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Basic Facts
Full Name : Republic of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia)Capital : Lusaka
Time : GMT +2 hours
Currency : Kwacha (ZK)
Language : English
Getting Around
Rail & BusA railway line runs all the way from Livingstone, through Lusaka to Nakonde. At Kapiri Mposhi, this branches off to Kitwe. An express service operates along the Livingstone-Lusaka route three times a week. Bus services run fairly regularly, but are not a very comfortable means of transport because of the road conditions and overcrowding. Minibuses operate along shorter routes.
Airports
Domestic air service operates between the major airports:
Lusaka International Airport (LUN)
Maramba Airport, Livingstone (LVI)
N'dola (NLA)
There are a total of 112 runways in Zambia, 12 of which are tarred. Many air services fly between major tourist destinations. Charter flights are best arranged through your travel agent. Departure tax on international flights from Lusaka is US$20.
Roads
There are 39,700 km of road highways in Zambia, of which only 7,265 km are paved. The road from Chitapa to Lusaka is in reasonable condition, but otherwise roads are bad. After rains, most gravel rains are only passable with a four-wheel drive vehicle. Car rental is available in Lusaka. There is a good network of petrol stations, though not in the game parks. You will need an international driving licence. Driving is on the left side of the road. Local driving habits and road conditions make driving in Zambia rather unsafe. It is not recommended as a self-drive destination during the wet season.
Passports and Visas
This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Zambian Consulate for up to date information. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for any visa as well as for entry stamps upon arrival. Nationals of the following countries do not require visas for a visit of less than 90 days: Commonwealth Dependent and Associated states (excluding Britain, Ghana, India, Gambia, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do need visas), Fiji, Norway, Romania, South Africa, Sweden and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest Zambian Consulate. Requirements for this are: three completed application forms, two passport photos, proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket and a letter from host in Zambia. Generally, single entry visas, valid for three months cost US$25 and multiple entry visas, valid for six months, cost US$80, but validity and costs can vary according to your nationality. All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket. Entry Requirements(as at June 2000)
General Accommodation Info
Most visitors to Zambia go to the national parks, including the southern region along the Zambezi River. Accommodation in the parks ranges from camping, to self-catering huts or chalets (with a staffed kitchen) to top end lodges where accommodation is in luxury chalets or permanent tents with full facilities, including en suite bathrooms. Lodges are both private and public and often include park fees and activities such as guided game drives and walks. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible, since most of the lodges in Zambia are very small and availability is at a premium, especially during the peak months of May - October. International hotels are available in the cities and major towns.When To Go
Zambia's distinctive seasons provide visitors with different perspectives depending on the time of year. The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season, though the thick spray may obscure your view. At the end of the dry season, October to December, the water levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock formation. River rafting on the Zambezi is not safe when the river is in flood in the rainy season, so check with your agent on expected conditions if you are considering this. Game viewing is excellent from June to August, but is best in September and October as game gather around perennial water holes or rivers. Due to an abundance of water after the rainy season, wildlife is scattered. Vegetation is lush, green and beautiful, but obscures game viewing.Currency
Zambia's unit of currency is the Zambian kwacha, which is divided into 100 ngwee. Notes are issued in denominations of K10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100 and 50. Coins are K1, and 20, 10, 5,2 and 1 ngwee.
Exchange Rate
Most visitors will find the exchange rate is in their favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.
Banks
There is a choice of banks in major towns as well as bureau de change, which usually offer better exchange rates than banks. Bank hours are generally 08:15 - 14:30 Monday to Friday. Note that off the tourist routes there are not many banks and you will need a supply of cash. Entrance to the game reserves can only be paid in kwacha.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted at the bigger hotels and shops. However, note that certain lodges do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
