Zambia

The big, beautiful country of Zambia is situated in the heart of the African sub-continent, untainted by commercial tourist development, but nevertheless well-equipped to allow visitors to experience the warmth, excitement, challenges and adventures of the real Africa. Zambia beckons with an abundance of natural attractions and extreme sports, which has earned it the reputation of being the 'adventure centre' of the continent.

The country's prime attraction is the spectacular, breathtaking Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Not only do the falls provide unmatched scenery as the water plunges into the depths of the gorge, but they are also the setting for a multitude of adrenaline pumping activities, like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping from the 364 foot (111m) high bridge, canoeing, abseiling, micro-lighting over the falls, elephant-back safaris, jet-boating through the rapids and many more.

If dry land is more to your taste, Zambia offers dozens of superb game parks stocked with a profusion of birds and wildlife. Chief among the parks is South Luangwa National Park, centred on the most intact major river system in Africa, which hosts a huge concentration of game. The legendary 'Zambian walking safari' originated in this park and still offers one of the finest ways to experience the African wilderness.

Visitors to Zambia seldom linger in the towns, being bent on safaris or destined for game lodges and adventure camps, but those who choose to explore the somewhat dishevelled capital, Lusaka, will find it has an interesting charm. More than half of the inhabitants of this over-populated city are unemployed, yet the atmosphere is far from despondent as the people hustle and bustle, determined to survive. Thousands of stalls line the streets offering a fascinating array of services and goods.

Lovers of the outdoors cannot fail to find everything and more to satisfy them in the wetlands and wilderness of Zambia.

Climate

Zambia is warm all year round, but has three distinct seasons. 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).

Money

The Zambian currency is the Kwacha (ZMK), divided into 100 ngwee, but the coins are now worthless and seldom used. It is best to bring travellers cheques, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling which can be exchanged at the many bureaux de change found in the main towns. While 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. Banking hours vary but are usually 8.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays and mornings of the first and last Saturday of the month.

Passport Visa

A return ticket or proof of onward travel, all documents for next destination and proof of sufficient funds is required for all travellers. Visas issued on arrival vary in fee according to amount of entries and nationality. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. For those nationalities requiring a visa for Zambia, a fee of US$10 is paid on arrival for a 'Day Tripper Visa' and is valid for a maximum stay of 24 hours. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens must obtain a visa to visit Zambia. It can sometimes be issued on arrival at a cost of USD135, but it is best to confirm this with your booking agent. American citizens are required to have copies of their passport and flight and travel itineraries as well as two passport sized photographs in order to apply for a visa. Visas are generally valid for multiple entries for the period of stay.
• British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to visit Zambia. Single entry visas may sometimes be purchased at the port of entry (but it is best to confirm this with the relevant authorities in your home country) at a cost of GBP70, and will be valid for the period of stay, although it is often best to organise one in advance.
• Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas may sometimes be obtained on arrival (it is best to confirm this with the relevant authorities in your country of residence) at a cost of USD55 and are valid for the period of stay.
• Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas can be obtained on arrival at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.
• South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia for 90 days within a 12-month period, whether taken together or in sections. A valid passport is required.
• Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for a period of 90 days in a 12-month period, whether taken at once or in sections.
• New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can sometimes be issued on arrival (it is best to confirm this with your booking agent) at a cost of USD50 for a single entry visa and USD80 for a double entry visa and are valid for the period of intended stay.Visas are valid for length of stay.

Health

Typhoid, polio, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for travel to Zambia. Malaria is endemic in Zambia (prophylaxis is essential), and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. Visitors to game parks are at risk of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which is carried by tsetse flies; insect repellent is ineffective against tsetse flies. The country also has one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids infection worldwide. Avoid swimming or wading in bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers due to the presence of bilharzia. Medical facilities in the country are under-developed and limited to the point that basic drugs and even clean needles are often not available. 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 plasters. Full travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation by air, is therefore essential and it is vital to bring a good first aid kit. Avoid food bought from local street vendors and ensure drinking water is filtered and boiled, or bought in sealed, branded bottles.

Embassy Consulates

• Zambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 9717.
• Zambian High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7589 6655.
• Zambian High Commission, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3491 0121.
• Zambian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 326 1854.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 250 955.
• British High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 423 200.
• Canadian High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 250 833.
• Australian High Commission, Harare, Zimbabwe (also responsible for Zambia): +263 (0)4 852 471.
• South African High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 260 999.
• Irish Embassy, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 291 298.
• New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Zambia): +27 (0)12 435 9000.