Zambia
Country info
Zambia is a landlocked country located between the southern
rim of the Zaire Basin and the Zambezi River. Zambia has land borders with
Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique and Zimbabwe
to the southeast, Botswana and Namibia to the south, Angola on the west
and Zaire to the northwest.
Most of the landmass in Zambia is a high plateau lying
between 3,500 and 4,500 feet above sea level. In the northeast, the Muchinga
Mountains exceed 7,000 ft in height. Elevations under 2,000 ft are found
in the valleys of the major river systems. Plateau land in the northeastern
and eastern regions is broken by the low-lying Luangwa River., and in the
western half by the Kafue River. Both rivers are tributaries of the upper
Zambezi, the major waterway of the area. The frequent occurrence of rapids
and falls prevents through navigation of the Zambezi.
There are three large natural lakes, the Banweulu, Mweru
and Tanganyika all situated in the northern region. Lake Bangweulu and
the swamps at its southern end cover an area of 3,800 sq miles and are
drained by the Luapula River. The Copperbelt, which at one time, was responsible
for most of Zambia's wealth, lies in the Western Province, bordering with
Zaire.
Travel info
Climate
Although Zambia lies within the tropics, much
of the country has a pleasant climate because of high altitude. Both temperature
and rainfall are closely affected and moderated by the altitude of the
terrain. Temperatures are highest in the valleys of the Zambezi, Luangwa
and Kafue rivers and by the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu.
There are wide seasonal variations in temperatures and
rainfall. The highest temperatures come before the rains. October is the
hottest months, being humidity and cloudy with thunderstorms caused by
moist air from the east. The main raining season starts in mid-November,
with heavy tropical storms lasting well into April. The Northern Province
has a rainfall of from 30 - 36 inches. May to middle of August is regarded
as the cool season, after which temperatures rise rapidly. September usually
is very dry.
Livingstone has a hot climate, with extreme temperatures
of 40.6°C (105°F) and -3°C (27°F) and an annual rainfall
of almost 30 inches. From May to July the weather is perfect. Lusaka at
4,100 ft, has extreme temperatures of 39°C (100°F) and 5°C
(41°F) and an average annual rainfall of 45 inches.
Clothing
Zambia has mild winters and the summer days
can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round,
with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari
keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns
and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a
must.
Visa
Visas are required by all visitors except
nationals from Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Bahamas, Botswana,
Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kenya, Lesotho, Malaysia,
Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Nevis, New Zealand, St. Christopher,
St Vincent , St. Lucia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western
Somoa, and Zimbabwe.
UK tourists who will travel in organized tour groups pre-arranged
by foreign operators in conjunction with local Zambian Tour Operators duly
registered by the Zambian National Tourist Board do not require visas.
You may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to
support your stay. Passports must be valid for at last six months after
your intended departure date.
NB: Visa requirements change fairly regularly so it is
advisable to check with your Consulate or Embassy.
Car hire
There are many car hire companies in Lusaka
and a few in Ndola, offering a small range of vehicles. Some offer a flat
weekly rate, but most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol.
Most cars come with a chauffeur and are thus expensive. See Car Hire Companies
for Rates.
Health
It's best to come into the country with either
travellers cheques or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of
the many Bureaux de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered
an exchange on the black market at the borders, excercise extreme
caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realising
it.
Travellers cheques attract a commission when changing
to other currencies.
The Zambian currency is the Kwacha and it fluctuates quite
regularly.
In November 2000 - 1 US$ buys you 3,600 Kwacha
Nobody uses ngwee coins any more as they are worthless.
Most used denominations are K500 and K1000, K5000 and K10 000 notes
Currency
It's best to come into the country with either
travellers cheques or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of
the many Bureaux de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered
an exchange on the black market at the borders, excercise extreme
caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realising
it.
Travellers cheques attract a commission when changing
to other currencies.
The Zambian currency is the Kwacha and it fluctuates quite
regularly.
In November 2000 - 1 US$ buys you 3,600 Kwacha
Nobody uses ngwee coins any more as they are worthless.
Most used denominations are K500 and K1000, K5000 and K10 000 notes
Commercial Banks
It's best to come into the country with either
travellers cheques or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of
the many Bureaux de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered
an exchange on the black market at the borders, excercise extreme
caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realising
it.
Travellers cheques attract a commission when changing
to other currencies.
The Zambian currency is the Kwacha and it fluctuates quite
regularly.
In November 2000 - 1 US$ buys you 3,600 Kwacha
Nobody uses ngwee coins any more as they are worthless.
Most used denominations are K500 and K1000, K5000 and K10 000 notes
Language
There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the
official language is English. All media and business is in English and
most Zambians speak it fairly well. Bemba is the next most commonly understood
language, followed by Nyanja Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka.
Accessoires
sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
binoculars and a camera are a must
track suit - good for sleeping in during winter months
light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
swimsuit and snorkelling and diving gear
towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping
bags can be hired from most safari operators)
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