What to expect in Zambia

We feel it is perhaps advisable to do a Safari Drive journey through other African countries first before taking on Zambia. This is because the driving conditions can be extremely testing once you leave the main roads; the routes can be seriously remote and route finding can be a real challenge. There is one area in the country where you will almost certainly have to use a GPS.

The tarmac roads are quite good – but there are unexpected sections of pot holes. Most of the dirt roads are well graded but there are also sections where they are appalling. Towns are well populated and common sense must prevail.

Here is a summary of what to expect

Please note that the above is an indication of the general conditions. There are always exceptions to the rule and it is possible you will encounter different conditions depending on your itinerary and the remoteness of the regions you go to.

A real challenge for those who want it

If you are actively seeking a really challenging self drive, then you won’t be disappointed with Zambia! We have organised some very exciting, adventurous routes for people in the past incorporating the Bangweulu Swamps, the North / South Luangwa river crossing and plenty of fantastic off-road driving. Equally, we have created some gentler itineraries for those preferring easier driving conditions.

Edgy elephants

Surrounding both North and South Luangwa National Parks, there is a large game management area, where hunting is still permitted. Here, the game can be quite nervous and skittish and if you do see elephant here, give them a wide berth – showing them great respect is definitely the way forward!

Driving instruction

We think it’s a very good idea to do an off road driving course prior to departure as the conditions can really be quite tricky and it is great peace of mind for you and for us if you have some experience of them before you go. Please let us know if you are interested in having some instruction before you go and we will point you in the right direction. The courses are normally either a half day or full day and are great fun in their own right. If you do book a course, we are always happy to speak to the people that run it and go through with them the kinds of conditions you could experience on your safari.