WHEN TO TRAVEL to Zambia

Location

Climate

Zambia is a multi-faceted country, offering a wide variety of tourist and cultural activities. To make the most of your stay in this southern African country, it's essential to know the best times to go, as well as the major cultural events and public holidays to take into account when planning your trip.

Seasons in Zambia: temperatures and climate

To determine the best time to travel to Zambia, it's important to take climate and weather conditions into account. The country has two main seasons:

• The dry season The summer season: May to October, with average temperatures between 12 and 28°C. This is generally the best time to visit Zambia, as roads are passable and wildlife can be easily observed in the national parks.
• The rainy season It takes place between November and April, with higher temperatures (between 20 and 32°C) and heavy rainfall. Roads can be difficult to access, and some tourist areas are less accessible.

The low tourist season: advantages and disadvantages

The low tourist season in Zambia generally corresponds to the rainy season, i.e. between November and April. Disadvantages associated with this period include less favorable weather conditions, with heavy rainfall making some roads impassable or difficult to access. In addition, visibility for observing wildlife in national parks may be reduced. However, going to Zambia during the low season also has its advantages, such as :

• Lower rates on accommodation and tourist activities
• Less crowds, so you can enjoy the sights without the crowds
• A lush green landscape, ideal for nature lovers and hikers

High tourist season: what to expect?

High tourist season in Zambia runs from May to October, during the dry season. This is considered the best time to visit the country, due to favorable weather conditions, passable roads and easy wildlife viewing. Among the advantages of the high season are:

• Ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities
• The opportunity to visit all the tourist sites without restrictions
• Wildlife more easily observed in national parks, especially on safaris

However, it's important to bear in mind that high season is also synonymous with high visitor numbers, with an influx of tourists to the most popular sites. Rates for accommodation and activities can be higher during this period.

Major cultural events and public holidays in Zambia

Beyond the climate and the seasons, your stay in Zambia can be punctuated by various major cultural events and public holidays. Here are just a few of the country's not-to-be-missed events:

• Kuomboka Festival Lozi: celebrated between March and April, this traditional festival marks the movement of the Lozi people from the flooded Barotse plain to higher ground. The procession includes a large royal pirogue and is accompanied by dancing, singing and festivities.
• Unity Day The holiday, celebrated on July 22, is intended to commemorate national unity and reconciliation between Zambia's different ethnic groups.
• The traditional N'cwala Festival In February, the first harvest of the year is celebrated with dances, songs and ritual ceremonies.
• Zambia Music Festival In October, this event brings together local and international artists for a variety of concerts and shows.

The main types of Zambian visa

The Zambian government offers several types of visa to accompany the different reasons for foreigners to stay on its territory. The main visas issued are :

• Tourist visa : Valid for a maximum of 90 days, it is designed for travelers wishing to discover the country and its tourist attractions.
• Business visa : allocated to people traveling to Zambia for professional reasons, such as business meetings or conferences.
• Work visa : granted to foreign workers who have obtained employment with a Zambian company.
• Student visa : granted to international students enrolled in a Zambian educational institution.

Immigration statistics for Zambia

According to Zambian government data, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of immigrants in recent years. Statistics show that :

• The total number of foreigners living in Zambia increased by 3% between 2015 and 2020.
• Nationals from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Malawi account for the majority of immigrants to Zambia.
• Around 60% of foreigners living in Zambia are based in the capital, Lusaka.

Most popular visas in Zambia

According to Zambian government data, the types of visa most in demand by foreigners are tourist, business and work visas. In fact :

• Almost 70% of visa applications are for tourist visas, showing Zambia's growing appeal as a vacation destination.
• Around 20% of applications are for business visas, reflecting the country's economic dynamism.
• Work visas account for around 10% of applications, mainly for positions in the healthcare, education and engineering sectors.

International tourism figures for Zambia

Zambia is increasingly popular with international travellers, who come to admire its natural landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Tourism figures for Zambia show continued growth in this sector:

• The number of international tourists increased by 5% between 2015 and 2020.
• The main countries of origin for tourists are UNITED STATES, THE United Kingdom, l'Australiathe France and theGermany.
• Zambia's most visited sites include Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park.

Economic impact of tourism in Zambia

Tourism is an important part of the Zambian economy, helping to create jobs for the country's inhabitants. According to government data :

• In 2020, revenues generated by tourism will account for around 7% of Zambian GDP.
• More than 10% of direct and indirect jobs in Zambia are linked to the tourism sector.
• The Zambian government regularly invests in improving tourism infrastructure and promoting new destinations to attract more visitors.

Migration regulations and policies in Zambia

In order to manage the growing influx of immigrants and tourists, the Zambian government has put in place various immigration policies and regulations. Key measures include:

• The introduction of an electronic visa system to facilitate visa applications and reduce processing times.
• The introduction of stricter border controls to prevent foreigners entering Zambia illegally.
• Cooperation with neighboring countries to improve management of regional migration flows.