Travel Tips

All the tips for a safe and relaxed holiday in Zambia

The text below has been extracted from "Magic of Zambia". This book is an amazing source of information for the entire Zambia. From the Waterfalls of the North to the Flood plains of the Western province, this book covers everything with text and amazing photographs !!! "Magic of Zambia" is available for purchase. Please don't hesitate sending us a message info@bunduadventures.com.

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Entertainment

A night out in Zambia usually means eating, drinking and dancing. In the bigger cities, the range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs is more extensive, and though choices are limited, it is impossible to take in a play, film or live band, especially in Lusaka.

Major towns have good sporting facilities and there is always a football match to watch. See individuals relevant chapters for more details of recommended places.
Shopping

There are a number of well-stocked supermarkets, shopping complexes and food markets in major cities as well as some impressive craft markets where bargaining is acceptable. See individual relevant chapters for more details.
Business hours

Banking hours are 08:15 – 15:00, Monday to Friday and on the last Saturday of every month.

Government offices arew usually open between 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Private offices tend to keep the same hours but are open over lunchtime and usually on Saturday mornings. Shop hours vary between 08:00 and 09:00 to 16:30 and 17:30, Monday to Friday, although some of the supermarkets stay open untill 20:00. Saturday is a working day and some shops also open for some hours on Sunday.
Arts and Crafts

Overshadowed for years by the richer traditions of neigbouring Zimbabwe and democratic republic of congo (former Zaire), Zambias arts scene is starting to come into its own.

Most months in lusaka and livingstone there are art exhibitions showcasing the work of a small group of local contemprary painters. Sculptures and ceramic artists, some of whom have studied abroad and often blend western with traditional styles. Pieces often depict Zambias social, economic and political concerns and can be purchased at the handful of private galleries mostly found in the capital. Look out for Flinto Chandia, Lutanda, Mulenga Chafilwa, Vandita, Laury Nevers, Friday Tembo and Patrick Mumbas works.

Craft centers, urban and rural markets and roadside stalls boast a variety of local handicrafts, including traditional musical instruments, items, items made from wire and brightly-coloured chitenge cloth, copperware, households items such as spoons, bowlos, stools, mats, wood and cane furniture, carvings of elephants, hippos, giraffes made from wood and soapstone.

Zambian basketwork, especially from the western and southern provinces, can be very beautiful and intricate. Local people especially in villages continue to use the baskets for their trditional purposes, such as carrying food or trapping fish. Tourists can buy some wonderful works, for example on the roadside to siavonga, as souvenirs for back home.

Equally impressive are Zambias tradional clay pots which come in a variety of simple shapes and sizes and are shaped by hand usingno artificial colours.

More expensive items include handcrafted silver jewellery inset with semi-precious gemstones.

Art is not limited to galleries and drawings, paintings can also be seen on the exterior walls of village huts in certain parts of the country. The north and east of zambia boasts some impressive rock art, which depicts daily scenes from the lives of stone age people.
Music and Dance

Music and dance play a pivotal role in Zambian social and religious life. From the opening of paeliament to independence celebrations, no national event is complete without traditional music and dancing, some of which is dazzling.

More spectacular dances include magnificently masked dancers who perform daring featssuch sa dancing on a rope streched between two tall poles. The national dance troupe is fabled for its energetic perfomances at national ceremonies. The most celebrated of all zambian instruments is the drum. 0other zambian instruments include horns, flutes, trupets and the xylophone is a favorite among some tradional rulers.

When it comes to morden music, zambia is yet to come up with its own distinctive style. In the late 70s and 80s attempts were made to promote kalindula, a fusion of congolese rumba rhythms and softer zambian sounds with roots in the northen luapula province.

Nevertheless, a recent surge of local record companies means younger musicians are experimenting with a whole range of new sounds and that unique zambian sound could just be around the band, Jk, Shatel, Nasty D, St Michael Zulu, Marsha Moyo, Jane osbourne, Maureen Lilanda and No Parking band.
Food and Drink

The national dish, eaten every day by millions of Zambians is nsima and relish. Nsima is stiff meal porridge, usually made of maize and occasionally made of sorghum or cassava meal, similar to Italy’s polenta. The accompanying relish can be a stew of meat, chicken or fish or one of the numerous kinds of vegetables readily grown in the country. Outdoor cooking is part of the Zambian way of life and barbecues are very popular. Meals at most hotels, lodges, camps and restaurants are mostly European.

Seasonal fruits are abundant and include pawpaws, mangoes, avocados, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, guavas, pineapples, sugarcane and water melons. Zambia’s bush boasts more than 100 varieties of wild fruits.

A variety of local and imported alcoholic drinks are available, including the local and popular mosi, south African wine and spirits. Home-brewed beer from the sweet munkoyo to the more potent brews is widely drunk throughout the country.

Soft drinks include the usual global fizzy drinks, a selection of local fruit juices and mineral water. Good locally produced tea and coffee are also available.

Language

Being a former British colony, the official language is English, which is spoken widely in towns and cities.

Even in rural areas it is usually possible to find someone who speaks some English.

Zambian English is sometimes unusual. For example, if you ask what time will the bus l leave? The reply may be now, now, meaning soon. Or someone leaving the room may say, I am coming, meaning they will be returning.

Seven local languages have been given special status by the government. Bemba, kikaonde, lozi, lunda, luvale, nyanja, and tonga are used on radio, television and primary school level. many zambians are able to speak more than one of these languages. Speaking a few words in the local languages is much more appreciated. As Bemba and nyanja are most widely used languages, a few useful phrases are listed below:

ENGLISH	NYANJA	BEMBA
Hello	bwanji	shani
Goodbye	salani bwino	shalenipo bwino
How are you?	Muli bwanji?	Muli sahni?
I am fine	ndili bwino	ndifye bwino
Thank you very much	dzikomo kwambili	natotela sana
Good morning	mwauka bwanji	mwashibukeni
Good night	gonani bwino	sendamenipo mukwai
Where do you come from	muchokela kuti	mufuma kwi
I come from...	Ndi choka...	nafuma ku...
What is your name?	Dzina lanu ndani?	Niwe nani ishina
My name is...	Dzina langa ndi...	shine lyandi nine...

Communications

There are post offices in all main towns and poste restante facilities are available. Zambia’s postal services are generally safe and relatively efficient but valuable and urgent items should be sent by registered mail or via private couriers and express operators that deliver door-to-door.
Courier / Postal Services

DHL international ltd
Tel: 01 229768-71. Fax: 01 225529
Email: dhl@lun-co.zm.dhl.com.

Fedex
Tel: 01 252189/252191. Fax: 01 252585
Email: keten@fedex.myexpress.co.za
Website: www.fedex.com.

Online express
Tel: 01 226496-7. Fax: 01 226497
Email: online@zamtel.zm.

Mercury/ups
Tel: 01 231137/239872. Fax: 01 239868
Email: ups@zamnet.zm.

Skynet worldwide Express
Tel: 01224047. Fax: 01 224047
Email: parexpress@zamnet.zm.

Zampost
Tel: 01 224598/01 221707, Cairo Rd, Lusaka.
Phone services

Landlines are operated by the state owned Zambia telecommunications (Zamtel). Direct-dial international calling and fax facilities are available from post offices and telephone bureaux. Phone cards are also available from post offices, supermarkets and fuel stations. There are three celuller networks, telecel, celtel, and cel Z which offer pre and post paid GSM services.

Coverage is available in major towns, the network is often conjested and charges are high by international standards. Visitors can buy sim cards and rent phones, roaming is also possible.
Internet

Internet services are provided by zamtel, zamnet, and microlink solutions. A growing number of hotels offer in-house e-mail facilities and the three major hotels in Lusaka have direct connections from the rooms.
Broadcasting

Television is dominated by government controlled Zambia national broadcasting corporation, which transmits an eclectic mixture of news in English and local languages, current affairs football games, religious programs, documentaries, imported soaps and films. Religious programs are transmitted by the American Christian television station and trinity broadcasting network (TBN) while satellite TV is available via DSTV and m –net, a south African pay-TV service. There are a number of video rental shops, including blockbusters at Arcades, kabulonga and castle.

ZNBC broadcasts by radio throughout the day on many wavelengths in English and the seven major languages. Local radio stations have blossomed in recent years. radio Christian voice and radio icengelo broadcast Christian programs. commercial stations radio phoenix, choice fm and Q Fm transmit local news and information, sport, music and a range of features programs. BBC world service is available on 98 fm.
Tipping

Hotels and restaurants add a 10 % service charge and 17.5 % VAT to bills, so it is not necessary to tip but feel free to if you want. Often quoted pieces do not include these extras so be careful.
Time

Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich mean time and locally people use the 24-hour clock.
Climate

Thee are three main seasons: the cold, dry winter season (may-august), the hot, dry season (september-november) and the warm rainy season (december-april). Rainfall varies countrywide from 600mm to 3000mm.

Zambia’s altitude4 means it is seldom unpleasantly hot and humidity is low. In winter the days are generally dry and sunny with temperatures averaging from 15-20 degrees Celsius. But at night it can be very chilly especially in the bush. In the hot season temperatures average 25-30 during the day, except in October when temperatures often exceed 32 degrees Celsius
Clothing

Bring light clothing, such as cotton for the hot season, a light raincoat and umbrella for the rainy season. Warm jumpers and fleeces for the cooler months. Even in the hotter months something warm may be needed in the morning and evening, sun block, sun-glasses and hats are recommended all year round,as is a good pair of walking shoes, for game viewing you’ll need dark on neutral colored clothes. Some hotels expect smart casual wear for dining, but for the most part dress in informal though never sloppy.
Entry requirements

All visitor require valid passports Visas are required by most nationals buut check with local Zambian embassies. Tourists entering the country as part of a tour organized by Zambian travel operators are exempt from visa requirements change from time to time so be sure to check before traveling.
Border post

Zambia can be entered by road from Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, Tanzania Angolan border is not open to road traffic due to decades of conflict. Most border posts are open from 06:00-18:00 hours daily. Check with local residents and travel agents.
Personal security

Zambia is generally quite a safe country and the vast majority of Zambians welcome tourists and went to be helpful, but the following precautions should be taken. Always take good care of personal valuable as pickpockets and other thieves do operate in the big cities, Crowded areas are particularly high risk. When you don’t need them it is wise to keep valuables in hotel safes.

It is illegal to use, possess or trade in any kind of narcotic, and the courts are particularly severe on anyone involved with drugs. It is also illegal to import firearms into Zambia without special permission. There are also tough special permission. There are also tough laws against pornography. If you are robbed contact the police as soon as possible. Be polite in your official dealing with the police, They may request a favor in return for doing the job. If you need a copy of crime report for insurance purposes please ensure you explain this to the police officers. As well as main police posts in the officers. As well as main police station there are community police posts in residential, commercial and industrial areas. It is important to carry your passports at all times or at least a photocopy. Always keep a separate note of the number and its date and place of issue. If you have this information it will be easier to replace. In case you do lose your embassy immediately. If you have a genuine emergency, your embassy or consulate should provide help.
Disabled access

Facilities for disabled are limited in Zambia and it is best to make far in advance requirements known far I advance. Many hotels and guesthouses is single storey small enough to cater for specific needs. Wheelchair users should be warned that because access ramps are rare you should be prepared to carry; there is no shortage of willing helpers.
Electricity supply

The electrical supply is the 220/240 volts systems and the three-pin plugs used are of British square bayonet pin type.
Photography

Zambia is an immensely photogenic country and if you are a keen photographer, carry spare camera batteries and ample stocks of your preferred choice of film. Normal film and batteries can be found in the cities. Processing of prints is available, but not slides. Make sure you bring a dust-proof bag to keep your camera in a cool box, especially when visiting in the hot season. For good wildlife photography, a very powerful telescopic lens is essential. Be sensitive when photographing people. Most people especially children, enjoy being photographed, but some are more reticent. Be polite and always ask before taking anyone’s photograph. A Polaroid camera overcomes the problem of promised photographs never sent,Some people may ask for payment and faced by the poverty in which most Zambians live,you may be happy to oblige .remember ,however ,that by indiscriminately handing out money you may be encouraging people to hassle tourists to photograph for a price.Officially there are no longer any restriction on what you may photograph, except military installations. However it is wise to ask first.
Air travel

Zambia is a large country and travelling by air ,though expensive,can save valuable time for visitors on a short trip.Zambian Airways operates internal flights to Ndola,Kitwe,Livingstone and Mfuwe[for South luangwa].The advent of companies such as Nationwide and British Airways mean there are often some real bargain flights between Zambia and Johannesburg and cape town.South African Airways also operate the south African route.Other foreign airlines are Air Malawi,AirNamibia,Air Tanzania,Air Zimbabwe,British Airways,Ethiopian Airlines,kenya Airways and LM. There are also a number of charter companies, some of which operate a service on more popular routes, such as Lusaka-Mfuwe and Lusaka-Livingstone. A large group can also charter their own plane in order to reach more remote areas.All visitors are required to pay international airport tax[us$20 in Usdollars]when leaving and a domestic departure fee[US$ 5]for internal flights. prices are subject to change.
Bus services

Most towns have a main bus station, usually close to a market. The cities have several including one or two for long distance routes.

Minibuses.These light blue and white vehicles are not for the fainthearted or long journeys. They are a cheap way of getting around towns,but they are overcrowded and uncomfortable. Buses leave starting points when they are full, with conductors shouting out the destination of their buses.

Always double –check the destination before boarding and confirm the prices with other passengers. You pay the conductor either as you get on or during the journey, have as close to the exact amount as possible and be prepared to ask for your change several times. Be warned that most drivers might drive quickly. Minibuses are a favorite target at police roadblocks so are prepared for delays.

BUSES. For longer distances, including traveling to other countries ,there are a number of companies offering travel by ordinary bus ,express coaches and luxury express coaches. Travel is relatively cheap and is worth paying the little bit extra to get the extra comfort of luxury coaches.

On all three types of buses, overcrowding is virtually unheard of, there is flexible time table and many have their own station. The fare is paid in advance. If there is no time table, ask around to discover a plausible departure time or simply arrive early at the bus station. Bear in mind that more buses leave in the morning so as to cover long distances during the night some drivers are very fast and dangerous.

CR. Coaches
Located at intercity bus terminal, Lusaka.

Mazhandu Family Bus Services

Intercape mainliner
Tel: 01 251358
Email : info@intercape.co.za

Linking Africa
Tel: 01 234420, Lusaka.

Trans Zambezi
Tel: 01 251369. Fax: 01 254917
Email: info@intercape.co.za
Website: www.intercape.co.za

Translux Bus Services
Tel: 01 228682
Email: reservations@zamsaf.co.zm
Taxis

Private taxis are unmetered so negotiate the fare before you get in. most drivers will try to make a quick buck out of visitors so do not be afraid to bargain, though do this politely and with a smile. Most hotels will be able to advise what you should be charged. Ensure you have the change or ask the driver if he has some, otherwise you may end up paying more than agreed.

Dial-a-cab
Tel: 095 701377/096 222222/095 773937
Motoring

If you are bringing a motor vehicle into the country you must have a Customs importation Permit (CIP) which is issued at the border point of entry. You must carry the CIP, the vehicles insurance papers and valid international or SADC driving license in the car at all times as the police are entitled to ask for these documents at the countless roadblocks set up on Zambia’s major roads. you should be aware that these checkpoints are ostensibly set up for security purposes. Remember to carry all the right documents, wear your seat belt, carry warning triangles, red and white reflective strips on the vehicle is a legal requirement in Zambia. Adherence to the above should make your journey hassle-free.

Driving is on the left, the speed limit is 50km per hour in built up areas and 120km per hour on the open road with 100km per hour when leaving built up areas. Be careful of speed traps.

In urban areas, watch out for cyclists. While in rural areas domestic or wild animals on or near the road can also be extremely hazardous. Road signage is basic and street names and numbers often-non existence.

There are petrol stations in towns, where fuel is paid for in cash. Sometimes, especially in smaller towns, there is no fuel so ensure that you have a full tank before setting off and fill up whenever you can. Always carry Jerry cans of fuel and water for long distance journeys rather than resort to buying from the roadside (marked by plastic containers and bottles) as more often than not this fuel is contaminated. To avoid potholes, vehicles often keep on the best part of the road until they have to pass each other. It is also accepted practice to honk your horn to warn pedestrians and other motorists as you approach.

Start off early and plan ahead to avoid driving at night, a highly dangerous undertaking given the number of potholes and vehicles with one or no lights on the road. Equally dangerous, at night, and during the day, is a vehicle broken down on the road. Be aware that most vehicles do not carry red warning triangles so the first signs of a breakdown are often a hard-to-see trail of branches and foliage on the road. Make sure you carry all breakdown equipment including an inflated spare tyre, a jack in working order, the correct size wheel spanner and a puncture repair kit. Spare tools are hard to find beyond major cities. There is no metered parking, but you may have to pay a small fee to the local council workers for certain parking spaces in town. Most often young men will offer to watch your vehicle for a small fee. Never park in an unguarded area and do not leave anything of value visible in your car.
Cycling

Cycling tourists are still few in Zambia except in the Livingstone area where bicycles can be hired.

As yet no one offers cycling tours, so if you want to brave long distances and bad roads then you will have to make your own arrangements. Get plenty of advice before starting off.
Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is common where public transport is scarce.

Locals almost always pay for the ride and you will be expected to do the same.
Changing money

The unit of currency is the kwacha (K). bank notes come in denominations of K50, 000, K10, 000, K5, 000, K1, 000, K500, K100, K50, K20.coins are no longer used. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency notes visitors may bring into Zambian general, cash is US dollars or British pounds are most convenient and fetch the best rate. Travelers cheques are the safest since they can be replaced if lost or stolen. Major banks including Barclays, standard chartered and stanbic will accept them, but the rate will be lower and you will be charged commission.

Major credit cards such as visa, American express, master card and Dinners club are accepted in up markets hotels and restaurants and to pay for flights, tours and car rentals. But many places still accept cash only. do not be tempted to deal with money changers on the street and border posts. They are shrewd operators, and if you do not get cheated with the rate, you could end up with a fistful counterfeit notes. Politely say no and shop around increasingly competitive banks and bureau de changer.

Always be careful with your money and credit cards. Given Zambian prices, it is hard to avoid large sums of cash with you, but try to carry enough only for your immediate needs.