Introduction
Zambia is very beautiful country with panoramic scenery, a rich diversity of wildlife and birds and a colourful variety of cultural heritages. Best known for it’s wildlife and bush adventures, there are numerous wildlife reserves and national parks and a large variety of bush lodges offering superb accommodation.
Best time of year to go
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. Zambia’s three seasons provide visitors with different perspectives depending on the time of year.
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.
What to wear
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 jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must.
Getting Around
There are numerous international airlines serving Zambia including: Zambian Airways, Air Malawi, Air Zaire, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Kenya Airways, , South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Regional Air There are frequent services to and from Lusaka and a limited number to Mfuwe International Airport in Luangwa Valley. The Airport is 24kms from the centre of Lusaka. For domestic flights there are currently scheduled flights available to Chipata, Kitwe, Livingstone, Mfuwe and Ndola. There are various air charter companies who will fly to any of the many airstrips around the country and most of the areas worth visiting are accessible by air. When travelling by road caution should be used as Zambia is notorious for potholes and road signs are few. Some of the main routes are finally being upgraded. Some of the more remote roads require great care and caution while driving. Avoid driving at night if possible as there are no road markings and potholes and animals occur when least expected. A 4x4 is recommended if you’re going anywhere off the main routes.
Traveller Safety
One could easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without a problem. Theft however is rife in the bigger towns and cities. 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.
Currency
Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha which has notes in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1 000, 5 000, 10 000, 20 000 and 50 000. The currency fluctuates regularly but as a general guide USD10 = ZMK43 000. There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form. Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards. Most of the larger banks will advance local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered, Stanbic and Barclays Banks have ATM's which accept Visa cards for cash. It's best to come into the country with either travellers cheques or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureaux 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. Travellers cheques attract a commission when changing to other currencies.
Health Information
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. Your travel clinic 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 boiled already. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns.
Visa Information
Visas are required by all travellers to Zambia. For those travelling on a pre-arranged tour package visas can be obtained on arrival and are exempt from visa fees for a maximum stay of up to 14 days. For longer stays contact the local Zambian consulate for visa application details. |
