Zambia
Capital:
Lusaka
Official
Languages: English, Bamba and Nyanja
Religions: 63%
Christian, 35% Traditional Beliefs and 2% Other
Currency: Kwacha
= 100 ngwee
Placements:
Zambian Lodge & Conservation Project
Map
Background
Zambia has excellent national parks teeming with birds
and other animals, as well as the spectacular Victoria Falls and Zambezi River.
Apart from sightseeing, these places are also centres for activities ranging
from canoeing to white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Special Events
Major events.
Climate
Conditions across Zambia are fairly consistent. One moderate to heavy rainy
season dominates the skies from December to March, leaving little sunshine.
Temperatures climb up to 29 to 30°C (84-86°F) during the day with quite cold
nights throughout the year. Overall temperatures are slightly cooler in the
middle of the year, which, along with sparse rainfall, make things quite
pleasant.
Travel Info
Europe has frequent air connections with Zambia. British Airways, KLM and Air
France all have regular services to Lusaka. African carriers flying to the
capital include Air Zimbabwe, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways and South African
Airways. Lusaka Airport is 20km (12mi) east of the centre. There's no airport
bus, but taxis and hotel courtesy vans meet international flights. A growing
number of tourists fly directly to Livingstone, near Victoria Falls. South
African budget airlines fly to Livingstone and Lusaka from Johannesburg -
Nationwide has the most flights. Mfuwe, the town nearest to South Luangwa
National Park, also takes occasional international flights.
The most fabulous way of entering Zambia by road is over the Victoria Falls
Bridge from Zimbabwe. The main route between Lusaka and Bulawayo, from where you
can reach Harare, crosses the border here. The other main border points with
Zimbabwe are Chirundu and Kariba, where you cross between Zambia and Zimbawe
over the massive Kariba Dam.
From Malawi, the main crossing point is 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, about 60km (37mi) west of
Victoria Falls, though there are plans to build a bridge here. From Namibia,
buses run from Windhoek to the Namibian outpost town of Katima Mulilo. From here
you can cross the border into Zambia, go over the Zambezi on a ferry, then go
via Sesheke to Livingstone. An easier option from Katima Mulilo is the bus,
which runs through Botswana to Victoria Falls in Zimbawe, from where you can
easily cross the border to Zambia.
Visas
Most visitors need visas, which are good for three
months, plus an International Health Certificate showing proof of a yellow fever
vaccination within the past 10 years, though you're unlikely to be asked for
this. For many nationalities, visas are available on arrival, though regulations
do change so check before you turn up. Visa fees also vary for different
nationalities, though for most it's 25.00 for a single
entry. British passport holders are the notable exception - it will cost you
guys 65.00 .
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the
global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian
targets, including in places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Violent and armed robberies and vehicle hijackings are increasing,
occasionally leading to shootouts with the police. Gangs are targeting
luxury 4WD vehicles, a common tactic being to attack vehicles that are
stationary while awaiting entrance to gated properties. You should be
particularly careful when approaching locked gateways at night. Lusaka,
the Copperbelt towns and tourist centres are the favourite targets of criminals
but attacks can happen almost anywhere. Mugging, bag snatching and theft
from parked cars are common in downtown areas, particularly near bus and railway
stations and in some shopping areas. Thieves are attracted by open car
windows, unlocked doors and valuables if, for example, jewellery, cameras,
wallets, handbags, laptops etc. are visible.
When in Lusaka you should use reputable banks and Bureaux de Change to
exchange money or use ATMs, especially as counterfeit US$100 and Zambian Kwacha
50,000 notes have been distributed. You should avoid the Cairo Road area,
including Chachacha, Freedom Way and Lumumba Roads, which can be dangerous
because of robberies, which have led to fatalities.
Vehicle hijackings can happen anywhere at any time. There have been
reports of carjackings made by Congolese gangs on the Mufulira to Ndola road
that runs parallel with the Congo border. These continue despite the
presence of up to eight roadblocks manned by Zambian paramilitary forces.
Drivers must stay alert and should not, for example, stop to give lifts to
people flagging them down at the roadside. Drivers should also be wary
where objects appear to have been placed to block the road.
Keep originals of important documents in a safe place and carry copies of
passports or immigration permits when travelling within Zambia. Walking
after dark, particularly in tourist or downtown areas, can be particularly
dangerous.
Political Situation
Avoid large crowds, demonstrations
and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be
spontaneous.
Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Zambia bordering the
Democratic Republic of Congo. There are continuing reports of armed
cross-border raids from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are often
cattle or food raids, targeting border villages. But some have been
attributed to the Congolese Mai Mai faction. Travel in the bush for
hunting or prospecting along this border is not advised. The use of
legitimate border crossings is safe though Congolese officials may request
payments.
The border area between Zambia and Angola also remains sensitive.
However, there have been recent talks about the opening of official border
crossing points between the two countries in North Western Province, with a view
to easing the movement of people and trade.
Landmines are a danger in Zambia’s border areas, particularly those
neighbouring Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
British residents who consider their presence essential in these border areas
should be cautious about venturing off the main roads.
Wild animals are unpredictable and do kill. Whether travelling on
land or water, you are at risk of potentially fatal animal attacks. It is
important to observe local regulations at all times and always to follow your
tour or safari guide’s instructions.
Adventure sports, such as those on offer in the Victoria Falls area, carry
inherent risks. Serious accidents and deaths occasionally occur. The
medical care available in such emergencies varies greatly in quality.
Participants should follow operators’ safety instructions closely. Your
insurance policy must cover any adventure sports you may wish to
undertake.
Road Safety
Road travel at night in rural areas can be hazardous. Abandoned
vehicles, pedestrians and stray animals are a danger to road users. Many
roads are severely pot-holed or otherwise unsafe, especially during the rainy
season (November-April) when bridges and roads risk being washed away by sudden
floods. There are frequent fatal crashes. There are also dangers in
urban areas, including Lusaka. Some vehicles are poorly lit, and many are
inadequately maintained and badly driven. There have been incidents of
road rage. No matter the provocation, care should be taken not to
retaliate particularly by gesticulating.
Travel by long-distance public transport at any time can be hazardous owing
to poor standards of driving, lack of rest periods for drivers on long journeys,
dilapidated vehicles and the poor condition of some roads. Some short
distance journeys by public transport can also be dangerous for similar
reasons. Minibuses used in urban areas are usually severely overcrowded,
poorly maintained and badly driven.
The Zambian Road Traffic Commission allows holders of UK driving licences
to drive in Zambia for up to 90 days. Anyone intending to stay longer than
90 days will need to obtain an International Driving Permit or a Zambian driving
licence.
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an
operating ban or restrictions within the community.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
The possession or use of narcotics, including soft drugs such as marijuana,
is strictly prohibited. Customs may ask to see prescriptions for any
medication brought into the country. Foreigners convicted of drug offences
face stiff penalties including long jail-terms and/or deportation. Prisons
in Zambia are basic and overcrowded with little sanitation and inadequate food
and medical services.
The possession of pornographic material is illegal
in Zambia and offenders may be jailed and/or deported.
Homosexuality is
illegal in Zambia and those caught engaging in homosexual acts can be sentenced
to several years’ imprisonment.
It is an offence to use a cellphone
whilst driving. The Zambian Government is also planning to introduce fines
for anyone found smoking, eating or drinking whilst driving.
The Zambian
authorities do not always inform the British High Commission when British
Nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you may insist on your
right to contact a British consular officer.
Health
Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is endemic in Zambia and poses a
serious risk, particularly to visitors from non-endemic countries. Before
travelling, you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial
medication, and on arrival in Zambia ensure that you take adequate precautions
against being bitten by mosquitoes.
Rabies is common in animals and there is a high prevalence of
tuberculosis.
HIV/AIDS affects a high proportion of the population and
you should be particularly alert to the dangers of unprotected
sex.
Outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are endemic in this part of
Africa and are especially prevalent during the rainy season.
Drinking water should be filtered and boiled or bought in brand bottles
with unbroken seals. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet
adequate hygiene standards.
Medical facilities and communications are
poor, especially in rural areas. Even basic drugs and clean needles may
not be available. In the event of a serious accident or illness, emergency
services are limited. You should know your blood group. You should
carry a good first-aid kit.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid
Immunisations that maybe required
Yellow Fever, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
