Tipped as the place to experience the most unspoilt safari in Africa, where 19 national parks and 17 waterfalls offer epic exploration, game viewing and unmissable activities, Zambia is one of the most up-and-coming holiday destinations in southern Africa and with good reason. To savour this astounding land and all it has to offer, you need a curious spirit, your adventurer’s cap and these top travel essentials.
Photo credit: Rana Sawalha
Clothes:
At the risk of dashing a few Out Of Africa cosplay fantasies, our recommendations for clothes to bring along veer towards the more simple and practical. All you really need are a handful of items:
– Light but long-sleeved shirts to shield you from the sun and pesky bugs
– Shorts and/or a light skirt plus a pair of jeans for chillier nights and mornings
– Swimwear
– Walking boots with ankle support
– Heavier articles such as a jacket and sweater for pre-dawn or nighttime game drives
P.S Beige and neutral-colours are recommended, especially if you have a safari adventure in your itinerary.
Seasonal Items:
– Between December, January, February and March downpours occur and can be heavy (although short), a lightweight raincoat and pashmina won’t hurt to bring along.
– The winter months (May, June, July and August) can get quite cold, especially at night and in the early mornings. Bring a jacket, scarf, hat and warm socks for these chillier months.
– Light wool is great year-round as it keeps you warm in the cold and absorbs moisture in hotter temperatures. It also doesn’t retain odours which is always a plus!
Other essentials:
– Binoculars
– Camera
– Sunscreen (and SPF-infused lip balm)
– Sunglasses
– A filtration water bottle
– A hat
– Insect repellent
– A solar powered charger. You won’t always have an electrical socket handy!
For Victoria Falls:
A good pair of walking shoes will make your Victoria Falls visit that much easier as the paths there can get wet. Between November and February especially, a raincoat is recommended as it can get misty.
Psst! Don’t forget to pack a waterproof phonecase and waterproof packaging for other items you might take with you to the Falls.
Things to avoid bringing:
– Blue or black clothing as tsetse flies are drawn to these
– Clothing with camouflage patterns (it’s illegal for anyone except the army to be dressed in camo gear)
– Jewellery and values as you generally (unless you have a gala evening lined up) won’t need them.
For a comprehensive breakdown on all things Zambia, check out our FAQ: All You Need to Know About Travelling to Zambia.