Top 10 Africa

Zambia No 6

Africa Gets Under Your Skin

Ernest Hemingway wrote in his book "Green Hills of Africa' (1935): “If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa. He could be talking about the African sunset, always a masterpiece by any measure one cares to apply. Or Africans. whose friendliness to visitors is legendary. So, if you will for one second, picture yourself on a safari in the Lower Zambezi region, or trekking through the Namib desert looking at a Kudu in the near distance, or lounging on the beaches of fabled Zanzibar—all while sticking to your budget. Africa’s incredible adventures are more accessible than you think with our money-saving tips! Africa’s diverse landscapes and rich cultures offer endless bargains and adventures for budget travellers. Therefore, from Namibia’s vast deserts to the vibrant streets of Cape Town, there’s no need to break the bank for an unforgettable African experience. Other interesting countries in Africa includes Mozambique, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Benin and Ivory Coast. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, plan wisely, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey across Africa’s top, budget-friendly destinations. Your wallet will thank you, and your soul will be enriched by the incredible memories you’ll make. Finally, as with all travel destinations, you're advised to always prioritise your safety, health and security. Bon Chance!

Top 10 African Destinations

1. Namibia

2. Rwanda

3. Tanzania

4. Ethiopia

5. Botswana

6. Zambia

7. Mauritius

8. Zimbabwe

9. Seychelles

10. South Africa

N.B. Map Credits: Southern Africa map courtesy of wikitravel and burmesedays/Map.

6. Zambia

Thundering Smoke

Zambia, in East Africa is legendary for its incredible natural beauty, its amazing people and diverse wildlife. It is home to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The now immortal greeting "Doctor Livingstone, I presume?" was spoken by explorer-journalist Henry M. Stanley in 1871, on the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Tanganyika. Subsequent to that meeting, Dr. David Livingstone in November 1855, had discovered Victoria Falls.

In the period since, Zambia has developed a reputation for African Safaris that are less sanitised and commercialised, offering Safari tourists, a more authentic and genuinely African experience. As veteran visitors to Zambia often claim, there are no bells and whistles in Zambia, just raw Africa! If you’re an adventurer at heart, Zambia will not disappoint. The country is also criss-crossed by numerous rivers, the most prominent being the Great Zambezi, which is stuffed full with wildlife including the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, leopards) and many more. Zambia’s national parks include Kafue National Park, one of the largest in Africa, offering a combination of landscapes (woodlands, savannah and wetlands), the Lower Zambezi National Park, nestled next to the Great Zambezi River, all provide spectacular game-viewing opportunities both on land and on water. Lastly, South Luangwa National Park without which the list of national parks would not be complete, is famous for walking safaris, allowing you to explore the bush on foot and encounter animals up close. With planning tips and links to airlines, flights, hotel and car rental aggregators from the travel blog vondalust.com, Safari lovers will find Safari in Zambia is an affordable vacation option.

Finding Cheap Flights - CLICK HERE

Traditionally, most travellers flying to a foreign country enter through it's capital city airport. Not only is this wasteful financially, but unless you're spending sometime in the capital, you may be entering the country hundreds of miles away from where you really wanted to be. In the case of Zambia, you could fly directly into Livingstone (North West Zambia) by connecting via Kigali (Rwanda). That way, you'll be right on the doorstep of Victoria falls. Moreover, you'll be only 52 mins by road (51 miles) from Kasane (Botswana) which is near Botswana's Chobe National Park, home to Okavango delta Great migrations, and arguably the number one Safari destination in Africa! Furthermore, from Livingstone, you could cross over into Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe), which is only 20 minutes or 12.5 miles from Livingstone! Therefore, by avoiding Lusaka altogether via Johannesburg (South Africa) and flying directly to Livingstone, you'll find two other countries i.e. Botswana and Zimbabwe right on your doorstep! For good measure, Botswana has the largest herds of Elephants in the world at over 150,000 elephants and growing.

Finding Cheap Flights - CLICK HERE

• Flight Comparison Tools: Utilize comparison websites to compare prices and find the best deals on flights to Zambia

• Advance Booking: Secure your tickets at least 2-3 months in advance to get the best rates.

• Flexible Travel Dates: If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper flights by avoiding peak travel times.

• Alternative Airports: Consider flying into nearby airports and taking a local flight or bus to your final destination to save money.

Affordable Hotels and Holiday Lets - CLICK HERE

• Hostels and Guesthouses: Zambia offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations. Look for hostels and guesthouses in cities like Lusaka and Livingstone

• Holiday Rentals: Renting a room or an entire apartment can be more economical, especially for longer stays.

• Local Hotels: Smaller, locally-owned hotels often provide great value and a more authentic experience.

• Early Reservations: Just like flights, booking your accommodation in advance can help you secure the best rates.

Cheap Car Rentals

• Comparison Sites: Use comparison sites to compare car rental prices and find the best deals

• Local Rental Companies: Sometimes local car rental companies offer better rates than international chains.

• Economy Cars: Opt for smaller, economy cars to save on rental costs and fuel.

• Long-Term Rentals: If you’re staying for an extended period, long-term rentals can be more cost-effective.

Eat Out Like A Local

• Street Food: Zambia’s street food is delicious and affordable. Try local favourites like meat stew and rice, nshima (maize porridge), chibwabwa (pumpkin leaves), and ifisashi (vegetables in peanut sauce).

• Local Restaurants: Eat where the locals eat. Small, family-run restaurants often offer the best prices and authentic dishes.

• Markets: Visit local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks. It’s a great way to eat healthily and save money.

• Self-Catering: If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, buying groceries and cooking your meals can be a big money-saver.

Places of Interest

• Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this stunning waterfall is a must-see. Opt for budget-friendly tours.

• South Luangwa National Park: Known for its walking safaris and abundant wildlife. Look for group tours to save costs.

• Lusaka: Experience the bustling city life, museums, and cultural sites like the Lusaka National Museum.

• Lower Zambezi National Park: Perfect for canoeing and fishing, with budget-friendly camping options. The Royal Zambezi Lodge here sometimes offer great Safari bargains

• Livingstone: Explore the historic town, visit the Victoria Falls, Livingstone Museum, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.

The Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (May to October): Ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Prices may be higher, so book early.

• Wet Season (November to April): Fewer tourists and lower prices. The landscape is lush, and it’s a great time for bird watching.

• Shoulder Seasons: The periods just before and after the peak season can offer a good balance of decent weather and lower prices.

Travelling to Zambia doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By planning ahead, being flexible, and opting for budget-friendly options, you can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. From cheap flights and accommodations to affordable car rentals and dining, Zambia is accessible to every traveller. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!