Zambia, Unspoilt Wilderness

 

Quick ReferenceMap of Zambia's location in Africa
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Currency: 1 Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee
Capital: Lusaka
Time: GMT +2
Main Languages: English
Climate: Mild to warm
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Square pin plugs

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Safaris in Zambia
Safari Tours

Accommodation in Zambia
Accommodation

Zambia is becoming a popular safari destination with large areas of unspoiled wilderness and abundance of natural attractions. Zambia shares the famous Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe due to its border running through the middle of the Zambezi River.

Zambia is a friendly and peacful, landlocked country, in central Africa. It has 3 of Africa's largest rivers flowing through its vast plateau and offers the tourist sightings of huge concentrations of wildlife and some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the African continent. Zambia is still fairly untainted by commercial tourist development, but nevertheless well-equipped to allow visitors to experience the warmth, excitement and adventures of the real Africa.

Zambia offers some superb game parks with a wealth of birds and wildlife.

Most of the country enjoys a mild, pleasanst climate with low lying areas in river valleys being more humid and hotter. The far northern parts become tropical especially around the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Between December and April the weather is hot and wet; from May to August it is cooler and dry; between September and November conditions are hot and dry. Average summer temperatures range between 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), while in winter the variation increases ranging from 43°F to 75°F (6°C to 24°C).

Lusaka is the capital city. The atmosphere is one of hustle and bustle, upbeat, as the people go about determined to survive due to the high unemployment. Thousands of stalls line the streets offering a fascinating array of services and goods.

Visitors to Zambia seldom linger in the towns, and tend to just pass through them on their way to the safari or game lodge, but those who choose to explore will find an interesting charm.

Currency

1 Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee. The coins are now worthless and seldom used. It is best to bring Travelers cheques, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns.Most of the tourist hotels, restaurants, travel agents and larger shops, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone, accept credit cards many outlets in the rural areas do not and deal only in local currency. ATMs are available in Lusaka and some of the major towns.

Health

International Travelers should get medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A, B and E and dengue fever. Other health concerns include influenza (risk throughout the year) and AIDS.As a precaution boil or sterilize drinking water when outside towns. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible. The small clinics in Lusaka are regarded as superior to the general hospitals, but clinics in rural areas are rarely stocked with anything more than aspirin or band-aids. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential.

Language

There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.

Tipping

Tipping is discouraged, but still practised on occasion and is usually about 10%. A 10% service charge is included in bills, but tipping in hotels is against the law.

Geography and Climate

Most of the country enjoys a mild, pleasant climate with low lying areas in river valleys being more humid and hotter. The far northern parts become tropical especially around the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Between December and April the weather is hot and wet; from May to August it is cooler and dry; between September and November conditions are hot and dry. Average summer temperatures range between 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), while in winter the variation increases ranging from 43°F to 75°F (6°C to 24°C).

Religion

A large portion of the population are Protestant and Roman Catholic with a minority following indigenous beliefs and Islam. People enjoy freedom of religion.

Entry Requirements

A return ticket or proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds is also required. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. A fee of US$10 is paid for a 'Day Tripper Visa', but visitors must exit Zambia on the same day.

Internal Transport

Travel within the country can be conducted by road on good tar surfaces between major centres. For acccess to wilderness areas. air charter flights are the most convenient, or, in the case of very remote sites, 4X4 vehicles.