prolific wildlife before exploring the wildly remote pans of Liuwa Plain National Park and relaxing in one of the Livingstone area’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways. A safari of luxury, style and impressive diversity.

US$14,970 - US$19,920 per person

Perekani Walking Trail

10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.

US$9,590 - US$12,210 per person

Crawshay's Zebra Safari

10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.

US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.

US$10,960 - US$14,470 per person

Hippo Safari

10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT

Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.

US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person

Giraffe Safari

9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.

US$8,700 - US$10,430 per person

Defassa Waterbuck Safari

9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.

US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person

Civet Safari

9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.

US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person

Purple Roller Safari

8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.

US$9,320 - US$9,320 per person

Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.

US$10,660 - US$13,240 per person

View all holidays in Zambia

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