Zambia

Back to Country Page

Overview

For visitors, Zambia has a lot to offer. Blessed with 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country is a fine destination for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Massive lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets contribute to the country's scenic splendour. The wild Zambezi River is perfect for adrenaline rush activities such as river rafting, canoeing safaris, river surfing and tiger fishing.

The Zambian government has long recognised the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost one-third of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves. Zambia is the land of the legendary African walking safari: big game, abundant birdlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness are what visitors can expect to find in Zambia.

Zambia was first colonised by the British South African Company in 1889, although it was not until 1924, when the company ceded administrative control to the British Crown (whereupon it became the colony of Northern Rhodesia), that serious exploitation of the country's main natural resource, copper, began. Unfortunately, Zambia has moved from being a major copper producer and potentially one of the continent's richest countries to one of the world's poorest.

From 1953 to 1963, the country found itself forming the northern part of the Central African Federation, essentially a pale form of apartheid, which enjoyed no support whatsoever among the black population. The colonial authorities ceded independence in 1964.

Area : 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).
Population : 11 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density : 14.6 per sq km.
Capital : Lusaka. Population: 1 million (2005).
Government : Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964.
Language : English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.
Religion : Around 30% of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.
Time : GMT + 2.
Social Conventions
African culture and traditions remain prominent and there are various customs, folklore and traditional crafts in the different regions. Traditional dancing is popular and there are many colourful annual ceremonies that take place throughout the country. Visitors to the outlying areas should expect to be met with curiosity. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Gifts are often offered to visitors as a sign of gratitude, friendship or honour. One should never refuse a gift but accept it with both hands. Homosexuality is illegal; those caught engaging in homosexual acts can be sentenced to several years imprisonment.
Photography: Visitors are able to take photographs in most places but are advised to avoid military installations.
Electricity : 230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Head of State : President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa since 2001.

Culture

Food and Drink
Owing to the liberalisation of the economy, there is now plenty of food in the shops. Local and imported beers, spirits and assorted soft drinks are available.

National specialities:
o Freshwater fish: bream from the Kafue, Luapula and Zambezi rivers, Nile perch and lake salmon.

National drinks:
o Mosi and Rhino lager.

Tipping: A 10% sales tax is added to all bills. Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law but a 10% tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.

Nightlife : Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres. The Copperbelt and Livingstone areas offer a variety of entertainments including casinos and nightclubs. Very popular among travellers are boat trips on the river with a few drinks (also called 'booze' cruises).

Shopping : Lusaka has modern shops, supermarkets and open-air markets. Special purchases include African carvings, pottery and copperware, beadwork and local gemstones.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300 (some stay open until 1700).

Environment

Climate
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.

Required Clothing
Lightweights or tropical with rainwear.

Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River, together with Lake Kariba, forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the manmade Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1,200m (3,937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.

Money

Currency
Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee. Notes are in denominations of ZMK50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of ZMK1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 ngwee.
Currency Exchange
Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorised banks and bureaux de change.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Most hotels, restaurants, travel agents and bigger shops accept credit cards. ATMs are available within Lusaka and some of the major towns in Zambia. Standard Chartered and Barclays Bank have ATMs which accept Visa.
Traveller's Cheques
Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours
Vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mon-Fri 0815-1430. Some banks are open 0815-1030 on the first and last Saturday of the month.

Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Zambia by persons over 18 years without incurring customs duty:
o 200 cigarettes or 450g of tobacco.
o One opened bottle of alcoholic beverages.

Traveller's Guide

Passports
Passport valid for six months from the date of entry required.
Visas
Required except the following for stays of up to 30 days:
(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Visa Note
A Bonafide Tourist, who is travelling on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia or at Zambian missions abroad. The Bonafide Tourist will also be exempt from submitting a letter of invitation, photocopy of flight details and proof of funds.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £33 (or US$60 at port of entry) (single-entry); £45 (double- and multiple-entry). Payable in cash in person or by postal order payable to the Zambia High Commission.
Validity
Six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days; transit visa valid for seven days. Daytripper visas are valid for tourists entering Zambia for no more than 24 hours.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission or embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three.

Contact Addresses

High Commission for the Republic of Zambia in the UK
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zhcl.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (visa section).

Zambia National Tourist Board in the UK
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London W8 5NG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 6655.
Website: www.zambiatourism.com

Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in the USA
2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 265 9717.
Website: www.zambiaembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section).

Health Care
Health service is not free. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you are spending time in remote parts of the country.

As a UK specialist for independent travel, Footloose Adventure Travel can tailor-make all your holiday, trek, hotel, transport and tour requirements. We offer the security of booking with a UK company and the benefit of our experience and local knowledge.