Zambia: Travel Tips And Insights

Zambia is a peaceful and safe destination for travellers, known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. It is slightly larger than Texas and has a diverse range of natural wonders, from rivers and lakes to waterfalls and hot springs. The country is home to the Big Five and many other majestic animals, making it an increasingly popular safari destination. Here are some essential things to know before travelling to Zambia:

- The country has distinct seasons, with the dry season from May to November being prime for wildlife viewing.

- The dress code in Zambia is conservative, so pack modest clothing, including long skirts or pants, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for safaris.

- The currency is the Zambian Kwacha, but US Dollars are widely accepted, and credit cards are also used, although high commissions are sometimes charged.

- English is one of the official languages, but there are also 73 local languages spoken throughout the country.

- Transport can be challenging due to the road networks and conditions, and distances between destinations can be lengthy.

- It is recommended to carry essential items such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and small change when exploring the country.

Visa and passport requirements

To enter Zambia, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your arrival and has at least two or three blank pages for entry stamping and visa requirements. It is recommended that you have three or four blank pages if you are travelling through more than one country. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Zambia has different visa requirements for different nationalities. Nationals of some countries do not require a visa to enter Zambia, while others can obtain a visa on arrival or prior to travel (e-Visa). It is important to check with the Zambian Department of Immigration or a travel agent for the specific requirements for your nationality.

If you are obtaining a visa on arrival, you must have full information about your host and provide a physical address for your stay. You must also have at least six months' validity on your passport from the date of entry. Those arriving by air must have valid return air tickets, while those arriving by land or water must have enough funds for their stay and departure from Zambia.

The different types of visas available include:

• Single Entry Visa: Allows entry to Zambia only once during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $25.
• Double Entry Visa: Allows entry to Zambia twice during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $40.
• Multiple Entry Visa: Allows entry to Zambia multiple times during the validity of the visa. The fee is US $75. Multiple Entry Visas are only issued by Headquarters through the e-visa facility.
• Transit Visa: Valid for a maximum of seven days and costs $25.
• Day Tripper Visa: Issued at a port of entry to tourists visiting Zambia for less than 24 hours or those wishing to visit a neighbouring country and re-enter within 24 hours. The fee is $10.

The KAZA UNIVISA, valid for unlimited travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and for day trips to Botswana, costs $50 and is valid for 30 days. It can be obtained online in advance or on arrival at certain airports and land borders.

What to pack

When packing for Zambia, it's important to keep in mind the activities you plan to do, the weather, and the conservative dress code of the country. Here's a list of what to pack for your trip:

• Safari attire: Light-coloured, long-sleeve shirts and pants made from lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal. These colours and fabrics will help keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
• Walking shoes: Zambia is known for its walking safaris, so a pair of comfortable shoes is essential.
• Sun protection: A good hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Raincoat: If you're visiting during the rainy season (November to April), pack a raincoat as the downpours can be heavy.
• Conservative clothing: For women, pack knee-length or longer skirts to wear in the towns. Both men and women should avoid clothing that exposes the thighs, as this is a sexualised body part in Zambian culture.
• Layers: It can get chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so bring a fleece or jacket.
• Camera: Bring your own camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
• Memory cards and batteries: These items are not readily available in Southern Africa, so be sure to bring enough to last your trip.
• Toiletries: Hand sanitiser, toilet paper, and other personal care items are essential.
• Reusable bag: Many supermarkets in Zambia charge for plastic bags, so bring your own reusable bag.
• Money: The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha, but US dollars are widely accepted. However, be aware that high commissions are sometimes charged around tourist areas like Victoria Falls. Credit cards may also be subject to high fees, and some remote lodges may have difficulty processing card payments.
• Travel documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date and that you have the necessary visas.
• First aid kit: Include items such as a thermometer, a malaria test kit, and oral rehydration solution packets.

Getting around Zambia

Zambia has an extensive network of airports and airstrips, with several airlines flying to Lusaka, Ndola, Mfuwe, and Livingstone. Many of these airports have undergone upgrades and now offer credit card facilities, Wi-Fi, business lounges, restaurants, and hotels.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of minibus taxis available, although the standards of cleanliness and safety may vary. These are the cheapest and most widely used form of public transport in Zambia. Regular cabs are also available in bigger cities, but they may not be metered, so be sure to negotiate the rate upfront. Have small denominations of US dollars or kwacha on hand, as change may not always be available.

For longer distances, you can take a long-range bus from Lusaka to other large towns. There are also inter-country bus services to Harare in Zimbabwe and Johannesburg in South Africa. However, travel by bus can be slow, and you should check the departure schedules in advance. Routes from Lusaka include Monze, Choma, Livingstone, Mongu, and Sesheke, with some buses going as far as the Botswana and Namibia borders.

If you prefer more flexibility, you can opt for a self-drive road trip through Zambia. However, keep in mind that the road conditions can be challenging. It's recommended to carry essential tools and spares, including at least two spare wheels and tubes due to the condition of the roads. Other useful items include spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a tow rope, a compressor, a winch, and a spotlight. Villages along the main routes often offer tyre-mending services at reasonable fees. Driving at night is not advised due to poor road markings, animals on the road, pedestrians, and unpredictable drivers.

When it comes to road rules, remember that in Zambia, they drive on the left side of the road. The general speed limit on national highways is 100 km/h, and in urban areas, it's typically 65 km/h. To drive in Zambia, you'll need an international driving permit unless you're a citizen of a SADC state (Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe).

When to visit

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. These months offer a good opportunity for wildlife viewing and pleasant daytime temperatures, although September and October can get extremely hot.

From May to July, you can expect dry and cool weather, with no rainfall. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the intense heat of the later dry season.

August to October is the hot dry season. The fields are burned to prepare for the planting season, adding to the heat. October is especially hot, but the dry season is still a good time for wildlife viewing. The dry season is also a good time to visit Victoria Falls, which is best viewed from June to August.

The rainy season, from December to April, is known as the Green Season due to the lush, thick, and verdant landscape. This season can make game viewing more challenging as the vegetation is dense, and many animals move away from dry-season water sources. However, it is a great time for birdwatching, as thousands of migratory species take flight. The rainy season offers fantastic value for money, and camps are quiet, so you'll have plenty of space to yourself.

November is a transitional month, with unpredictable weather as the summer rains begin. It's a good time to visit for lower rates on accommodation, and you may be able to witness the second-largest wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain National Park, with up to 40,000 blue wildebeest on the move.

Local customs and culture

Zambia is a culturally diverse country, with over 70 indigenous tribal groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. While urbanisation has led to the dilution of tribal customs in cities, these traditions remain prevalent in rural areas. Here are some local customs and cultural norms to be aware of when travelling to Zambia:

Greetings

Greetings are of utmost importance in Zambian culture. Whether in a rural or urban area, it is customary to greet people before starting a conversation. When passing someone in a rural area, be sure to acknowledge them with a greeting. In towns, it is still important to say hello and ask how the person is before getting down to business. When greeting a woman, men should withhold their hands until the woman offers hers.

Dress Code

Zambians consider thighs to be sexualised body parts, so both men and women should wear long skirts or pants when in public.

Gifts

Gifts are commonly given as a sign of honour, friendship, or appreciation. If offered a gift, it is considered rude to refuse it. Accept gifts with both hands while saying thank you.

Dining Etiquette

In Zambia, it is customary to eat and shake hands with your right hand only.

Religion

Zambia is predominantly a Christian nation, with most people following either Protestant or Roman Catholic denominations. There are also small groups of Muslims and Hindus, while some continue to follow local native tribal beliefs. Religious influences may impact your travel experience, particularly when it comes to transport and business operations on Sundays.

Funerary Customs

In Zambian villages, the death of a loved one is a matter of communal importance. All members of the village contribute money, time, and effort towards the burial of the deceased. Grief is expressed through wailing, singing, and dancing, making it a very emotional ceremony. During the mourning period, men stay outside the house, while women remain inside. After sharing memories of the deceased, the village walks to the burial site to bid their final farewells.

Dance and Music

Dance and music, particularly the use of drums, are integral aspects of Zambian culture. Each tribal group has its own unique dance forms, although the makishi dance is common among all tribes. Dance is typically performed during initiation ceremonies and celebrations.

Frequently asked questions