Zambia Travel Info

Electricity
In Zambia, the power plugs and sockets are of types C, D and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
In Zambia, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Zambia if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 - 240 V. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V, you need a voltage converter in Zambia. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Time Zone
Zambia is GMT + 2 (1 hour ahead of continental Europe)

Currency
The Zambian currency is the kwacha, K (international currency code ZMW), which is equivalent to 100 ngwee. Zambian banknotes are in denominations of K100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 ngwee.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phone ownership and usage is rising all the time in Zambia and by early 2012, well over 60% of the population had a mobile. Mobile coverage can be patchy in some rural areas but is generally good around Lusaka, Livingstone and the other main towns and cities. In some rural areas frequented by tourists, such as South Luangwa National Park, mobile phone masts have been installed for the benefit of local workers and guests.

Bugs
With Zambia being located in the tropics you may encounter all manner of local wildlife (insects, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, cockroaches). Lights attract bugs so don’t leave your lights on when you leave your room. Mosquitoes are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net. Regarding medication in malarial areas please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.

Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and money are securely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas.
In terms of your physical safety if you are on an organised safari then risks are minimal, if you are guiding yourself stay away from the northern part of the country and ask for local advice before heading off. The big cities are renowned for their petty theft and muggings so keep jewellery and cameras concealed.

Tipping
Some restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, if not 10% is standard.

Safety on Safari
The basic rules of safari are:
Don’t feed animals you don’t own.
If you don’t know ask.
Always listen to your guide.
Do not go walkabout without a guide.
Wild animals are called that because they are wild and unpredictable.
Many rivers are populated with crocodiles and hippos, even if you can’t see them.

Road Safety
Zambia’s major cities and tourist destinations are connected by a growing network of tarred or gravel highways and roads, making it straightforward to get from city to city by car. However, minor roads are often in poor condition, with potholed tarmac, poorly maintained gravel or unsealed surfaces. In the rainy season, many unsealed roads become impassable.

Health
These are merely guidelines please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.
Malaria is a serious concern in Zambia. Mosquitoes, malarial and otherwise, are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Compulsory Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving within six days after leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. Exempt: Children under 1 year, those not leaving the airport whilst in transit and those entering Zambia not having left an airport during transit in affected countries.

Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis & Cholera

Visas (all subject to change without notice)
All travellers need a valid passport (usually valid for 6 months after your trip), with sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (usually at least two).

If you are not a citizen of the countries listed below you must obtain a visa in advance from the Zambian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country where you reside.
Nationals of the following countries do not need a Zambia visa (up to 90 days):
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Isles, South Africa, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, USA, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Language
English is the official language of Zambia, there are however over 70 recognised regional languages including Bemba and Nyanja.

Religion
Zambia is predominantly Christian, although many Zambians belong to independent churches which combine Christianity with traditional beliefs.

Social Conventions
Zambia is a relatively conservative society so respect should be shown when deciding what to wear. Although foreigners are tolerated and wearing a bikini on the beach is fine, be mindful of how you dress elsewhere. Homosexuality is illegal is Zambia.
The protocol for meeting and parting is to shake hands. Tokens are often given to visitors as a sign of hospitality, appreciation or friendship. It is considered impolite to refuse a gift; rather accept it with both hands and thanks.
Zambians celebrate their rich culture with over 20 annual traditional ceremonies, some of which are open to visitors. They are usually very colourful affairs with lots of dancing and drumming.

Photography
Do not photograph government institutions/buildings without checking with your guide. When photographing people ask permission, in some tourist areas it is customary to pay to take photographs.

When to travel 
Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.