Zambia Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Zambia

Former Name

Northern Rhodesia

Capital City

Lusaka

Government Type

republic

Area Size

752,614 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +2 hours

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.

Geography

Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River, together with Lake Kariba, forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the manmade Lake Kariba,is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa. In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1200m high,covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.

Languages

English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages

Culture

Zambia’s contemporary culture is a blend of values, norms, material and spiritual traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse people. Most of the tribes of Zambia moved into the area in a series of migratory waves a few centuries ago. They grew in numbers and many travelled in search of establishing new kingdoms, farming land and pastures. Quiet beauty, bustle, bounding life or brimming joy characterise many aspects of music and dance in Zambia. Emphasis varies from breathless acrobatic spectacle amid propulsive drumming to fine subtleties of sound and movement. Crafts can be found in great variety if not in abundance and among them is some of the finest basketry in Africa. The economy of most of the crafts people is based on fishing, cattle or the cultivation of crops. Craftwork is often done seasonally to supplement the incomes of many families. It was originally intended for barter and made according to the needs of other villagers. To many, especially the subsistence farmers, craftwork is their only means of earning cash.

History

The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996 saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched a far-reaching anti-corruption campaign in 2002, which resulted in the prosecution of former President Frederick CHILUBA and many of his supporters in late 2003. Opposition parties currently hold a majority of seats in the National Assembly.

Travel Information

Zambia’s airlines are Aero Zambia (Z9) and Zambian Airways.Lusaka (LUN) is 26km east of the city (journey time – 30 minutes).Airport and city bus services are available. Taxi service is also available to the city. Return is by prior arrangement with taxis. Airport facilities consist of Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and post office. Mfuwe (MFU) is situated in the South Luangwa National Park, 1 hour 15 minutes’ flight from Lusaka International Airport.Lodges and camps within the park provide airport transfers by prior arrangement. Departure Tax US$25. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt. There is a ferry crossing from Mpulungu across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma in Tanzania and to Bujumbura in Burundi; and a service across the Zambezi from Kazungula to Botswana. There are two major rail routes linking Zambia with Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Zambia Railways serves Livingstone and has a connection across the Victoria Falls to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. There are two trains daily in either direction (journey time – 9 to 12 hours depending on whether the ordinary or express service is used). The trains have first-, second- and third-class carriages. Tanzania–Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) operates trains from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Services are often suspended and it is advisable to check at the tourist office in Lusaka for details. Coach and bus services are available to Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The main routes are from Zimbabwe via Chirundu or Kariba and Livingstone; from Botswana via Kasane and Kazungula; from Mozambique via Villa Gambito and Zumbo; from Tanzania via Nakonde; from Malawi via the Mchinga/Chipata border or further north at Nyika Plateau; and from the Democratic Republic of Congo via Lumbumbashi - Chingola road. Opening hours for road borders are from 0600-1800 (except for Victoria Falls which closes at 2000). As yet, there is no border crossing from Angola. A Temporary Import Permit is needed to bring a vehicle into Zambia.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Zambia may be divided into four main categories: hotels, motels, lodges and camps; and two minor categories: government (GRZ)-hostels and camping/caravan sites. Zambia is a large, wild and, as yet, largely undeveloped country. Only the major tourist sites are fully prepared to cater for the needs of the visitor and payment is in hard currency, except at smaller establishments.

Visa Requirements

Visas required by nationals of EU, Australia, Canada and USA except the following for stays of up to 30 days: Nationals of Ireland;transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Passport valid for six months from the date of entry required by all nationals of countries above. A Bonafide Tourist, who is travelling on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia or at Zambian missions abroad. The Bonafide Tourist will also be exempt from submitting a letter of invitation, photocopy of flight details and proof of funds. Visas are valid for six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days; transit visa valid for seven days. Daytripper visas are valid for tourists entering Zambia for no more than 24 hours. Apply to the consulate or consular section at high commission or embassy.

Getting Around

Zambian Airways, Airwaves Zambia, Avocet and Proflight. Charters operate domestic routes to destinations including Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Mangu, Mfuwe, Ndola and Victoria Falls. There are over 120 other airports, aerodromes and airstrips in the country. Departure tax: ZMK12,000 (US$5). Local ferries operate on all waterways. Contact local authorities for details. Zambia has three main internal train lines, one from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the Northern border with Tanzania. The main train station is in Dedan Kamathi Road in central Lusaka, one road east of Cairo Road. There is a daily Kitwe – Lusaka – Lir stopping train. There is also an express train (The Zambezi Express) leaving Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving in Lusaka the next morning. Children under three years of age travel free, children between three and 15 years pay half price. There is first- and second-class accommodation and light refeshments are available on some services.Traffic drives on the left. There is a fairly good network of roads (38,763km in total, of which 8200km is tarred), although they are often in poor condition. The network of intercity bus services is run by private operators and Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel). The service used to be unreliable but it is much better nowadays. The buses provided are clean, cheap and frequent. CR coach, linking Lusaka with Livingstone, Chipata, Ndola and Mongu (twice a day, leaving from ShopRite in Cairo Road) should be booked well in advance. Other coach services are available, including Giraffe. Several car hire firms operate in main centres. Information is available from the Zambia National Tourist Board or the Lusaka Bus Terminus on Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka. Firms can also provide chauffeur-driven cars. Regulations: It is an offence to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Bus services in Lusaka are provided by private minibuses and shared taxis. The buses are somewhat basic, and can become very crowded. Taxis are not meered and fares should be agreed in advance. It is also advisable to negotiate a fare.

Health & Safety

Polio, typhoid, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations, and malaria prevention measures are recommended, and yellow fever inoculation is a requirement for entry for those coming from an infected area. Malaria is endemic in Zambia and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. 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 band-aids. 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. Most visits to Zambia are trouble free, but visitors should be aware that car hijackings and armed robberies are increasing, and mugging, bag-snatching and theft from parked cars is common in downtown areas. Luxury 4x4 vehicles in particular are being targeted for vehicle hijacking. Visitors should avoid the Cairo Road in Lusaka, which is dangerous due to violent robberies. Be vigilant and do not display tempting valuables. Avoid the border areas where Zambia meets Angola and all but essential travel should be avoided along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo; cross-border raids are frequent and landmines are a potential danger. Many roads can become impassable in the rainy season (November to April); in 2007 above average rainfall has led to severe flooding in many parts of the country.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 9 Mar - Youth Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 25 May - African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). 2 Jul - Heroes' Day. 3 Jul - Unity Day. 6 Aug - Farmers' Day. 24 Oct - Independence Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

Electricity

230V AC

Working Hours

Government offices are open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. Closed from 13h00 to 14h00. Bank hours vary but most are open from 08h30 - 14h30 Monday to Friday. Only some are open on Saturdays. Shops are open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday although some stay open until 19h00 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 13h00 although some stay open til 17h00.

Emergency Numbers

999