Practical information Zambia
Area
292128 sq.mi
Flights
10 hrs 10 mins, direct flight (with British Airways).
Jet Lag
Population
11480000 hab.
Airports
Lusaka International Airport is 12.5 miles from the city centre. Allow around 30 euros by taxi. There are no bus lines, but major hotels have their own shuttle buses.
Security
Careful: border regions should generally be avoided, particularly those close to Namibia, Angola, the Democratic republic of Congo and Katanga (Shaba) in Zaire. Borders are poorly controlled by the authorities and are at risk from armed, dangerous, unidentified incursions. It is also a good idea to avoid travelling alone in the working-class areas (townships) of the major cities.
Languages
English is the official language. There are almost 70 local dialects, including Swaheli, bemba, tonga and nyanga.
Requirements
Your passport must be valid for six months after the return date. A short term visa is also necessary. It can be issued at the Zambian embassy in London, or upon arrival in Zambia (international airports and frontier posts). Bring two identity photos and an invitation letter from the person hosting you, or a certified document from the travel agency. You must show a return ticket. Concerning prices, consular rates vary between £20 for a single entry visa, £25 for two entries and £30 for multiple entries. Each visa allows you to stay for a duration of 1 month.
Religion
Christianity is dominant (70%), with a protestant
majority. 25 % is animist and there is a minority of muslims.
Currency
The currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMK). 1 GBP = 7,190.42 ZMK.
Cash and travellers cheques are the recommended means of payment. Credit cards (Visa and American Express) are also usually accepted in hotels and you can withdraw cash from the banks in Lusaka on presentation of your credit card (although the delay can take up to a day). There are no cash machines here, though. Banks are open from 8:00am to 2:00pm or 3:00pm Monday to Thursday and from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Local transportation
We do not advise driving in Zambia though if you do decide to, an international driving license is required. Driving is on the left and the road network is in poor condition. Driving at night is dangerous, particularly outside the cities, due to the poor state of the roads, the lack of respect for the rules of the road and the presence of animals on the road. Vehicle theft (particularly of 4x4s) is very common. Drinking and driving is severely punished (up to 5 years in prison). International car hire companies are represented in the capital, and will hire out vehicles with a driver.
Internal flights are also available, through small charter companies all based in Lusaka. Private bus companies deal with the main cities in the country, but journeys are long and uncomfortable. The rail network linking Livingstone and Kitwe, offers poor security for travellers.
Health
In addition to the usual vaccinations, vaccines against hepatitises A and B, typhoid, rabies and meningitis are necessary. The vaccination against yellow fever is also required. The vaccination against measles is strongly recommended even though you do not need to show a justifying document to enter into the country. Antimalaria treatment (mefloquine) must be taken; the country is listed in zone 3. Be careful as cholera appears frequently during the rainy season. The country is very affected by HIV. Once here, only drink water in bottles or sterilised water and do not consume raw fruit or vegetables without washing your hands very well. Meat must be very well cooked. It is recommended to subscribe to insurance covering medical expenses and a medical repatriation plan.
Useful numbers:
Dr Osman (Magnum Clinic in Kabulonga) 262 366
Hospitals and Clinics in Lusaka: Monica Chiumya Clinic 261 247 and Minbank Clinic-Dr Bush 222 612 or 226 983.
Electricity
220/240 V. Squared electric plugs with three pins.
(British model). An adapter is necessary.
Flood of tourists
565,000 tourists visited Zambia in 2003
Taxes and tips
Tipping is illegal in Zambia. Service is included in restaurant rates.
Telephone
To call Zambia from the UK :dial 260 (country code) + main city codes (Lusaka: 01 ; Kitwe : 02 ; Livingstone : 03) + number.
To call the UK from Zambia: dial 00 +44 + personal phone number (without the first 0).
Practical information Zambia
© 2001-2012 Easyvoyage - 71 rue Desnouettes - 75015 Paris France - Tel: 00 33 (0)1 44 25 94 00 - fax: 00 33 (0)1 44 25 94 01
Contact