Zambia is located in south-central Africa, and according to the World Bank, it was one of the fastest economically developing countries in 2010. Zambia is known for its abundant wildlife, natural resources, and vast deposits of minerals. The source of the mighty River Zambezi is also located here.
The Khoisan people were the original inhabitants of Zambia, though later some portions were taken by the Bantu community. Britain had also colonized the country for a period in history, like many other African countries.
Zambia offers many natural wonders to explore, and the country has good services for tourists—including many high-end hotels coming up in the recent past. A vacation in Zambia will lend some insight into traditional African life on the one hand as you enjoy the perks of modern amenities on the other. And as you’re planning your trip, remember to buy travel insurance or travel medical insurance in case anything goes wrong.
Zambia Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
If you are injured or fall sick in Zambia, travel medical insurance can help cover the costs of emergency medical treatments.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Zambia?
Buying travel medical insurance is not compulsory before you come to Zambia. But you should be sure to have adequate coverage so you can avoid unbudgeted medical expenses.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Zambia?
Zambia is quite a safe place to travel, but accidents and incidents can happen at any time. You might face an animal attack during a safari or get injured while trying adventure sports.
A comprehensive travel medical insurance plan can help cover the cost of medical emergencies in such cases. If you need extensive medical care and you need to be evacuated from Zambia, the insurance will cover that as well, provided the condition is included.
Zambia Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses (like airfare, hotel, safari reservations) if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason as listed in the certificate wording of your policy. Be sure to read the fine print before purchase for an understanding of what would (and wouldn’t) be covered.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Zambia?
Trip cancellation insurance could possibly cover the costs in situations like flight delays, flight cancellations, or a sudden disease outbreak. Natural disasters might also strike at any time. In such cases, all bookings for travelers could be canceled, but if these situations are covered in your policy, then the insurance company will cover the costs.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Zambia?
Zambia travel insurance can cover the following:
- Trip cancellation for a covered reason
- Trip interruption for a covered reason
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Lost luggage
Things to Do for Travelers in Zambia
Zambia will give you many beautiful experiences once you are there.
Walking safaris: Unlike safaris in other regions, where the trips are mostly taken on Jeeps or other enclosed vehicles, Zambia is famous for walking safaris. The safaris are guided, but you get to explore paths that you would never have access to in a vehicle.
The Lower Zambia National Park has several of these trails, along with Kafue. You can catch crocodile eggs hatching or hippos basking in the sun as you walk by.
Camping: Zambia is one of the few African countries where you will feel safe to camp outside in the open. There are reserved areas for camping along the Zambezi River, and your operator will be able to book spots for you.
The campsites are equipped with proper bathrooms, hot-water showers, and great kitchens. Hear lions and elephants around you in the dark for a most thrilling experience.
Adventure activities at Victoria Falls: You will get many chances to experience the adrenaline rush here. The 111-meter bungee jump (364 feet) from the Victoria Falls Bridge is the most popular activity.
You can also swim in the Devil’s Pool, which is a natural infinity pool at the end of the Falls, or go river rafting in the turbulent waters of Zambezi.
Witness Bat Migration: The bat migration in the Kasanka National Park will surely give you thrills as it creates an eerie sight. The phenomenon mostly happens between October and December. About 10 million bats cover the skies as they head out in search of food, covering ground every day as they gain entry in Kasanka.
Exploring Kubwata Cultural Village: Located just by the capital, Lusaka, the place is very popular among tourists as various facets of Zambian life are reflected here. There are shopping arcades full of local, handcrafted goods.
There are various museums around the village and also in the main city of Lusaka. Traditional dancers often come to perform here in all their finery.
Walking safaris: Unlike safaris in other regions, where the trips are mostly taken on Jeeps or other enclosed vehicles, Zambia is famous for walking safaris. The safaris are guided, but you get to explore paths that you would never have access to in a vehicle.
The Lower Zambia National Park has several of these trails, along with Kafue. You can catch crocodile eggs hatching or hippos basking in the sun as you walk by.
Camping: Zambia is one of the few African countries where you will feel safe to camp outside in the open. There are reserved areas for camping along the Zambezi River, and your operator will be able to book spots for you.
The campsites are equipped with proper bathrooms, hot-water showers, and great kitchens. Hear lions and elephants around you in the dark for a most thrilling experience.
Adventure activities at Victoria Falls: You will get many chances to experience the adrenaline rush here. The 111-meter bungee jump (364 feet) from the Victoria Falls Bridge is the most popular activity.
You can also swim in the Devil’s Pool, which is a natural infinity pool at the end of the Falls, or go river rafting in the turbulent waters of Zambezi.
Witness Bat Migration: The bat migration in the Kasanka National Park will surely give you thrills as it creates an eerie sight. The phenomenon mostly happens between October and December. About 10 million bats cover the skies as they head out in search of food, covering ground every day as they gain entry in Kasanka.
Exploring Kubwata Cultural Village: Located just by the capital, Lusaka, the place is very popular among tourists as various facets of Zambian life are reflected here. There are shopping arcades full of local, handcrafted goods.
There are various museums around the village and also in the main city of Lusaka. Traditional dancers often come to perform here in all their finery.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Zambia
Just as while traveling in any other foreign country, you should be careful of a few things in Zambia.
Wildlife: The locals in Zambia stay in close proximity to the wildlife, but it is not so for tourists. Always stay close to the paths as directed by your guides. That way, you would not unwittingly enter into the animal territory.
Lions, hyenas, and elephants can get defensive and attack you. Monkeys and hippos are also not to be provoked. Do not disturb them just so you can click some photographs.
Infections: Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are also common, especially right after a monsoon. Don't dine in an area where you aren't sure of the food sanitation.
Currency exchange scams: Always exchange currency from registered offices. There are scammers who will try to lure you by saying you can avoid standing in queues or avoid paying taxes on currency exchange, but they give you far less than what you are supposed to get.
At times, discrepancies of over 400 kwachas (about $20 USD) have been reported.
Loss of luggage: Avoid hanging your bags on chairs from the back at restaurants. Even while traveling, keep your windows rolled up and the luggage space of the car locked. Avoid overcrowded market areas.
Road safety: Road safety in Zambia is an issue after dark, so avoid traveling at night. Accidents in and out of the main city are common due to drunk driving.
Wildlife: The locals in Zambia stay in close proximity to the wildlife, but it is not so for tourists. Always stay close to the paths as directed by your guides. That way, you would not unwittingly enter into the animal territory.
Lions, hyenas, and elephants can get defensive and attack you. Monkeys and hippos are also not to be provoked. Do not disturb them just so you can click some photographs.
Infections: Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are also common, especially right after a monsoon. Don't dine in an area where you aren't sure of the food sanitation.
Currency exchange scams: Always exchange currency from registered offices. There are scammers who will try to lure you by saying you can avoid standing in queues or avoid paying taxes on currency exchange, but they give you far less than what you are supposed to get.
At times, discrepancies of over 400 kwachas (about $20 USD) have been reported.
Loss of luggage: Avoid hanging your bags on chairs from the back at restaurants. Even while traveling, keep your windows rolled up and the luggage space of the car locked. Avoid overcrowded market areas.
Road safety: Road safety in Zambia is an issue after dark, so avoid traveling at night. Accidents in and out of the main city are common due to drunk driving.
Before You Travel to Zambia - Do This
- Do not forget to get inoculated for yellow fever, dengue, and malaria. You can also get vaccines for typhoid, cholera, measles, and meningitis.
- While some say that a visa is not essential for traveling to Zambia, people have been fined for not having one. Always make sure you have correct and updated documents before you arrive, or else you could be detained or arrested.
- Book your car rentals well in advance, and plan your itinerary so that you do not have to travel by night.
- Have a list of all the official places from where you can get your currencies exchanged so that you do not have to depend on locals.
- Get travel insurance for Zambia before arriving in the country to enjoy a peaceful, worry-free trip. Enter some basic personal information, compare a wide variety of options side by side, and select the one that best fits the needs of your trip.