Overview
Zambia is a landlocked southern African nation famed for the thundering Victoria Falls, vast wildlife parks and warm, welcoming people. The capital Lusaka is the main gateway for UK travellers, whether visiting family, on business or heading out on safari.
Best time to fly to Zambia
The dry season from May to October is best for safaris and game viewing, with sunny days and thinner bush. Victoria Falls is at its most powerful just after the rains, around March to May. Fares tend to ease outside the July–September peak, so the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka. Many safari travellers also fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) at Livingstone, the closest airport to Victoria Falls, and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe (NLA) at Ndola in the Copperbelt.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Zambia, so journeys involve one stop. Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi) and South African Airways (via Johannesburg) all connect London with Lusaka. Total journey times are typically around 13–17 hours depending on the layover.
Popular places to visit in Zambia
- Victoria Falls (Livingstone): one of the world's greatest waterfalls, shared with Zimbabwe
- South Luangwa National Park: a superb safari destination and the home of the walking safari
- Lower Zambezi National Park: canoeing and game viewing along the great river
- Kafue National Park: one of Africa's largest parks, rich in wildlife
- Lake Kariba: a vast man-made lake ideal for houseboats and sunsets
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Zambia
- Book several weeks to a few months ahead for the best value on connecting routes.
- Travel in the shoulder months either side of the July–September safari peak.
- Compare hubs — Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa and Nairobi routings can differ in price.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers generally do not need a visa for short tourist visits — check the latest entry rules before you fly
- Health: malaria precautions are advised, and a yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from an affected country
- Currency: the Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
