Is Zambia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Zambia is moderately safe for solo female travelers. While locals are generally friendly and helpful, it's crucial to stay vigilant, especially in urban areas due to occasional petty crime. Also, it's suggested to refrain from walking alone at night. Using reliable transport services and staying at well-reviewed accommodations can significantly increase your safety.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Zambia?

Safety at night:Unsafe

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.

Public transportation:Moderate

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.

Street harassment:Low

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.

Petty crimes:Moderate

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.

Is Zambia worth visiting?

Laurence

France

Zambia, Solo travel

I traveled (solo) in Zambia and Malawi. The two countries are pretty safe and traveling as a solo woman wasn’t a problem. The cost of living is very cheap if you stick to the local things ( transport, food, accommodation….). It can be tricky when it comes to getting from a place to another with public transportation especially in Malawi. Don’t miss the national parks and all the animals that live in. If you can afford a little safari then do it. And don’t miss the Victoria Falls

Posted: May 29, 2024

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Zambia, Group travel

Zambia is such an amazing country with so much to do! Personally I felt a lot safer being in a group as a woman, and could see myself feeling overwhelmed if on my own, especially in rural areas where public transportation isn’t accessible. Overall, the culture, the joy of the people, and the beautiful natural surroundings make Zambia the top place I want to revisit!

Posted: May 17, 2023

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Meet locals in Zambia

lenina

About Me

I'm Lenina, nomadic backpacker, hitchhiker and sailor, 4 years on the road non-stop 🏴‍☠️⛵️ I am a very inquisitive, easy-going person and definitely have a lot of adventure spirit inside of me. Always looking to gain more experience/knowledge and to meet great company. I love to socialize or just connect with myself, the ocean and nature. Always happiest on the road, just me, my backpack & tent and wherever the wind takes me. Simplicity is the key! I go with my intuition and don't follow 'the norm'. I'm into anarchy and not blindly doing what one is told to do. Huge freedom seeker! 'what you give is what you receive'

Speaking

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Namwaka

About Me

I am Namwaka, an environmentalist,nature lover and plants lover! I am an organic farmer. I love on my farm where I grow organic vegetables and fruit trees all year round! I am starting to set up an ecovillage with the help of volunteers from Wwoof and workaway! I love to meet new people through hosting and traveling! I am a people person and love to share recipes, I love to bake and cook in my DIY oven! L I love to live a simple life in harmony with the eco system!

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