Scuba diving guide
Scuba divingin Zambia
Where to dive, how to start, what it costs and who teaches you.
Quick answer
Can you scuba dive in Zambia?
Yes. The Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company runs scuba diving in Zambia with PADI-certified instructors. Beginners can try scuba in Lusaka at Millennium Village, GOGO Fitness and the Radisson Blu Hotel, or in their own pool, from K1,500 per person, with no swimming ability needed. The company also dives at Chisamba, Mulungushi Dam, Tiffany's Canyon and Lake Tanganyika.
| Instructors | PADI-certified (Hennie Smit and Jonathan Chiwenu) |
|---|---|
| Beginner options | Try Scuba (6+), Discover Scuba Diving (10+), Pond Scuba (10+) |
| Prices | K1,500–K2,500 per person |
| Duration | 3–4 hours (Try Scuba, Discover Scuba) |
| Swimming | Not required for beginner experiences |
| Group size | Maximum 4 people |
| Lusaka venues | Millennium Village, GOGO Fitness, Radisson Blu Hotel, or your own pool |
| Booking | WhatsApp or online enquiry |
Locations
Where can you dive in Zambia?
Beginner sessions run in Lusaka pools. Beyond the city, we dive at four locations.
- Lusaka pools →Try Scuba and Discover Scuba Diving at Millennium Village, GOGO Fitness, the Radisson Blu Hotel or your own pool.
- ChisambaPond dives.
- Mulungushi DamFreshwater dam diving.
- Tiffany's CanyonCanyon diving.
- Lake Tanganyika →Our home base at Isanga Bay near Mpulungu, with 25 mapped dive sites.
Experiences
Ways to start, and what they cost
| Experience | Price | Duration | Min. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Try Scuba | K1,500 per person | 3–4 hours | 6+ |
| Discover Scuba Diving | K2,200 per person | 3–4 hours | 10+ |
| Pond Scuba | K2,500 full day | Full day | 10+ |
| Open Water Diver (coming soon) | USD 550 or kwacha equivalent | To be confirmed | 10+ |
Instructors
Who teaches you
Every session is led by a PADI-certified instructor, with no more than 4 participants per group.
- Hennie SmitPADI Instructor · Operations Director
- Jonathan ChiwenuPADI Instructor
Our take
“We're the only scuba diving instruction school in Zambia that combines diving with adventure above the water too, from skydiving to water sports.”Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you scuba dive in Zambia?
Yes. The Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company offers scuba diving in Lusaka pools and at Chisamba, Mulungushi Dam, Tiffany's Canyon and Lake Tanganyika, led by PADI-certified instructors.
Where can I learn to scuba dive in Zambia?
Beginners start in Lusaka with Try Scuba or Discover Scuba Diving at Millennium Village, GOGO Fitness and the Radisson Blu Hotel, or at their own pool. A PADI Open Water course at Lake Tanganyika is coming soon.
Where can I try scuba diving in Lusaka?
At Millennium Village, GOGO Fitness and the Radisson Blu Hotel, or at your own pool. The Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company brings the equipment and instructors to you.
How much does scuba diving cost in Zambia?
With the Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company, Try Scuba costs K1,500, Discover Scuba Diving costs K2,200 and Pond Scuba costs K2,500 for a full day, all per person with equipment included.
What age can children start scuba diving?
Children can start Try Scuba from age 6. Discover Scuba Diving and Pond Scuba are open from age 10.
Do I need to know how to swim to scuba dive?
No. Swimming ability is not required for Try Scuba, Discover Scuba Diving or Pond Scuba with the Zambian Outdoor Adventure Company. Sessions take place in a pool or pond with a PADI-certified instructor beside you.
Do I need previous diving experience?
No. Try Scuba, Discover Scuba Diving and Pond Scuba are designed for complete beginners.
How many people are in a group?
A maximum of 4 participants per group, so every diver gets close attention from the instructor.
Are the instructors certified?
Yes. Sessions are led by PADI-certified instructors Hennie Smit and Jonathan Chiwenu.
Can I get scuba certified in Zambia?
A PADI Open Water Diver course at Lake Tanganyika is coming soon, with certification issued by PADI. The planned price is USD 550 or the kwacha equivalent. Discover Scuba Diving is not a certification; it is an introductory experience.
How do I book?
Message Sid Parmar on WhatsApp (+260 97 972 7627) or send an enquiry through the contact page at zambianadventures.com/contact.
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