Zambia Parks
By Alan Murphy
Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Zambia.
Safety
Most people come to visit the national parks, which are all very safe destinations, including South Luangwa National Park.
Zambia is mostly a fly-around country where people fly from park to park. This is an extremely safe way to travel as you will be picked up at the airstrip and taken to your lodge.
Self-drive visitors should ideally have some years of experience in off-road driving and should seek advice on the road conditions before setting out. In general, distances between parks are long, and the condition of the roads can be very bad.
Malaria & Vaccinations
It is advisable to make an appointment with your travel clinic or doctor about appropriate vaccinations to receive before visiting Zambia. South Luangwa lies in an area affected by malaria. Covering up in the evening and using mosquito repellent (which should have at least 30% DEET) are recommended safety precautions. Antimalarials are perhaps the most important preventative, so consult your travel clinic or doctor to find out which antimalarials are the most effective for the part of Zambia you are visiting.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is safe as long as you listen carefully to the advice given by your guide and then follow their instructions. This is particularly important on a walking safari, a big attraction in the Luangwa Valley. Most lodges are unfenced, so listen carefully to the safety briefing given at the lodge when you check in. Please take note of the ‘wildlife viewing safety precautions’ below.
Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:
- Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions
- General Safety Precautions
- Cities & Other Urban Areas: Safety Precautions
- Safety & Security – Zambia
- Malaria & Vaccinations – Zambia
