Zambia is full of national parks, rivers and wetlands that attract an enormous variety of animals. Zambia is one of Africa’s less talked about safari destinations. Before or after your Safari you can also visit Victoria Falls one of the great natural wonders. I drove into Zambia through the Zimbabwe border and spent most of my time in Livingston where I made a trip to the devil’s pool. I spent a week in Zambia then continued my Journey to Botswana by ferry.
Best Time to Visit
Zambia’s dry season is between June and November which is the best time to visit due to its hot days and cool nights. The wet season is between January and February a good time for bird watching, but not much else.
Things to do and see
- The Devil’s Pool: Between August and January depending on the water levels tourist can swim and sit on the edge of the falls. The Devils Pool is in Livingstone Island, the Zambian side of Victoria fall. The Devil’s pool has a reputation for attracting thrill-seekers.
- South Luangwa National Park: The Wildlife in Luangwa National park is best seen during the dry season from June to November, when the animals gather along the river.
- Livingstone Island: Livingston Island was open in 1992 in order to provide picnics on the edge of Victoria Falls. The area can only accommodate 24 people at any one time. Most people going to the Island do so to access the Devils pool.
Food
In Livingstone and Lusaka there are good international style restaurants. Zambia’s traditional cuisine is based on porridge made from ground maize. This is usually eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes the porridge is prepared with meat, tomatoes and dried fish. The staple diet for most Zambian people is starchy food with stews and beans.
Transportation
Air: There are no direct flights from London to Zambia. The main domestic airlines in Zambia is Proflight which fly’s to all the major tourist areas.
Roads: The roads are good and well maintained, however in rural areas it is not safe to drive at night, many of the roads have potholes. Drivers drive on the left side of the road.
Taxi: In Lusaka and other cities there are private minibuses and shared taxi’s that are not metered. Prices should be negotiated before you start your ride.
Bus: Long distance and international buses run from Lusaka.
Ferry: local ferries operate on all waters surrounding Zambia.
Rail: The rail service is badly maintained and often delayed. Zambia has three train lines, one that runs from Livingstone to Lusaka, the second runs from Livingstone to Copperbelt. The final line operates from Kapiri Mposhi to Tanzania. Children under six travel for free.
Visa
Visas are required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals. You can request a visa on arrival.
Language
The official language is English although over 72 different over languages are spoken throughout Zambia.
Money
The currency of Zambia is the Zambian kwacha (Kw). However, some hotels and lodges will accept US$. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, shops and restaurants.
Social etiquette
Casual conservative wear is generally acceptable everywhere but revealing clothes should be avoided since they may offend some people. Do not take pictures of people without asking permission. Photography within airports or the military is not allowed. In rural areas visitors may be offered gifts as a sign of respect and friendship, to refuse the gift would be considered an insult. 30% of the population are Christian, a small amount are Muslim, Hindu or practice traditional tribal beliefs.
Racism/Sexism/Discrimination
Tipping
Tipping is not customary.
Adaptor
Zambia has three associated plugs, one of which is the same as in the U.K the three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Three round pins and lastly two round pins. Zambia operates on a 230V and the voltage supply is 50Hz.
Wifi
There are internet cafes in Livingston, Lusaka and the other large towns in Zambia.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 