Here is a quick overview on Zambia
Zambia is one of the most stable and strife free countries in Africa. Never has there been a war there.

Passports and Visas
When to Visit
Money Matters
Language
Health Information
Time and Climate
Electricity and Weights and Measures
Travel Warnings

Passports and Visas
Most visitors will need a passport and a visa, which is good for three months, plus an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow fever vaccination within the past 10 years.

Currency and Money Matters
The currency is the Kwacha (K). You can usually exchange cash or travelers cheques at banks or foreign exchange (look for the forex sign) bureaus in most of the larger towns. Travelers checks are normally exchanged for poor rates and the bureaus generally give better rates than the banks, especially for cash. Cash advances on a credit or debit card can be had in Lusaka, but don't expect to get cash for plastic anywhere else in the country. Stay away from the street moneychangers as they probably will rip you off.

Zambia is a relatively inexpensive when compared with most western countries. However, for tourists, it's slightly more expensive than other countries in this area of Africa. Travelers on a moderate budget should expect to spend around US$15-50 a day or more, depending on their taste for restaurant meals and on which type of safaris you plan to take. If you do a lot on your own, by taking the train or bus, and don't have to buy every T-shirt you see, you should be able to keep your costs below US$15 a day. For most people however, I would suggest you plan to spend about US$75 a day, though the use of luxury hotels will add significantly more to the cost. Here are a few examples of what you might spend for meals and accommodations: 

Tipping is illegal (technically?), but, of course, still welcomed most places. You'll find a 10% service charge added to your bill in most restaurants. When shopping for crafts and souvenirs at curio stalls on the street or in a marketplace, or when buying some market goods, bargaining is common and expected and a lot of fun. However, bargaining is not common in shops.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

Health Risks
Cholera, malaria, polio, typhoid, yellow fever. If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.

When to Visit
Many people visit here to view the wildlife. If this is you, then August to October is the best time to visit. The temperature at this time gets into the low 30s°C (high 80s°F) during the day, especially in low-lying areas which includes the larger national parks. Cooler weather and greener landscapes may be found by visiting during the cooler, dry months of May to August. The major rainy season is during the November to April season and most of the national parks are closed. Animals are harder to spot at this time because of the lush vegetation. The upside, it is usually a better time for accommodations as the lodges that remain open offer very attractive rates. Travel within the country can be difficult during this time of the year as many rural roads become impassable. If you are a bird watcher, Zambia is an excellent place during the months of November and December.

Time and Climate
They are on a time that equals GMT/UTC plus two hours. As for the local climate, along with much of southern Africa, Zambia's altitude creates a temperate climate. There are three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry from September to October, and rainy between November and April (summer).

Electricity and Weights and Measures
The electricity is 220/240V, 50Hz and they are on the metric system.

Language

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.  A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.  The countries listed below meet those criteria.  Additionally, the State Department issues Country Specific Information  for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements.

Getting To and Around in Zambia
Getting There
Getting to Zambia is best accomplished from Europe as it is from Europe you will find the best air connections. British Airways, KLM and Air France all have regular services to Lusaka. African carriers flying to the capital would include Air Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways and South African Airways. Lusaka Airport is about 12 miles from the town center of Lusaka and , although there is no airport bus, taxis and hotel courtesy vans meet international flights. The airport departure tax is US$20.

The most spectacular way to enter Zambia by road is over the Victoria Falls Bridge from Zimbabwe. Other overland routes would include: the main route between Lusaka and Bulawayo, from where you can reach Harare, crosses the border here; the border points with Zimbabwe of Chirundu and Kariba, where you cross between Zambia and Zimbawe over the  Kariba Dam; and the crossing point from Malawi east of Chipata, on the main road between Lusaka and Lilongwe. The only crossing point between Zambia and Botswana is the ferry across the Zambezi River at Kazungula which is about 35 miles west of Victoria Falls.

From Namibia, buses run from Windhoek to the Namibian outpost town of Katima Mulilo from which you can cross the border into Zambia, cross the Zambezi on a ferry, and then go via Sesheke to Livingstone. An easier option from Katima Mulilo would be by bus.

Tours to and in Zambia 

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Getting Around
The best way of getting around is most likely by vehicle, preferably a 4WD driven by someone else. There are several rental agencies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola. With Lusaka at the hub, main roads radiate out to Chitapa (in the east), Livingstone (in the south), Mongu (in the west), Nakonde (on the Tanzanian border in the northeast) and to Mpulungu (on Lake Tanganika in the north). 

Road conditions vary widely and range from new smooth tar to older paved roads with potholes big enough to get lost in. Dirt roads begin in the area of "bad" and lessen to practically  impassable, especially after the rains. If you haven't driven in Africa before, Zambia would not be the place to take your training! If you do opt to drive, you will need an International Driver's License. Driving is officially on the left, but it is sometimes hard to tell as some drivers seem to drive wherever they like. Drive defensively and be prepared for anything and you just might make it to your destination.

The better option is to take one of the domestic flights or charter planes that serve Lusaka, Livingstone, the Copperbelt towns of Ndola and Kitwe, and the various national parks. For most visitors, especially those who are short of time, this might be the most efficient way of getting around.

One of the best options is to consider getting around is by tour group or with an organized safari. Using air, boat and road transport, organized tours and safaris can take the trouble out of travel, and be ideal for visitors new to Africa or who have little time. And, this normally will make your trip much better as you will be able to see and do more without a lot of work on your part -- except to pay the bills! Travel agents in Lusaka can arrange things, and there are several Zambia specialists in Europe (notably in the UK) and North America who can set up packages and tailor-made trips. Safaris can also be organized within Zambia.

For backpackers and independent travelers, you will find traveling by bus to be pretty tiring and quite wearisome as the roads are not very good and the busses area very crowded, especially on the long hauls. All of the bus companies are privately owned, but prices are relatively standardized, the services pretty regular, and the prices okay. Minibuses are available for shorter runs and tend to be faster if slightly more expensive. The train is a good option as long as you do not plan on going far from the Livingstone-Lusaka-Nakonde corridor. But, be forewarned, if you are in a hurry, the train is not for you. There's a train that goes from Lusaka to Kitwe, which is very slow. The Lusaka-Livingstone route has an express three times a week and a local daily. Again, all liable to delay.

Things to See and Do in Zambia
The safari may be one of the major activities for visitors to Zambia. And, the safari has come a long way from what you used to see in the movies of men with big guns and pith helmets. Today you're much more likely to see giant telephoto lenses and four-wheelers.  Zambia has many excellent safari opportunities as there are several great national parks. The most popular are the wildlife-viewing tours by open-top vehicles and the night drives. Along with the viewing of the big animals, bird-watching is also a popular pastime. Add to this the large variety and selection of other outdoor activities, such as canoeing and white-water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, rock climbing and hiking, there is something here for just about everyone -- even the casual sightseer. Blessed with 7 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, Zambia offers holidays filled with adventure and scenic beauty. Go on a safari!

Tours to and in Zambia

Kafue National Park
This Zambia's largest national park and home to grassland plains that stretch for hundreds of miles along the banks of the Kafue River. Wildlife is everywhere and you will quite probably be able to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, zebras and more on any of the safaris that are offered by commercial outfitters. If you are there between March and May, when the floods are in season, be sure to head for the Busanga Plains at the northern end of the park when it becomes home to thousands of hippos and millions of birds. Bird watchers will also enjoy Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, where herons, spoonbills and many other water birds roost. There are several places for accommodations in the park including camp sites, chalets and lodges with most of them being along the Kafue River. The park is locate about 125 miles west of Lusaka and is accessible by car. However, as the roads are generally pretty horrible, most visitors (who can afford it) fly in by chartered plane. Kafue National Park

Livingstone
A visit here should include the narrow-gauge Railway Museum and The National Museum, has much more appeal for everyone and features a pretty good collection of archaeological and anthropological relics, including a copy of a Neanderthal skull estimated to be over 100,000 years old. There are also examples of ritual artifacts and Tonga crafts, a reconstructed African village, and a collection of David Livingstone items along with a display of Africa maps dating back to 1690. 

Ngonye (Sioma) Falls
This falls, if located anywhere else in the world, would be the major attraction of the area. However, with Victoria Falls, it has to rank second. The best thing about the falls, apart from its beauty, is that is pretty much free of the tourist trappings of Victoria. Although Ngonye only falls a few feet, the broad expanse of the cascade makes for a magnificent sight. For the adventurous, there is plenty of good white-water rafting below the falls. Nearby is Sioma Ngwezi National Park, where you can spot elephants, especially at night. The falls is about 350 miles east of Lusaka and about 125 miles south of the town of Mongu. The bus from Mongu to the Namibian border can let you off a little less than a mile west of the falls.

Siavonga & Kariba Dam
Located at the northeastern end of Lake Kariba, Siavonga is, for most of the people of Zambia, the closest they get to the seashore. Visitors will enjoy the town as it is quiet and low-key and offers some nice views of the lake on one side and the Zambezi River gorge on the other. The lake is pretty well known for fishing and boating. North (about 25 miles) is the Chirundu Fossil Forest with trees that are over a million years old and lots of Stone Age artifacts. Siavonga is a wonderful place to take in the view of the lake but, be sure to view it from a distance as the crocodiles own the lake and do in about 30 people every year and seem to like tourists equally as well as locals. Siavonga is about 60 miles southeast of Lusaka and can be reach by bus daily.

South Luangwa National Park
For scenery and wildlife-spotting, South Luangwa is probably your best bet as it is the best national park in Zambia. Vegetation within the park ranges from dense woodland to open grassy plains with lots of oxbow lagoons and water holes. Be on the lookout for animals such as  lions, buffalo, zebra, and giraffes. You should also be able to spot an elephant or two as the park has one of Africa's largest elephant populations. You might also spot a leopard or two. There is also a lot of bird life within the park. Especially along the Luangwa River where you'll also be able to spot hippos and crocodiles. Day, night and walking safaris are available, as are horseback safaris and rides. South Luangwa National Park

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular falls with over a mile-wide series of falls of the Zambezi River as it drops over 300 feet into the steeply-walled gorge. The Zambian side of Victoria Falls, which is often forgotten, provides some of the best views of the falls and many consider this side to be much better than its better-known Zimbabwean counterpart. One of the main differences is that you can actually get quite close to the water by walking down a steep track to the base of the falls. From here you can follow walkways that are perched over the abyss. One of the best close-up would be at Knife Edge Point which is reached by crossing an exciting and hair-raising footbridge through the spray to a cliff-like island in the river. The bridge is safe so, as long as you are here, take the walk. You will be glad you did for if the water is low, and the wind favorable, you'll be treated to a magnificent view of the falls and the great gorge below the Zambezi Bridge. If you are even more adventurous, you can indulge in white-water rafting, abseiling, river-boating, jet-boating, bungee jumping and several airborne activities. There are plenty of opportunities for souvenirs as there are several curio stalls near the falls. Actually, there are some pretty good crafts available here and the sellers love to barter. You should also visit the nearby archaeological site and a small museum with exhibits about the dig that show how humans and their ancestors have inhabited this region for 2.5 million years. The falls are a little over 5 miles southwest of Livingstone. The best way to travel there is by bus or hired car. Victoria Falls

Jenman African Safaris has one primary focus -- Safari Tours! They offer smaller, more personal and highly interactive safaris and have built a solid reputation for safe, comfortable, reliable and fun-filled tours to Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. Selected destinations in Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Nambia, Zambia, South Africa and Swaziland.

Suggestions for Dining in Zambia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Some Favorites in Zambia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Links for Zambia
Jenman African Safaris has one primary focus -- Safari Tours! They offer smaller, more personal and highly interactive safaris and have built a solid reputation for safe, comfortable, reliable and fun-filled tours to Southern Africa’s most spectacular destinations. Selected destinations in Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nambia, Zambia, South Africa and Swaziland.

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.