Navigating Zambia: Essential Self-Drive Tips from Our Recce Adventure (original) (raw)

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Navigating Zambia: Essential Self-Drive Tips from Our Recce Adventure

The plan for the recce trip was to cover as much ground as possible throughout Zambia, focusing our time on the national parks and sensible transit camps in between. This country is rich in diverse biomes varying from bushveld, miombo woodland, grassy plains and riverine forest, which of course attract a wide variety of animal and bird life.

Travelling a circular route from Livingstone and Lower Zambezi and northwards to South and North Luangwa National Parks, turning at Kapishya Hot Springs and tracking back via Bangweulu and Kasanka National Parks to Kafue and Liuwa Plain National Parks – this was not a trip for the faint hearted. Sixty days of absolute adventure in Zambia was an incredible experience!

We learned valuable lessons along the way and fully immersed ourselves in the experience to better inform our clients when they embark on their expeditions in Zambia.

Tips to Self-drive in Zambia

• Travel Seasons: The rainy season generally stretches from November to March, making many parks inaccessible. May to September are the best months for travel, offering drier roads and better wildlife visibility.
• Vehicle Requirements: A 4×4 is essential for traversing both highways and off-road tracks. A relatively good gravel road can quickly become rough at the next corner.
• Insect Preparedness: Flying, biting insects like tsetse flies and mosquitoes can be a challenge. Come prepared with repellents, anti-itch salves and anti-allergy medications. Malaria medication can be used at own discretion.
• Temperature Range: Temperatures are generally warm to hot throughout the year, with rain showers in the summer months. Winter temperatures remain mild.
• Planning is Key: Travel times are often slower than expected, so build in transit nights at pleasant camps or lodges between main destinations.
• Stocking Up: It’s easy to stock up in main towns, and roadside markets offer fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Safe Drinking Water: Drinking water is readily available in shops but only drink water at camps or lodges when confirmed to be safe.
• Learn the Local Language: Locals appreciate when visitors greet and thank them in their dialect.
• Cash is King: Withdraw the maximum kwacha from ATMs and pay in larger notes to receive smaller change for market purchases.
• Get a Local SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card from kiosk vendors—Airtel and MTN worked well for us throughout the country.
• Carry a Tyre Compressor: Garages in Zambia often don’t have readily available air for tyre inflation so it’s wise to bring your own compressor.

Opt for Guided Activities

No amount of pre-trip research can fully prepare travellers for the richness of Zambia. We highly recommend incorporating activities such as boat cruises, guided game walks and safari drives in the national parks whenever possible. The local knowledge of guides significantly enhances your understanding and appreciation of Zambia and all it has to offer.

Among the standout experiences we enjoyed were a breathtaking sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, an unforgettable guided walking safari with Botha from Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa National Park, and the exceptional guiding skills of Rogers at Chikunto Safaris. These activities truly enhance the Zambian experience, allowing travellers to connect deeply with and better understand the stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Lace it with Luxury

A camping trip in Zambia is exhilarating and adventurous, immersing you in nature like few other travel experiences. There’s nothing quite like the isolation of the bush, a crackling campfire, a starry sky, and the sounds of the wild surrounding you.

However, Zambian hospitality shines at luxury lodges in and around the national parks. With excellent cuisine, attentive service, crisp linens, comfortable beds, and unforgettable guided safari excursions, these lodges offer a truly rewarding experience worth every penny.

Preparation is Key

The goal of the Ultimate Routes recce trip was to gather firsthand knowledge to better inform our clients. Thorough research and preparation were essential for navigating border crossing procedures, required documents, currency matters, visa extensions and gaining insights into local languages and cultures.

The itineraries we create for clients will include valuable tips and advice for self-driving in Zambia, making the preparation process smoother and more accessible.

A better understanding of Zambia’s roads, national parks, travel times and seasonal accessibility ensures that our route designs are well-planned for the various times of year our clients travel. This knowledge allows us to create tailored experiences that maximize enjoyment and minimize challenges.

Ready to embark on your own adventure in Zambia? Contact us today to start planning your tailored itinerary, complete with essential tips and insights for a smooth self-drive experience!

With extensive firsthand experience driving through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Ultimate Routes specializes in crafting sensible routes for the adventurous traveler. Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent service, from expert custom route design to seamless camp and accommodation bookings, ensuring hassle-free self-drive adventures.