Is It Safe To Travel To Zambia?

Zambia is generally considered safe for tourists, but it has a high crime rate due to its poor population and petty street crime. Despite being declared a landmine-free country in 2009, there may still be landmines and unexploded ordinances in areas bordering Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo. To stay healthy and safe during your trip, it is important to follow the latest vaccine recommendations for Zambia at least 8 weeks before your trip.

Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas and city centers. Vaccinated travelers present a vaccination certificate to port health officials, while unvaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test.

Cholera is a risk in parts of Zambia, with most travelers at very low risk. To protect against cholera, all travelers should practice safe food and avoid consuming alcohol. Crime persists throughout Zambia, including armed robbery, carjacking, petty crime, and home break-ins. Security risks increase after dark, especially in tourist areas.

Zambia has one of the lowest homicide rates in its region, similar to the USA’s rate (adjusted for population). Malaria is a risk in Zambia all year round and in all areas, including Lusaka. Malarial medication is vital for travelers to the region.

In summary, Zambia is considered one of the safest places in the world, with a high crime rate and a low homicide rate. It is recommended that US citizens exercise normal precautions when visiting Zambia.

Is Zambia a rich or poor country?

Zambia is one of the world’s poorest countries, with high levels of poverty and inequality. In 2022, poverty reached 60 percent of the population, up from 54. 4 in 2015, due to limited job creation and declining labor earnings. The urban population experienced the highest increase, reaching 31. 9 percent, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and debt crisis. However, the growth deceleration before the crisis was already affecting labor market indicators.

Rural poverty has remained widespread, surpassing 75 since 2010, and disparities in access to essential services persist. Zambia gained independence in 1964 and has been a stable country with successful democratic elections every five years. The country has been ruled by four different political parties, including the United National Independence Party, Movement for Multiparty Democracy, Patriotic Front, and the United Party for National Development. The next presidential elections are scheduled for August 12, 2026.

Is Zambia cheap or expensive?

Zambia is a relatively expensive destination for a couple of weeks to visit national parks and stay at small private safari camps. The average cost is around US$270-450/£150-250 per day, including everything. However, for an exclusive safari in a remote corner of Africa, Zambia excels. On the other hand, if traveling through Zambia on local buses, camping, and staying in local resthouses, the cost is around US$36-54/£20-30 per day. However, most backpackers only spend a few days between Malawi and Zimbabwe, missing out on the best attractions.

To find a trip of medium expenditure, consider medium-priced safari camps like Lufupa/Shumba in northern Kafue, the Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa, or Kasanka, especially for groups of four or five people.

What is the biggest problem in Zambia?

Zambia faces significant health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, which are endemic in all provinces and urban and rural areas. These diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to 40 of under 5 deaths and 20 maternal deaths. Zambia’s high poverty rate, particularly in rural areas, is a major concern. The country’s engagement in human development is focusing on agriculture, health, energy, raising rural incomes, improving livelihoods, and reducing vulnerabilities.

Despite robust economic growth during the commodity boom, Zambia’s growth has slowed to less than 3 in 2015, and poverty remains high. The country also lagged on several Millennium Development Goals, particularly those related to extreme poverty and maternal and child mortality. The heavily dependent mining economy necessitates investment in economic diversification.

Agriculture, which is the livelihood of nearly 90% of Zambia’s rural population, is crucial for poverty reduction. Improving agricultural productivity, investing in agribusinesses, and developing markets are key to addressing these challenges.

Is Zambia at risk for terrorism?

The Zambian National Assembly has passed the National Anti-Terrorism Proliferation Act No. 6 of 2018, repealing the less effective Anti-Terrorism Act of 2007, despite the country’s lack of direct terrorist attacks.

Is Zambia a nice country to live?

Lusaka, Zambia, is a developing country with challenges such as power cuts, inconsistent internet connections, petty theft, and slower pace of life. The country has three seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry from September to November, and warm and wet during the rainy season from December to April. Average rainfall is 32cm, and temperatures range between 32 and 10 degrees C. The high altitude tempers humidity, making the climate pleasant. ASL is located in a warm, diverse international community that extends beyond students, parents, and staff.

Is Zambia safe at night?

Travel in larger cities and major game parks is generally safe during daylight hours, but serious crimes can occur. To avoid these risks, pre-arrange transport, stay alert, and take precautions against vehicle crime. Keep windows closed and doors locked, ignore hitchhikers, watch out for potential carjackers, and use cars arranged by a hotel or tour operator. Keep valuables and original documents safe and carry a copy of your passport’s photo page and entry stamp.

What to avoid in Zambia?

Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Zambia include African Sleeping Sickness, Tsetse fly bite, Bug Bites, African Tick-Bite Fever, tick bite, Chikungunya, and Mosquito bite. Vaccines cannot protect against many diseases, so behaviors are crucial. To prevent bug bites, cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats, use insect repellent, use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms, and use a bed net if sleeping in exposed areas. Avoid contaminated water, mosquito bites, tick bites, and flea bites to stay healthy and safe during your trip.

How safe is Zambia for tourists?

Opportunistic petty crime, such as pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, is prevalent, with security risks increasing after dark, particularly in tourist areas and city centers. It’s advised to stay alert, avoid walking alone, and avoid luxury 4WD vehicles, bus and railway stations, and shopping areas.

Is Zambia a friendly country?

Zambia is a peaceful and friendly country, while Lusaka, a rapidly developing city, boasts a safe environment in most areas.

Is Zambia safe for female tourists?

Zambia is a safe destination for solo women traveling on safari tours, as they are away from crowded cities and under the protection of their guide and lodge at all times, ensuring their safety and comfort during their journey.

Do they speak English in Zambia?

Zambia’s official language is English, but over 70 languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country. Most urban residents fluently speak English, and signs and official documentation are mostly in English or Bemba and Nyanja, the country’s two most widely spoken local languages. Bemba is spoken by over two million Zambians and is used in education and administration, while Nyanja, a Bantu language, is prominent in major centers like Lusaka and Livingstone.