Zambia Travel Tips

The People

Zambia has over 73 different tribes, with a population of just about 10 million people, most of whom live in and around the urban centers. The population growth however, at 3.7 % per annum is among the highest in the world. Generally speaking, Zambians are very friendly people, and it is not uncommon for people to approach foreigners and start a conversation. English is spoken throughout the country.

There is no predominant ethnic culture and Zambians are fast becoming westernized. There is however, an attempt to maintain traditional customs with the revival of ancient tribal ceremonies amongst the various tribes in different parts of the country. If any of these are taking place during your visit, they’re well worth attending.

Safety

In the cities, especially Lusaka, where there is massive unemployment and poverty, the informal sector has been allowed to multiply at an alarming rate. There are hundreds of people selling all kinds of wares just about everywhere. Like in all major African cities, crime is slowly on the increase. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or
in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.

It is advisable to adhere to the following:

Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket.
or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home.

Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for
hat closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant.

The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.

Health

It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Zambia.

A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are travelling from an infected area. Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in the low lying areas of the country which include most of the good wildlife destinations. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns.

Swimming should be confined to swimming pools. Swimming in still waters can be a problem - not only due to bilharzia, but crocodiles!

Chemists / pharmacies

Travellers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in Zambia. Most chemists in the major towns are open
from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00. Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.

Accommodation

Zambia offers a wide range of fine accommodation - from five star hotels and first class luxury lodges, to rustic bush camps, guesthouses and campsites. National Parks accommodation offers a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for those on a tight budget. Foreigners must pay for accommodation in foreign currency. Not all of the small town hotels are equipped to take travelers checks or credit cards. Be aware of the "extras"’ added onto your bill - a 10% service charge and 20% VAT (1995).

Electricity

Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

Banks

There are numerous banks in the major towns as well as many bureau de change.
Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9h00 to 14h30, Mondays to Fridays, and 9h00 - 11h30 on Saturdays.

Currency

The Zambian Kwacha is officially divided into 100 Ngwee, but devaluation has made
the ngwee worthless and is seldom used. There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form. It's best to come into the country with either Travellers checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns.  If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders,  exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it.

Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks

International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not  accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted. (US$ or South African Rand checks are recommended)

Tipping

Tipping in Zambia is not customary, but is surely appreciated. When in doubt, 10% will do just fine.

Communications

Postal services are fairly well organized in Zambia and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. Telegrams are less certain. Public telephones are in a bad state of repair and you could wait hours for a line. Rather make international calls from a private home or large hotel.

All major hotels have fax machines at the disposal of their guests as well as telex services. Telephone directories will list all the international dialing codes. Both local and long-distance calls are metered on a time basis. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high, but it will cost less in frustration).

When to go

Zambia’s three distinctive seasons provide visitors with different perspectives depending on the time of year.

The dry season is from May to November and is the easiest time to travel. June to August are the coolest months, with cold mornings and evenings.
October is the hottest month in Zambia, so be prepared for temperatures of over 40C if you travel then.

Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Sweaters and heavier jackets are required for winter mornings and evenings. Muted colors are the most suitable on safari. It is advisable to wear long sleeves and long trousers for mornings and evenings for protection against mosquitoes. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. A fully complimentary laundry service is offered daily at our camps.

The Luangwa Valley for example is best for game viewing during the dry season from June to October, but the rainy season, with its spectacular profusion of greens and reds changes the landscape dramatically and the bird populations increase with the arrival of migrants from the north.

The Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular between April and May after the rainy season but often the spray is so thick it is difficult to see the full width of the falls. To appreciate the magnificent rock formations and gorges, it is just as interesting to come when the water is low at the end of the dry season from October to December.

Kafue National Park is best from May to October as is the Lower Zambezi. Ideal road travelling months are April to September as the heat is at it’s most bearable.

Climate

Zambia has three distinct seasons. December to April: warm and wet, May to August: cool and dry. September to November: hot and dry. Average temperatures in Summer range from 25 C to 35 C and in winter from 6 C to 24 C.

Clothing

Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are
a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen. Don't forget swim wear and binoculars. Some city restaurants have dress codes - casual jacket and tie for men, informal dresses for women.

Laundry

Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. For low budget travelers there are
no coin operated laundromats at all so consider drip dry clothing and be prepared for hand washing. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing.

Photography

Zambia is an extremely photogenic country. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich color and good low lighting conditions abound.
It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Always bring plenty of film and video cassettes if you're bringing a camcorder as well as batteries -
as these items are difficult to get in Zambia. Only print film and processing is available in Lusaka, not slides. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari, and an ultra violet filter and lens cap are strongly recommended. Please note that taking pictures of government and military personnel and installations is not advised.

Driving

Driving is done on the left side of the road. Drivers require a valid license that must include a picture of the holder.

If you’re doing a vehicle trip through Zambia it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you. Two spare wheels and a couple of spare tubes are a must due to the condition of the roads. Spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a tow rope, compressor, winch and a spotlight are useful items to have. Many of the villages along the main routes offer tire mending services at a very reasonable fee. There is no AAA
or breakdown service in Zambia so be prepared for every eventuality. Road maps are available in Lusaka from the Map Center in Nationalist Road or the Tourist Board in Lusaka Square, Cairo Rd.

Zambia is a fascinating country to travel around by vehicle. Even though camping facilities are marginal, if you’re well prepared you can find some of the best, unexplored and remote places in the country and very often have them all to yourselves. Be fully equipped for spending the night with no facilities at all except perhaps a nearby river. Have a bucket for washing pots and clothes, all cooking gear and all the food you need for the whole journey apart from fresh vegetables. Meat is not always available in the remoter areas so bring substitutes. Most villages will sell onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, sugar, salt and oil. You can buy just about anything you need for your journey in Lusaka, but tinned food is pricey. Always have at least twenty liters of drinking water in the vehicle at all times as well as spare jerry cans of petrol. It is best to boil all water before drinking it.

Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. People with little are easily tempted. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

Car Hire

There are many car hire companies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola, offering a small range of vehicles. Some offer a flat weekly rate, but most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol. Most cars come with a chauffeur and are thus expensive.

Transportation by Air

Lusaka International Airport, located 16 miles from the city center is a hub for flights to and from other African destinations. Ndola Airport also connects to some African destinations. Provincial capitals such as Livingstone have smaller airports linking them with the major cities and flights from Sun City, Namibia and Botswana.

Departure Tax

An airport departure tax of U.S. $20 is levied when leaving Zambia.

Customs Requirements

All visitors must have a valid passport and are subject to clearance through customs. In addition, all non-Commonwealth citizens require a visa, to be obtained from Zambian Missions abroad or at the post of entry.

Contact numbers:  USA: (212) 308-2155  Canada: (613) 563-0712

Personal effects, including cameras, binoculars and film are allowed into the country duty free. All moneys brought into Zambia should be declared on a forex form in order to guarantee its re-export.

Time Differences

Throughout the year, Standard Time in Zambia  is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.