FAQs

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Zambia can be an exciting experience, especially in major cities. Lusaka is known for its lively celebrations, with numerous hotels and clubs hosting countdown parties featuring live music, dancing and entertainment. Venues such as the Radisson Blu and InterContinental often have special events, complete with dinners and champagne to toast at midnight. Livingstone is another popular destination, particularly for those wanting to experience the beauty of Victoria Falls as the new year begins. Some hotels in Livingstone also host events that include spectacular views of the falls. In smaller towns, local gatherings and community events take place, where families come together for festive meals and celebrations. The diversity of options allows visitors to choose their preferred way to ring in the new year, whether it’s a vibrant city party or a more relaxed local gathering.

Yes, community events play a significant role in the holiday culture of Zambia, particularly during Christmas. Many communities hold festive gatherings, often organized around churches or local centers, where people come together to celebrate. Travelers can participate in Christmas carols, dance performances and community meals. In larger cities like Lusaka, shopping malls may also organize holiday-themed events, including markets where local artisans sell handmade crafts and food. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Zambian hospitality and connect with locals. Additionally, many rural communities emphasize communal celebrations, where storytelling, music and traditional games form an integral part of the festivities, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Zambians have several special greetings and sayings used to wish people well for the New Year, which reflect the country’s cultural values of unity, prosperity, and good health. 

During New Year’s celebrations, traditional foods play a central role in Zambian gatherings, with meals often reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Zambians often prepare traditional dishes, with meals typically including nshima (a staple made from maize meal), grilled meats, fish and a variety of vegetables like pumpkin leaves, spinach and okra.

Traditional music and dance are integral to Zambian celebrations and are often incorporated into New Year’s festivities, especially in rural areas. Drumming, singing, and local dance forms such as Makishi and Nyau are commonly performed, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. These dances, often accompanied by rhythmic drumming, symbolize the spirit of renewal and hope for the coming year. 

In urban areas, New Year’s celebrations in Zambia often include parties, live music and countdown events at hotels, clubs or private venues, catering to those seeking a lively and festive environment. 

Zambians have several customs and rituals aimed at bringing good fortune for the New Year, blending cultural traditions and religious practices. Zambian New Year’s customs center on family gatherings, sharing meals and sometimes attending church services, where people offer prayers for health, success and blessings in the upcoming year. 

Zambia celebrates New Year’s Day with a mix of modern festivities and culturally rooted traditions, often emphasizing family, community, and gratitude. New Year’s in Zambia is typically celebrated with gatherings and social festivities and while it doesn’t have many distinct rituals solely associated with the holiday, the emphasis on family and community is strong.

Visiting Zambia can be relatively affordable, it depends on your travel style and preferences. The cost of visiting Zambia is influenced by your needs, such as accommodation, transportation, and activities, particularly safaris.

The official language of Zambia is English, which is used in government, education, business, and the media. In a country where more than 70 indigenous languages ​​are spoken by many different ethnic groups, English serves as a unifying language.