Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel to Zambia
LGBT travel in Zambia
We have been arranging trips to Zambia for our travellers for over 20 years. In that time none of our LGBT travellers has reported to us any problems with attitudes towards their sexuality, and some have returned to the country several times.
We believe this reflects the general culture in Zambia, where the majority of people are friendly and welcoming, and care little about a visitor’s gender or sexuality. In our experience LGBT travel to Zambia has always been safe and uneventful.
However, we believe it’s important for our travellers to be aware of the current laws in the country, and the opinion of the general population, which we have outlined below. We would also suggest reading the UK government’s latest advice before you travel.
The legal framework for LGBT travellers in Zambia
Zambia’s laws governing sexual relationships date back to 1931 when Zambia was still part of Rhodesia, and the country derived many of it’s laws from Britain’s Criminal Code Act of 1899, a model used for many of Britain’s overseas colonies. Sections 155-157 of the Zambian Penal Code criminalised any sexual intercourse between persons of the same sex, and prided for imprisonment where convictions were secured.
Although Zambia inherited these laws from Britain, they remained in place after they gained independence in 1964 and after decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain. Despite calls from the UN, same-sex conducts between consulting adults remains criminalised by section 155 of the Penal Code Act of 1995.
The then president Edgar Lungu affirmed the Zambian governments overall position to homosexuality, and in 2013 was quoted as saying “those advocating gay rights should go to hell” following the arrest of two gay men.
Arguments in the Zambian press and by conservative politicians against the legalisation of homosexual activities range from arguing Zambia’s status as a Christian country, that homosexuality is not permissible under Zambian culture, or that homosexuality is unnatural.
That said, while there is a sporadic arrest or prosecution for homosexual activity in the country, we only know of this occurring within the Zambian population in conservative rural areas. We know of no occasion when these laws have affected LGBT travellers to the country.
Zambian attitudes towards LGBT travellers
Negative attitudes towards homosexuality are widespread throughout Zambia, and like it’s archaic laws these views have remained largely unchanged in recent years. The general public opinion is that while homosexuality may be in existence elsewhere, it’s alien in Zambian society, and despite a plethora of evidence to the contrary homosexuality is considered an immoral activity learned from western countries; an attitude particularly prevalent in more rural communities.
In such conservative societies, public displays of affection or overtly sexual behaviour between any two people, whether heterosexual or LGBT, are disapproved of, and any clear sign of an LGBT relationship would be perceived negatively. Such conservative attitudes prevail in the larger cities such as Lusaka and Livingstone too, but they are mixed in with much more liberal attitudes. We would advise all of our travellers, gay or straight, to avoid overt displays of affection or sexual behaviour in public, as these could cause offence.
In recent years tourism has become of increasing importance to Zambia as they try to diversify their economy. Travellers spending money in the country, regardless of their background or culture, are welcomed by the countries politicians and the majority of the population. To our current knowledge no tourist has ever been arrested, charged, or refused entry to Zambia on the basis of their gender or sexuality.
While the legal and social background of homosexuality across Zambia as a whole is largely negative, the tourism industry, often operating in the more remote and rural areas of the country, has for decades been exposed to and accepting of an increasingly wide range of guests from different countries and backgrounds. Safari camps, lodges and hotels expect to be informed whether guests sharing a room would prefer single or double beds, and we have never had any problems requesting beds for any configuration of genders. As a visitor, your sexual preferences and gender identity are your own private business, and it’s exceedingly rare for us to hear of any member of staff in the tourist sector who isn’t relaxed and tolerant in their outlook.
Further sources of advice
Whatever your background, we hope this advice is useful, but please do call us if you would like to discuss the issue in more detail. Alternatively, one of the following sources may be of help:
- There is more general advice, not specific to Africa, on the FCO’s LGB&T foreign travel advice page.
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) provides information on the laws of countries worldwide, focussed around a series of summary maps.
Our top picks for holidays to Zambia
We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.
Puku Safari
11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Discover South Luangwa’s prolific wildlife before exploring the wildly remote pans of Liuwa Plain National Park and relaxing in one of the Livingstone area’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways. A safari of luxury, style and impressive diversity.
US$13,200 - US$19,920 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
US$9,590 - US$12,210 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$10,960 - US$14,470 per person
Hippo Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person
Giraffe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.
US$8,700 - US$10,430 per person
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
US$8,240 - US$9,360 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
US$7,480 - US$9,970 per person
Purple Roller Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
US$8,790 - US$9,320 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
US$9,400 - US$13,240 per person