| ZAMBIA FAQs
ACCESS
Q: What method of transportation is recommended to reach Zambia?
A: Zambia is easily accessible by scheduled flights from Johannesburg (South Africa), Windhoek (Namibia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Livingstone and Lusaka International Airports, and frequent scheduled flights between these two major gateways are available. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.
Q: How do I get around in Zambia?
A: There are various methods of travelling around Zambia from charter flights, self-drive options and trains and coaches (the latter two are not recommended) to a range of exciting Guided Safaris. Our expert travel consultants will assist you every step of the way to ensure seamless and safe travel arrangements…read more. [link to ‘Getting around Zambia’ page]
AFRICAN WILDLIFE
Q: What are the characteristic animal species of Botswana?
A: Zambia is renowned for its pristine National Parks which feature a wealth of wildlife, including: giraffe, lion, elephant, hippo, African wild dog, antelope, and numerous bird species.
CLOTHING
Q: What should I wear?
A: You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Zambia. Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Packing Suggestions:
- Light cotton trousers
- Cotton shorts
- Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
- Sunhat
- Fleece
- Insect repellent
- Small torch
- Bathing suit
- Suntan lotion
- Sunglasses
- Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
- Binoculars
For winter, pack an extra:
- Warm jacket
- Woollen hat
- Scarf and gloves
FAMILY SAFARIS
Q: Is Zambia a good family destination?
A: Zambia offers wonderful value for families, although some establishments cater more for children’s enjoyment than others. The recommended age for children on safari is six years and older. Some lodges do not take children under 12 years – we will advise you of the best family travel options.
FOOD
Q: What style and type of meals are on offer?
A: Most lodges, hotels and restaurants in Zambia serve delicious, hearty meals of Pan-African cuisine – fresh ingredients, simply prepared with an African flavour. Vegetarian and halaal dietary requirements may be catered for but it is difficult to find strictly kosher meals.
GUEST SAFETY
Q: Will I be safe?
A: Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though Zambia is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
HEALTH
Q: What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
A: Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions.
MONEY
Q: Where can I change currency?
A: You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting Zambia and we therefore advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. The currency in Zambia is the Zambian kwacha, which is divided into 100 ngwee. Notes are issued in denominations of K10 000; 5 000; 1 000; 500; 100; 50 and 20. Most travellers will find the exchange rate in their favour.
Q: Can I use my credit card?
A: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants but acceptance outside of the major centres in Zambia is limited. Certain lodges do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
SAFARI SEASONS & TEMPERATURES
Q: Which are the best months to visit Zambia?
A: Zambia’s elevation on a plateau gives it a moderate climate, despite the fact that it is within tropical latitudes. There are three seasons, cool and dry from April to August, hot and dry from September to October and warm and wet from November to March. Only during the wet season is there noticeable humidity. In the river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa it becomes very hot only in the month of October. Average summer temperatures (September to April) range from 26C°/79°F to 30°C/86°F, and winter temperatures (May to August) from 20°C/74°F to 23°C/74°F. Game-viewing is excellent year round, particularly from June to October.
Q: When is the rainy season?
A: The main rains fall between November and March. The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Q: What should I tip?
A: We recommend that you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff and lodge managers will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
WATER
Q: Can I drink the water?
A: Tap water is usually safe to drink but bottled water can be purchased if preferred. |
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