Useful tips and time-savers and information for visiting Zambia.
Flights
From the UK, British Airways fly direct from London - Heathrow to Lusaka - Zambia three times a week.
Lusaka can also be reached via the African airlines of Air Namibia, Air Malawi, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Lusaka International Airport is the main gateway for most international flights. The airport is about 30km from the city centre.
Livingstone, Mfuwe and Ndola are also international airports and have full customs and immigration facilities.
An airport departure tax of US$25.00 is levied on all international departures from Zambia. There is a small and variable local departure tax.
Internal charter flights transport guests domestically. Although the road system has improved greatly in recent years, the large distances involved result in most visitors flying.
Documents
The responsibility to obtain correct, current and valid passports, visas, vaccinations, inoculations and re-entry permits where required, is that of the passenger alone.
Zambia does not recognise dual nationality. Therefore it is important to be able to produce a passport bearing the entry and exit stamps.
Make sure you keep your passport, itinerary, credit cards and cash all in separate locations in case you lose an item of clothing or luggage.
Luggage
Make sure you pack your own luggage when you are travelling and always label your suitcases and hand luggage.
Some safaris/air charters limit baggage to 10-15kg maximum in soft luggage.
What To Pack
All establishments have launsdry facilities, so travel light.
- Shorts or trousers for walking safaris
- Jeans or trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Shorts or light skirts
- Light cotton tops and cotton trousers
- Tops with long sleeves to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
- Cardigan or warm jacket for game drives in open vehicles in cooler weather
- Comfortable walking boots/shoes; suitable waterproof shoes/sandals for rafting if appropriate
- High SP factor sun block lotion, sunglasses and hat/caps
- Insect repellent, personal toiletries, anti-histamine cream and medication
- Swimsuit if your hotel/lodge has a pool
- Light raincoat for the rainy months
- Binoculars/cameras/camcorders with a good supply of batteries and chargers
- Bring a spare pair of glasses if you wear prescription glasses or wear contact lenses
- Sterile medical First Aid kit including needles, dressings, etc. This must be packed in your suitcase before you travel as it will not be permitted as hand luggage due to current security restrictions.
There are no regulations for dress code although it is customary for women to cover their legs for the sake of modesty, particularly in rural areas. Dress appropriately at all times. If in doubt, consult your holiday tour guides.
Roll clothes up when packing, it keeps creases at bay. Don’t pack too much if you are taking a relatively full itinerary with many locations. You want to spend your time enjoying yourself, not folding and unfolding clothes. Loose-fitting clothes will help to keep you cool during the hot summer periods when travelling.
Cotton clothing can be worn all year round with a warm jacket or cardigan for cooler mornings and evenings. Do not forget your sensible walking shoes.
Should you wish to be a little more formal for dinner, smarter evening clothes are advisable for guests staying at hotels and lodges.
Raincoats/umbrellas are advised for visitors in the rainy season and for visiting the Victoria Falls at its peak.
For white water rafting, do not forget to pack securely fastened shoes, which can get wet and are suitable for rock climbing.
For safari activities, casual clothes in green, khaki and beige colours are recommended, which should be comfortable and lightweight.
Bright and pale colours are not recommended for walking safaris as they will easily alarm the animals.
On walking safaris and general tours pack cotton socks and sensible footwear as the terrain is natural and uneven.
Health & Safety
Re-hydrate and take plenty of drinks and keep skin covered up, there is no respite or shade on some areas and good hydration and skin care is vital. It is advisable to drink bottled water when outside of main towns.
When on tours and walking safaris ensure that you air your shoes each night so that they are fresh and dry for the following day.
When on safari do not detract from the main routes and always follow the guides carefully. They are experienced in bush craft and terrain and the trails are there to keep you safe.
When embarking on adventure sports, follow your operators’ safety instructions closely.
Make sure you check whether any medical conditions might prevent you from travelling or from taking part in certain activities, especially treks and adrenaline sports.
Ensure that you have sufficient quantities of prescription medication with you on holiday including precautions against malaria. Zambian medics might not be able to easily replenish prescriptions.
Symptoms of malaria are that of a fever or a flu-like illness. Promptly seek medical care if you experience these symptoms whilst on holiday or in the first year following your return from Zambia
In the event of a serious accident or illness, emergency services are limited. You should know your blood group.
HIV and AIDS affects a high proportion of the population and you should be particularly alert to the dangers of unprotected sex.
Insurance
Health service is available, though not free and you are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance before you travel.
You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure covering emergency evacuation expenses, medical and repatriation expenses.
Your insurance policy must cover you for any adventure sports you may wish to undertake.
Shopping
Buying locally made products, shopping in locally owned outlets and treating yourself to local food and drink are great ways to get into the holiday spirit and will benefit the local community.
VAT is included in the market price of most goods and is currently set at 17.5%.
For great souvenirs, shop at markets for the best local arts and crafts.
Souvenirs may be exported without restrictions, but please don’t buy products made from threatened plants or wild animals including ivory, fur, feathers, skins and teeth. If in doubt – don’t buy. For more information on endangered species and to find out how to report a concern – visit www.wwf-uk.org.
Always bargain with humour and bear in mind that a small cash saving to you could be a significant amount of money to the seller.
Personal Security
As with any major city anywhere in the world, petty theft takes place. Ensure your valuables are safe and don’t exchange cash or wave your cash around in the streets; you might be the victim of a pickpocket.
Displaying cash, expensive jewellery, cameras or mobile phones, particularly in very poor communities may distance you from the culture you have come to experience in Zambia.
As a visitor to the country, in case you are requested for identity or you require to obtain further foreign exchange currency, it is advisable to carry your passport with you.
Keep copies of passports, immigration permits, insurance policies and ticket details in a separate place to the documents themselves. In addition, leave copies with family and friends.
People and Culture
Realise that the people you are visiting often have different time concepts and thought patterns from your own. When talking and mingling with them, be open to their different ways of thinking, living and working. You will only gain each other’s friendship and respect, enhancing your holiday experience.
Walk where possible – you’ll meet local people and get to know the country better.
In general, on a social level, Zambians operate at a more relaxed pace of life compared to Western economies. So relax – you’re on holiday, have patience, learn from each other and enjoy the visit. Don’t expect people to be the same as back home.
Personal Photography
Ask permission before taking photographs of people or their homes and don’t be offended if they decline or expect to be paid for the privilege.
Road Transportation and Safety
Car hire is available and this can be arranged upon request. Drink driving is against the law and so is use of a mobile phone whilst driving.
Buses have loose timetables so it is important to ensure that you allow additional time between locations. Public transport sometimes does not work to strict timetables.
Coach services are more reliable and taxi services are available.
Do not hitch hike.
Telecommunications
International Direct Dialling is available except in remote areas. The country code is 260. The outgoing international code is 00.
There are public telephones at post offices in the main centres spread throughout the country and telephone cards can be purchased from main post offices.
Mobile phones are also available and may be hired. You may use your personal mobile phone by purchasing a local SIM card.
There are public fax, email and internet facilities at malls, main post offices, principal hotels and business centres. Many of the game lodges now have satellite connections and some may offer internet services.
Electricity
220 Volts AC, 50 Hz.
Three square-pin plugs are used.
Greenwich Time
Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Protect The Environment
Be careful with cigarettes and matches/lighters and take your cigarette stubs with you if ashtrays are not available.
Don’t discard litter. Re-use plastic bottles, plastic bags and other containers and take used batteries home with you.
When you’ve finished with your holiday brochures – don’t discard them, pass them on to friends and family or recycle them.
To help preserve the natural environment for you and others to enjoy please don’t pick flowers and plants.
Energy Conservation
Natural resources such as water, wood and fuel are precious - local people may not have enough for their own needs.
Help conserve resources in your hotel, lodge or camp by turning down/off heating and air conditioning when not required. Switch off lights when leaving a room and turn the TV off rather than leaving it on standby. Turn off computers and other electrical items when not needed.
Try to use water sparingly. Turn off taps when not in use. Inform staff if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather than having them replaced daily.
FAQs
Please click on our FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions page which will cover further queries you may have. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would require any further information relating to your visit to Zambia.
Enjoy your Holiday!
To conclude – Enjoy Zambia! The economy is growing and stable. The government’s policy is that of democracy.
Zambia is safe with no civil, geographical/regional or international strife.
The people are very friendly, welcoming and their warmth shines through just like the Zambian sun!
Visit Zambia – The Real Africa
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