Is Zambia safe for solo female travelers?

Zambia, like many other places, experiences different safety situations at night. Though it has friendly locals, walking alone during the night is generally not advisable. It's safer to use official taxi services, and avoid less crowded and darker areas of towns in the evening. Safety can greatly depend on the specific areas within Zambia, so it is best to do some research and take necessary precautions for your personal safety during night hours.

Zambia's public transportation system, mostly minibuses and taxis, provides a decent means of getting around. In general, it's relatively safe to use during the day, but it can be unreliable due to unexpected delays or breakdowns. Like in any country, it's always crucial to be alert and cautious. Feel free to negotiate taxi fares in advance to avoid overcharging and ascertain your route before boarding a minibus. Nighttime use of public transport is generally not recommended.

In Zambia, you'll find that the environment is generally peaceful and people are quite friendly. Most locals are respectful, especially towards visitors. While occasional stares, verbal greetings or comments might arise, instances of aggressive or intense street harassment are relatively rare. As in any travel scenario, remain vigilant of your surroundings, avoid walking at night in deserted areas, and err on the side of caution when in public. Overall, Zambia is considered surprisingly safe for female travelers.

Zambia experiences a moderate level of petty crime that commonly includes pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from vehicles, particularly in urban areas. Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. However, Zambian police are generally responsive to report these kinds of crimes.

In Zambia, tap water in urban areas is generally treated and safe to drink, though its quality can vary. However, in rural areas, tap water may not be clean and can carry diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water whenever possible. Drinking untreated water could lead to health issues such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Zambia. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Zambia. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Zambia. Check the full travel advisory.