What to Pack for a Holiday to Zambia

No matter where you go on holiday, it’s essential to think about what items to pack and not just stuff a load of clothes and toiletries into a bag. This is no different when visiting Zambia, especially if you will be going on safari.

Here’s a list of what to pack. Scroll down for more info!

Packing checklist:

• Clothes in neutral colours
• Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Jeans or safari trousers for an evening and cooler days
• Jackets and sweaters for early morning and evening game drives
• A lightweight, waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear—Many lodges have pools where you can cool off. You may also want to jump into Devil’s Pool or Victoria Falls or go white-water rafting.

Accessories and electronics to pack:

• Camera
• Extra storage cards
• Additional lenses
• Binoculars
• Flashlight/head torch
• Bird book
• A lightweight day bag – for day trips
• Travel adapter plug: The electric power is 230V and runs at 50Hz. The plug type used is a three-pinned, rectangular blade plug.
• A power back or solar-powered phone charger – power blackouts are pretty standard. So be prepared!
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• Insect repellent
• Anti-histamine cream and tablets
• Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, bring a pair of glasses as well as dust can be a problem
• Anti-malarial tablets – consult your doctor

Footwear

Comfortable and durable footwear is essential for a safari holiday in Zambia. Bring sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots for game drives and walking safaris. Your footwear should ideally cover your ankles for added support and insect protection. Pack a pair of comfortable sandals or casual shoes to relax around the lodge.

Neutral-Coloured Layers

Packing neutral-coloured layers like beige, olive, or khaki is critical to adapting to Zambia’s varying temperatures throughout the day. Neutral tones help you blend into the natural surroundings, making wildlife encounters easier and avoiding attracting tsetse flies drawn to dark colours like blue and black. Opt for long-sleeved tops, lightweight sweaters, and zip-off trousers that can transition easily from warm days to more relaxed mornings and evenings.

Electricals

Ensure you’re prepared to capture the beautiful scenery with the right electricals. Bring extra memory cards and a portable power bank or solar-powered charger alongside your camera and additional lenses, as power outages can occur. A travel adapter is also essential to charge your devices; Zambia uses a three-pinned rectangular plug and operates on 230V at 50Hz. Having a flashlight or head torch on hand can also be helpful, especially for navigating lodges after dark.

Protection

Zambia’s climate can be harsh on the skin and eyes, so come prepared with high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat for shade. Insect repellent is crucial to prevent bites, and a good antihistamine cream and tablet can soothe any irritation. Additionally, consult your doctor about antimalarial tablets, as malaria is present in Zambia. Don’t forget a lightweight waterproof jacket, as rain showers can occur, especially from November to March.

More advice on what you need to pack for a holiday to Zambia

Zambia is hot throughout the year, with average temperatures of 25°C/77°F and highs of 40°C/104°F in September and October. It has two seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The rains tend to start in November and continue through to March. Although temperatures are still high, you will want to bring a raincoat during this period, as you will dry off quickly.

With the climate in mind, comfortable and casual clothing is recommended. During the day, it is hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen and cotton that will keep you cool. As you will be under the beating sun, wearing long trousers and long-sleeved tops is advisable to cover your skin from the intense sun. Wearing long sleeves allows you to roll them up to catch some sun.

The temperature does drop in the evening, so you will want to pack a lightweight jacket or fleece to keep the chill off. Furthermore, May, June, July and August are chilly, particularly during June and July. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F. So, if you’re outside during the evenings and perhaps on an early morning game drive, you will need a thicker jacket and maybe even a warm hat and gloves.

When on safari, we suggest you wear light neutral colours: khaki, green, and brown. Avoid white, as it will get dirty very quickly in the dust. Avoid blue or black clothing, as tsetse flies are drawn to these colours, and their bite can cause discomfort.

Considerations for women:

• Zambia is a conservative country, so knee-length (or longer) skirts or trousers are ideal.
• Avoid wearing revealing clothes
• Leave valuables and jewellery at home
• A sports bra – the road surface during game drives can be highly bumpy

Considerations for men:

• In rural towns and villages, it is more acceptable to wear long trousers rather than shorts

One last thing: If you fly on a small aircraft in Zambia, the luggage allowance is usually limited to 20 kg (44 lbs), including hand luggage. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service, so you don’t need to pack items for every day—this should help free up some space in your case. Additionally, a soft rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase as it’s easier to fit into small planes and transfer vehicles.

If you follow this checklist, you will be ready for all temperatures and situations. Knowing you have everything you need, you can enjoy your holiday without fretting that you’ve forgotten something important. Just don’t forget your passport!

If you have any questions about what to pack, please get in touch with us.