Zambia offers some of Africa's most pristine wilderness experiences, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park. Known for pioneering the walking safari, Zambia combines exceptional game viewing with authentic cultural encounters and warm hospitality.
Zambia is generally considered one of Sub-Saharan Africa's safer travel destinations with a stable political environment and friendly population. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in cities, particularly Lusaka, but violent crime targeting tourists is uncommon. Malaria is the most significant health risk for visitors.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal security precautions in Zambia. Petty theft common in Lusaka city centre, markets, and bus stations. Avoid walking after dark in Lusaka. Roads outside urban areas are hazardous at night. Do not drive near borders with DRC and Angola due to potential landmine risk. Malaria prophylaxis essential.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Crime is the primary safety concern for tourists. Petty theft and occasional violent crime occur in Lusaka. Northern border areas near DRC require extra care.
Standard Travel Advice
High crime levels in Lusaka including mugging and vehicle break-ins. Take care in public areas including markets and bus stations. Road accidents are common — avoid driving at night.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid driving at night on rural roads
Stay on marked paths in national parks to avoid wildlife encounters
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Do not drive off-road near borders with DRC and Angola due to landmines
Use reputable tour operators for adventure activities at Victoria Falls
Drink bottled water and take malaria prophylaxis
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival; the US Embassy is in Lusaka at Eastern Ring Road
Take anti-malaria prophylaxis and use DEET-based insect repellent — malaria is prevalent year-round
Dress modestly outside resort areas, especially in rural and Muslim communities in the Eastern Province
Beware of informal currency exchange offers; use bank ATMs or official exchange bureaus in Lusaka or Livingstone
Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from originals in case of theft
Do not feed or approach hippos — they are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any other large animal
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Informal currency exchange
Strangers offering better exchange rates than official bureaux on the street. Involves sleight of hand to short-change or swap bills. Illegal and frequently leads to loss.
How to avoid: Use ATMs or official exchange bureaux only. Never accept street exchange offers.
Fake police officers
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers demanding to inspect passports or wallets for 'drug money'. Will request bribes or pocket cash during the 'inspection'.
How to avoid: Always insist on seeing an official police station. Real police carry official ID. Call your hotel or embassy if uncertain.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at airports and tourist areas charging 3-5 times the fair rate for journeys. Common at Livingstone airport and Victoria Falls entrance.
How to avoid: Use Yango ride-hailing app for transparent pricing. Agree fare before entering any taxi without a meter.
Tour operator touts
Unofficial touts near Victoria Falls selling 'discounted' activity packages. Money collected but activities never delivered or significantly different from what was promised.
How to avoid: Book all activities through established operators at your hotel or at the official activity booking offices on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road.
Overcharging at craft markets
Initial asking prices at Mukuni Craft Market and similar can be 5-10 times the expected final price. Not illegal but can feel intimidating if not prepared.
How to avoid: Start negotiating at 30-40% of asking price. Be friendly, never aggressive. Walk away if price feels unfair.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (if safari/rural travel), Cholera. Malaria prophylaxis essential for most of Zambia.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Always drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in drinks outside upscale hotels. Use bottled water for brushing teeth.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally safe for solo travellers. Zambia's friendly and welcoming culture means solo visitors rarely feel threatened or isolated. Stay in established backpacker hostels (Jollyboys Livingstone is ideal for meeting fellow travellers), use Yango instead of street taxis, avoid walking in Lusaka city centre after dark, and let your accommodation know your daily plans when on safari.
Female travellers
Relatively safe with common-sense precautions. Zambia's conservative Christian culture means women travelling alone are generally treated respectfully. Dress modestly in villages and markets. Avoid walking alone after dark in Lusaka and Livingstone. Female solo travellers report feeling comfortable at Victoria Falls area. Harassment is rare but possible near bars at night.
Families
Highly family-friendly destination with many safari lodges catering specifically to families. Victoria Falls is suitable for all ages with safe viewing platforms. Malaria prophylaxis for children is essential — consult your paediatrician. Many lodges have minimum age requirements for walking safaris (usually 12). White-water rafting minimum age 15.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Zambia under colonial-era laws and can result in imprisonment. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are inadvisable and potentially dangerous. There is no visible LGBTQ+ community or social infrastructure. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion. International hotels and lodges are generally more tolerant but cannot guarantee safety in all situations.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 991
- Medical
- 991
- Embassy
- Tourist Police