When to GoHOT AND DRY: For viewing wildlife August to October is the best time to visit Zambia, bearing in mind that the temperatures do increase toward the end of that period in the valleys and low lying areas, most of the National Parks are in these areas.
COOL AND DRY: Cooler weather and greener vegetation can be found from May to August.
WARM AND WET: The rainy season occurs from November to April, some of the National Parks do close at this time.
Lodges that remain open usually offer good rates, the vegetation is lush which will make the animals a bit harder to see although they do tend to move to higher ground, but visitors will have a quieter experience as the Parks are less busy. Canoe and boating adventures flourish during this time, also migratory birds arrive.
Many roads are impassable in the rainy season but the birdlife during November and December will be especially prolific . Zambia is a bird watchers haven all year round really. Public Holidays
- 1st January New Years Day
- Youth Day in early march
- Good Friday
- Holy Saturday
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day in early May
- Africa Freedom Day in late May
- Heros Day in early July
- Unity Day in early July
- Farmers Day in early August
- 24th October Independence Day
- 25th December Christmas Day
Travelling around ZambiaAIR TRAVEL: The distances by road are great, and so many visitors generally take advantage of scheduled and charter air services, departure taxes not collected on the air tickets will need to be paid in US Dollars at domestic and international airports.
ROAD TRAVEL: Driving is on the left hand side of the road with a general speed limit of 100km/h (62 miles/h) on national highways and secondary roads, and 65km/h (40 miles/h) in urban areas, unless otherwise shown.
Many rural roads are impassable in the rainy season. Some roads are suitable for standard vehicles but to get to some of the most scenic spots, off-road vehicles will be needed. Tools and essential spares, water and other necessities like rope, spotlight and a winch should be brought along on road trips.
Road conditions vary and can be very poor. Repairs are constantly being undertaken but visitors should always exercise caution. Visitors may encounter potholes, impressive animals crossing, pedestrians, vehicles without lights, broken down vehicles and general bad driving.
Petrol is available in most towns, becoming pricey moving away from the railway line; spare supplies should always be carried. All necessary papers, including an International drivers license or a SADC licence, should be kept safe and at hand for easy access.
In Lusaka, car theft is a problem; visitors should put stringent preventative measures in place, or not leave the vehicle unattended. Nothing visible should be left in the vehicle at any time.
BUS SERVICES: There are frequent local, clean bus services from Lusaka to all main towns. Minibus and taxi transport (all painted blue) is available to hop and off as needed, visitors can also negotiate with the driver for a private hire. There are international services to Harare and Johannesburg.
TRAIN SERVICES: Train services can be found between Livingstone and Lusaka, Lusaka to the Copperbelt (Kitwe) and Kapiri Mposhi to the Tanzanian border. Visitors should book a family compartment in First Class for overnight trips and will need to bring all their own supplies (water for drinking and washing and food). The trains are a bit tatty and untidy, but the linen is fine. WaterTap water is treated in Zambia but boiling it is recommended especially in the rural areas except when staying at a lodge or hotel in Zambia where this is already done; bottled water is a good alternative and can be purchased in the bigger towns.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Taking photographs in Zambia is worthwhile, it is a beautiful place; however visitors should exchange greetings and gain permission before taking pictures of people. Bring plenty of film as it is hard to get in Zambia. Only print film and processing can be found in Lusaka. | 
