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active family travel,  Travel

Zambia Travel – Tips for the First Time Visitor #travel

Zambia travel is a once in a lifetime, worthwhile, experience. With gorgeous vistas, the famous Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, wildlife and the friendliest people you can imagine, Zambia might be one of the most remarkable places on earth. If you’ve never been to this exotic location, then the idea of Zambia travel can seem overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to make your trip to Zambia an epic one.

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Zambia Travel – Must See Locations

When traveling to Zambia, there are some can’t miss places to see. These are the iconic stops that are exciting and known the world over. All of these places showcase the beauty of Sub-Saharan Africa and the vast scope of the natural environment. I had the good fortune to visit Zambia recently when I received a fellowship. The trip was beyond my expectations. These are the must see locations in Zambia.

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Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) loosely translated as the smoke that thunders, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zambia. It is roughly twice the size of Niagara Falls the famous waterfall that straddles both the US and Canadian border. Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall in the world, because of its combined width and height. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is also occasionally referred to as one of the natural wonders of the world.  A large wetland seems to fall into the center of the earth through a fast gorge. It is breathtaking in both its beauty and its scope. This miracle of the Earth’s natural process provides spectacular views and amazing photo opportunities. Because of the size of the waterfall though it is hard to capture the magnitude of this natural wonder unless you are traveling overhead by helicopter.

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Zambezi River

Take a tour of one of the most spectacular rivers in all of Zambia. The Zambezi River is a must see wonder for Zambia travel. This river attracts thousands of tourists every year and offers excellent water sports as well as the opportunity to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Take a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi while you are here. You will not regret it. You will see hippos playing and yawning and elephants crossing the river too.

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South Luangwa National Park

There are many beautiful reserves and parks in Zambia. This is one of the best known. Zambia has some amazing wildlife and you can witness many of the most incredible creatures in this gorgeous national park. Leopards and elephants are only 2 of over 60 different animal species that can be viewed in the park in addition to over 400 bird species. There are many national parks to see and visit here in Zambia. Very few have wild cats in them however.

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Lake Kariba

Get the full Zambia travel experience at Lake Kariba. Not only does this lake feature all of the beauty of Africa’s landscape, it also boasts Africa’s largest dam. This lake is so huge, it almost feels like a freshwater ocean, and it offers excellent fishing, boating and water sports. Make it a full trip by staying at any of the lodges, chalets, or campsites nearby.

[tweetthis]There are many gorgeous lodges and resorts in Zambia. #travel[/tweetthis]

Chingola

On your Zambia travel experience, make a stop in Chingola, the greenest city in Zambia. The most picturesque of Copperbelt towns, Chingola owes its lush, green landscape to the higher rainfall in the area. Visit the biggest open-cast mine in Africa, or enjoy shopping, fine dining, or a round of golf.

[tweetthis]Do not carry Benadryl in your luggage to Zambia. It contains an ingredient that is illegal in this country #travel[/tweetthis]

One caveat – when you visit Zambia or any other country internationally always check their entry requirements. Zambia has a rule for instance about carrying any products containing diphenhydramine in their country. Do not bring Benadryl for instance into Zambia. It is on their list of controlled substances and you can be detained as a result without warning. Check your allergy medication, if you travel with it.

[tweetthis]Zambia is a beautiful country with many natural assets #travel[/tweetthis]

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Zambia Travel – All the Beauty of Africa

Zambia is one of the most beautiful countries in all of Africa, and it shows. These are just a few recommendations. There are dozens of gorgeous locales you can experience on a Zambia travel experience. In addition to these gorgeous natural wonders, Zambia offers a host of beautiful cities, landmarks, museums, and other amazing experiences to be enjoyed. I loved visiting this country and found it friendly and safe.

I was in Zambia doing a fellowship recently with the UN Foundation’s Shot at Life global vaccination program. If you would like to read more about that see this Shot at Life post. 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

30 Comments

  • Heather @ Country Life, City Wife

    I have been to four continents and the next, I hope, is Africa. Your photos are wonderful. I appreciate the info, too. I had no idea there was anything in Benadryl that wouldn’t be allowed in Zambia. What a remarkable experience you’ve had – I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey. Thanks so much for sharing.

  • Kristi Dominguez

    Wow! Zambia looks absolutely GORGEOUS! What an amazing experience! Seeing creation in such a raw and natural state has got to be such a humbling experience. That sunset is glorious! I didn’t realize that Benadryl was considered a controlled substance there! Very interesting!

  • Teresa

    I have wanted to visit Africa for over two decades. I have had the opportunity to take a missionary trip there twice with my fellowship group. A group of women, and my husband completely balked at the idea, thinking it would be too unsafe. I wanted to go and extend and travel about as well. Perhaps someday.

  • Debra Schroeder

    I would love to get to travel to Africa one day. There seems to be so much natural beauty in the countries in Africa. I love the idea of seeing those amazing animals in person and not just on tv. I would love to meet a hippo!

  • Jeanette

    I would love to travel to Zambia! Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous and really motivates me to start saving to go there. I have been to South Africa but have never been over to Zambia.

  • Alli Smith

    My daughter-in-law went to Africa for one of her medical school rotations. She enjoyed it so much. I’ve never been and would love to visit. The scenery is breathtaking. I had no idea about the Benadryl.

  • Chris Lewis

    WOW, what an adventure. This looks beautiful and I know my kids would love to see all of the animals roaming free! Great point about entry to the country. I did not know about Benadryl either!

  • Dee

    I think I would have just squealed like a little pig if I saw an Elephant up close. Its really cool that you got to go to Zambia is a country I have always wanted to visit and thank you so much for sharing pictures.

  • Stephanie jeannot

    Lately, I’m getting a kick out of traveling which I’ve neglected to really do until now. But discovering new and exciting places like this is so great. Would love to see it live and in person. Looks like such a beautiful place. Maybe one day.

  • laura londergan

    wow this looks like an amazing adventure and sound like you had a great time while you were here. the perfect place to visit out of the country. The scenery looks awesome and those elephants – I love them!!

  • Amy @ Marvelous Mommy

    That’s crazy about the Benadryl issue. It’s a great reminder to check local laws and regulations whenever you travel to another country. I didn’t know Victoria Falls was twice the size of Niagara Falls! I would love to visit such a beautiful place!

  • Pam Wattenbarger

    It’s so weird that Benadryl is considered a controlled substance there! My husband wants to travel to Zambia.

  • Kristy @ Mommy Hates Cooking

    Africa is not usually a place I think of when it comes to planning a vacation. Zambia looks like a great place with spectacular views. I was a bit caught off guard about not being able to travel with Bendryl! That is crazy, but definitely a great warning!

  • Jennifer

    How absolutely breathtaking! I have only been out of the country one time, and it wasn’t that far. I may have to put this on my bucket list, once I get my passport, of course.

  • Tami Qualls

    I’ve never been to Zambia, nor had an interest, until now. I’d love to learn more about the wildlife in Zambia. I can’t imagine seeing that many bird species.

  • Rebecca A Swenor

    It sounds like Zambia would be a great place to visit. I would love to go visit some of the national parks and zoos there some day. It would be interesting to see all the animals and the beauty of the land. Thanks for sharing the information.

  • Christina Aliperti

    Wow I don’t know what I would do without my benadryl while traveling. Interesting that its a controlled substance there.

  • Mimi Green

    This looks like such a beautiful place. I can’t even imagine seeing hippos playing and yawning and elephants crossing the river front before my eyes. Great tip on the Benadryl, I had no idea.