WHAT TO EXPECT

Currency

The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). Regulations state that all payments in Zambia can only be made in kwachas but many shops, hotels, lodges and restaurants will accept US dollars and pounds sterling, however, you may receive your change in kwachas so keep the exchange rate in mind to ensure you get the correct value. 

IMPORTANT: In rural areas where many of the programme activities take place, cash is preferred, as credit card acceptance is limited. 

ZMK can be purchased in advance before travelling, at Currency Exchange Bureaus – these are available at airports, major cities, and some hotels. International ATMs which are also available in major towns, however, it is important to note that daily withdrawal limits can be low and vary between machines.

The ZWK comes in denominations of both notes and coins. Each note features unique designs showcasing important national symbols, wildlife, and historical figures. Note denominations are K200, K100, K50, K20, K10,  and coins are in denominations of K5, K2, K1,50 Ngwee, 10 Ngwee and 5 Ngwee.

Time Zone in Zambia

Zambia observes Central Africa Time all year. There is no Daylight-Saving Time clock changes. Zambia is 2 hours ahead of UTC, Coordinated Universal Time.

Weather

Zambia experiences a predominantly sub-tropical climate characterized by three distinct seasons: a cool dry season (May to mid-August), hot and dry season (mid-August to mid-November), and a wet rainy season (mid-November to April).

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry seasons which runs from May to November, as these months are perfect for wildlife viewing and offer pleasantly mild daytime temperatures. 

The weather for May 2025 could look like this: