Zambia Tourist Information:

A look at the map of Zambia shows that it is shaped like a crumpled figure eight. However the Zambia map does not show that its borders do not correspond to any tribal or linguistic areas. Land-locked Zambia is one of Africa's most eccentric legacies of colonialism. For many years it was overlooked by tourists due to disastrous politics and the poverty which ensued. However the situation has improved greatly since 1990 and attractions include truly wild national parks teeming with animal and birdlife, walking safaris, the spectacular Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River as well as the lively Zambian people with their traditional customs. In Zambia you will come pretty close to discovering the 'real' Africa of your dreams.

Zambia has 3 main seasons:

May to August (cool and dry)
Winters are pleasantly temperate and similar to Mediterranean springs: warm and sunny days with clear and cool nights. Minimal rain is received over winter months, which are the best for wildlife viewing. Daily temperatures average 23 C or 72 F with night time averages dropping to 6 C or 42 F.

September to November (hot and dry)
The build up to the rainy season.

December to April(warm and wet)
Marked by electrical storms usually in the afternoons, preceded by humid build-ups in the mornings. Thunderstorms are a true spectacle to watch. Viewing wildlife can be more difficult as the bush is thick and the animals scattered. Temperatures generally range from 25 - 35 C (76 - 94 F) except in the Luangwa and Zambezi Valley areas, which can be hotter and more humid.

Visitors should pack both warm and cold weather clothing, as well as hat, sunglasses and sun block for any visit to Zambia no matter what time of year you are visiting.

Zambia can be entered by road from Botswana, Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. All road borders are open 24 hours a day except for Chembe, Kazungula, Kariba and Chirundu, which are open from 6am to 6pm. Victoria Falls Bridge is open until 8pm. Zambia has a total road length of 38 763 kms tarred roads, 8 592 kms gravel roads and 21999 kms dirt roads. Potholes are many and road signs are few so all 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 strongly recommended if you're going anywhere off the main routes.

Cars, minibuses and 4x4 vehicles can be hired at all major towns.

Seat belts have to be worn at all times and talking on hand held mobile phones are prohibited, all the relevant documents are to be kept with you at all times as regular road blocks occur.

The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (1 US$ = K4115), K1 = 100 ngwee (now disused due to rampant inflation). Notes are issued in K10 000, K5 000, K1 000, K500, K100

Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops except credit cards.

There are a number of established banks in Zambia. Larger banks will advance local currency against credit cards. Bank hours are normally 9.00am to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday, except Saturdays when banks close at 11.30am.

All goods and services offered include VAT. VAT for goods purchased may be reclaimed at the main border posts and at Lusaka International airport.

Health risks in Zambia include: cholera, malaria, typhoid and yellow fever. Travellers are advised to seek medical advice before travelling and take the necessary medication / prophylaxis as well as carry a mosquito repellent or spray, available at a local shop or pharmacist. Tick bite fever can be a problem when walking in grass and travellers should be aware that the incidence of AIDS is high throughout Southern Africa.
(www.traveldoctor.com)

Medical services in Zambia are of a reasonable standard. However the availability of the services is restricted to the main towns and emergency evacuation from remote areas may attract high costs. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing coverage for emergency transport.

Tap water is usually safe to drink in major towns and cities. However visitors should take care in rural areas and ensure that they have enough water when travelling by road. Bottled water is available, when buying bottled water, always make sure that the lid is still serrated and that it has not been tampered with.

230 / 240 volts 50HZ. Outlets are of the round 3-pin, 15-amp type.

Most visitors need visas, which are good for three months, plus an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow fever vaccination within the past 10 years.

GMT + 2 hours.

Though Zambia offers a widespread and reliable service for landlines; some lodges may be beyond the range of the network. Cell phone coverage is available but limited to major towns and cities only. The international dialling code is +260 followed by the regional code and the desired number.

E-mail is sporadically available and there are Internet cafes in all the major towns.

The official language is English and all documents, notices and signs are in this language.

Livingstone & Victoria Falls:

One of the world’s greatest natural spectacles is to gaze upon the awesome Mosi-oa-Tunya (smoke that thunders). However there are also many other reasons to visit this region.


Highlights include:

1,700 meters long waterfalls plunging 100 meters into the gorge below, small plane, helicopter, micro light or balloon flights over the falls, boat cruises, canoe safaris, white water rafting, horse and elephant back safaris as well as the famous 111 meter bungi jump


Best time to visit:

May to November