Zambia is often called “Africa’s Best Kept Secret,” and for a good reason. It is the birthplace of the walking safari, the home of the “Smoke that Thunders” (Victoria Falls), and one of the few places on earth where you can truly disconnect and witness nature in its rawest form.
Whether you are planning a 10-day adventure or a business trip, navigating the entry requirements is your first step. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a perfect 10-day itinerary and explain everything you need to know about the Zambia E-visa process.
How many days are enough to see Zambia?
Although you might be spending a month in the expansive national parks, 10 days is the most ideal sweet spot when visiting the parks as a first-time visitor. This time will enable you to enjoy the grandeur of the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, a global safari in the lower Zambezi or South Luangwa and yet among other things, you will have time to immerse in the local culture in Lusaka.
The Ultimate 10-Day Zambia Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Guide
To truly experience the soul of this country, we recommend the “Falls and Wilds” route. Here is how to spend 10 unforgettable days in Zambia.
Day 1: Arrival in Livingstone & The First Glimpse of the Falls
The trip starts with Livingstone, which is the adventure capital of Africa. On clearing the customs, using your pre-approved Zambia E-visa, proceed to your lodge. Spend the first afternoon of your trip on the hiking trails of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Get yourself sprayed by the mist standing on Knife-Edge Bridge and peep down into the Batoka Gorge with millions of litters of water falling in. End the day with a Sundowner cruise on the upper Zambezi River and hippos are seen yawning in the sky which turns an orange-like colour.
Day 2: Adrenaline and Islands
Today is about perspective. And to the daring it gives the privilege of dipping into the Devils Pool (seasonable) so as to look over the fringe of the falls. In case you do not want to get wet, you can book a helicopter ride to see the zig-zagging gorges in an aerial view on a “Flight of Angels” ride. Afternoon Visit Livingstone Island, where high tea is served in the riverbed benign amidst the gush of the water.
Day 3: Chobe Day Trip or Local Culture
You have your Kaza Univisa, therefore, also utilize the crossing of the border to visit Chobe National Park in Botswana on a day trip. It is only an hour and contains some of the best concentrations of the elephants in the world. Rather, you can spend the day at Maramba Market in Livingstone and get to know local artisans as well as the history of Tonga people.
Day 4: Journey to the Valley of the Leopards
Exchange the bellowing of the falls with the bellowing of the bush. Board a local flight at Livingstone to Mfuwe which is the entrance to South Luangwa National Park. On arrival, you will realize the shift in the pace. Lounge and do an evening game drive in your safari camp. The population of leopards which is in this park is known across the globe- watch keenly on the mahogany trees!
Day 5: The Birthplace of the Walking Safari
The walking safari was first organized in Zambia, and the introduction of this form of tourism took place in South Luangwa. You will go out walking with an experienced scout and guide. You will learn to follow lions with their pawprints, learn to recognize medicinal plants, and experience the excitement of being a part of the ecosystem as opposed to an onlooker.
Day 6: Night Skies and River Dwellers
Spend the morning on the Luangwa River which is full of hippos and crocodiles. Give another game drive in the afternoon which stretches to the night with the help of spotlights. It is your last opportunity to see the workings of nocturnal predators such as civets, genets and the shrouded in secrets honey badger whilst under an African sky that you will never see anywhere but the African wilderness.
Day 7: Community and Conservation
Explore a nearby village or school which is financed by the safari tourism. The programs such as the Project Luangwa demonstrate the role of traveling to benefit the local people. Go back into the park in the afternoon, to have a final drive. The Luangwa Valley is dynamic; a pride of lions may be spotted on a kill or a bright group of Carmine Bee-eaters in the riverbanks.
Day 8: Lower Zambezi – Water Meets Wilderness
Take a flight to the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is an amazing scenery with the escarpment mountain range and the broad river converging. This park is a totally different experience. Your lodge will most probably be close by the water. The afternoon can be spent on a motorized boat safari, where the elephants swim across the river to the Zimbabwean side (Mana Pools).
Day 9: Canoeing the Channels
This can be considered to be the most peaceful experience in Zambia. Row a canoe in the small “Discovery Channels.” It is silent, secluded and you can get so close to birds and animals that drink at the edge of the water. Finally, in the evening, have a last bush dinner, in the evening, with the African ebony trees, and sometimes hear the distant whooping of a hyena.
Day 10: Lusaka Exploration & Departure
Go back to Lusaka, the busy capital of Zambia. Before international flight, one can visit the Elephant Orphanage Project (Lilayi) or Lusaka National Museum. Get souvenirs in the Dutch Reformed Church Market or the Levy Junction Mall at the last minute. When you are traveling to the airport, you will find that 10 days was not simply a vacation, it was a life changing experience.
Do I need a visa to enter Zambia in 2026?
Most international travelers require a visa to enter the Republic of Zambia. While Zambia recently waived visa requirements for several nationalities, many countries still require an official permit. Fortunately, you no longer need to wait in long queues at the embassy. You can apply for a Zambia Tourist E-visa or Business E-visa entirely online through zambia-visa.com.
What are the different types of Zambia E-visas available?
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Tourist E-visa: Sightseeing and leisure.
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Business E-visa: To hold conferences and meetings.
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Tourist E-visa (Kaza Univisa): A combined visa between Zambia and Zimbabwe (ideal to the 10 days itinerary above).
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Transit E-visa: When transit (up to 7 days).
How long does it take to process a Zambia E-visa?
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Normal Processing: Within 5 - 7 Working Days.
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Rush Processing: Within 3 - 5 Working Days.
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Super Rush Processing: Within 2 - 3 Working Days.
Why choose zambia-visa.com for your application?
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Hassle-Free Online Process: No embassy visits.
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Fast Processing Options: Speeds that fit your schedule.
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Secure and Reliable Service: Encrypted payments and trusted platform.
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Comprehensive Guidance & Support: Expert review to ensure approval.
What documents are required for the Zambia E-visa application?
You will be asked to have the following digital documents to make your application approved as soon as possible:
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A copy of a Passport (not older than 6 months old and with 2 or more blank pages).
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A new Passport-size photograph.
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Evidence of travel (e.g. a Flight Return Ticket).
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Cover Letter to the Director General Immigration (signs your name).
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Hotel Reservation or accommodation.
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In case of Business Visas: An invitation letter to the host company in Zambia.
Can I visit Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe?
Yes! If you plan to see the falls from both sides, the Kaza Univisa is your best travel hack. It costs $50 and saves you the expense of buying two separate visas. It allows you to cross the Victoria Falls Bridge as many times as you like within 30 days, provided you stay within the two countries.
Is Zambia safe for solo travelers and families?
Zambia is generally regarded as one of the safest and peaceful states in Africa. The people are also known to be hospitable. Nevertheless, as in any tourist destination, it is prudent to take reliable means of transport, do not walk alone at night in the urban areas, and always follow the instructive advice of your safari guide when being close to the wildlife.
When is the best time of year to visit Zambia?
The dry season (May to October) is the most suitable season to observe wildlife as animals come around water bodies. To watch the Victoria falls at their full might visit between March and May, immediately after the rainy season.
What are the updated Zambia visa fees for 2026?
The Republic of Zambia revised its visa fee as of January 1, 2026. Although the KAZA Univisa is maintained with the same price of 50, single-entry visas to specific categories have been changed. It is important that you constantly verify the latest rates on our platform to compare to the information about your particular nationality.
Final Travel Tip: Don’t forget your health requirements!
In case you are travelling in a country where the Yellow Fever is risky, you need to present a certificate of vaccination. Moreover, malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised to all the travelers. It is always important to verify the current health requirements with a travel clinic prior to traveling.
