Zambia beckons with an abundance of natural attractions and extreme sports, which has earned it the reputation of being the 'adventure center of the continent.
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The country's prime attraction is the spectacular, breathtaking Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Not only do the falls provide unmatched scenery as the water plunges into the depths of the gorge, but they are also the setting for a multitude of adrenaline pumping activities, like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping from the 364ft (111m) high bridge, canoeing, abseiling, micro-lighting over the falls, elephant-back safaris, jet-boating through the rapids and many more.
If dry land is more to your taste, Zambia offers dozens of superb game parks stocked with a profusion of birds and wildlife. Chief among the parks is South Luangwa National Park, centered on the most intact major river system in Africa, which hosts a huge concentration of game. The legendary 'Zambian walking safari' originated in this park and still offers one of the finest ways to experience the African wilderness.
Visitors to Zambia seldom linger in the towns, being bent on safaris or destined for game lodges and adventure camps, but those who choose to explore the somewhat disheveled capital, Lusaka, will find it has an interesting charm. More than half of the inhabitants of this over-populated city are unemployed, yet the atmosphere is far from despondent as the people hustle and bustle, determined to survive. Thousands of stalls line the streets offering a fascinating array of services and goods.
The Basics
Time:
GMT +2.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs, as well as two-and three pin round plugs are in use.
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Language:
There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.
Health:
Polio, typhoid, rabies and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. Malaria is endemic in Zambia (prophylaxis is essential), and outbreaks of cholera and dysentery are common especially during the rainy season. Visitors to game parks are at risk of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), which is carried by tsetse flies; insect repellent is ineffective against tsetse flies.
Communications:
The international dialing code for Zambia is +260. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 1 for Lusaka. Operator assisted calls can be booked by dialing 090 or 093. Public telephones are widely available, most requiring tokens, but card phones are now available from where international calls can be made. Connections tend to be bad, particularly outside of Lusaka. There are GSM 900 cell phone networks in operation, but coverage is limited mainly to urban areas. There are several Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka, and secretarial services in Lusaka offer full telephone, fax, telex and email facilities. Postal services are fairly reliable.
Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
Zambia National Tourist Board, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 229 087 or www.zambiatourism.com
Zambia Embassies
Zambian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 9717.
Zambian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 6655.
Zambian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 440.
Zambian High Commission, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3491 0121.
Zambian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 326 1854.
Foreign Embassies in Zambia
United States Embassy, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 250 955.
British High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 251 133.
Canadian High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 250 833.
Australian High Commission, Harare, Zimbabwe (also responsible for Zambia): +263 (0)4 852 471.
South African High Commission, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 260 999.
Irish Embassy, Lusaka: +260 (0)1 291 298.
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Zambia): +27 (0)12 342 8656/7/8/9.
Zambia Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:
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Airports
Lusaka International Airport (LUN)
Location: The airport is situated 16 miles (27km) east of Lusaka.
Time: GMT+2. Contacts: Tel: +260 (0)1 271 044, (0)1 271 313.
Facilities: The airport has a bank with bureau de change, a post office, restaurant, bar, duty-free shop, chemist, newsagent and a VIP lounge. A tourist help desk and travel agent can also be found in the airport terminal building, as well as a business center.
Parking: Departure Tax: US$25 (may be included in ticket).up
Climate
Zambia is warm all year round, but has three distinct seasons. Between December and April the weather is hot and wet; from May to August it is cooler and dry; between September and November conditions are hot and dry. Average summer temperatures range between 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), while in winter the variation increases ranging from 43°F to 75°F (6°C to 24°C).
Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must obtain a visa to visit Zambia. It can be issued on arrival and is valid for the period of stay. A valid passport is also required for entry to Zambia.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport and a visa to visit Zambia. Visas may be purchased at the port of entry, and will be valid for the period of stay, although it is often best to organize one in advance.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Zambia. Visas may be obtained on arrival and are valid for the period of stay.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia for 90 days within a 12-month period, whether taken together or in sections. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa, which can be issued on arrival. Visas are valid for length of stay.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for a period of 90 days in a 12-month period, whether taken at once or in sections.
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Passport/Visa Note: A return ticket or proof of onward travel, all documents for next destination and proof of sufficient funds is required for all travelers. Visas issued on arrival vary in fee according to amount of entries and nationality. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. For those nationalities requiring a visa for Zambia, a fee of US$10 is paid on arrival for a 'Day Tripper Visa' and is valid for a maximum stay of 24 hours.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
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