| |
|
FULL NAME: Republic of Zambia
(formerly Northern Rhodesia)
CAPITAL: Lusaka
INDEPENDENCE: 24 October 1964
TIME: GMT+2 hours
POPULATION: 9,663,535 (estimated July 1999)
AREA: 752 610km² (740 720km2 land; 11 890km² water)
CURRENCY: Kwacha (ZK)
PRESIDENT President Levy Mwanawasa
Often described as 'the real Africa', Zambia has its
own special charm and offers an incredible diversity
of attractions - including huge protected wilderness
areas, vast inland swamps, cascading waterfalls, the
source of both the Zaire and Zambezi rivers and numerous
large lakes - encompassed in a land area of over 750,000
sq. kms. Its charm is in part due its apparent lack
of development in recent times by comparison to its
neighbors - it still maintains that feeling of being
in another age - as yet untouched by 'mass tourism'.
Apart from South Luangwa NP, Zambia's many parks are
virtually unknown. Although at one tine much of the
countries wildlife (apart from South Luangwa) was decimated
by excessive hunting and poaching, the situation has
greatly improved and wildlife numbers are on the increase
in most Parks.
Comment: A safari in Zambia
is still run on 'old' style principles - comfortable
but not luxurious - 'real,' not set apart. The camps
and lodges are more rustic than in other parts of Africa.
They have been done like this on purpose and have not
been developed with the 'mass market' in mind. These
small, personalized safari outposts are home to some
of the most knowledgeable wildlife experts in Africa.
Night drives are also a feature within the National
Parks (often not available in other countries). This
is the land of the legendary African walking safari,
the earth's biggest waterfall, the wild Zambezi River,
breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds,
abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness .......all
in one friendly country!
Book
your safari to Zambia now! |
SELECT Tours 2008
Discover Zambia (9 days/8 nights)
South Luangwa + Kafue NP + Victoria Falls
(Extensions: Zambezi Valley)
Discover the riches of Zambia with this fly-in safari that takes you to South Luangwa National Park, the Kafue and the mighty Victoria falls. Available in Superior and Luxury versions.
Main
Attractions
Zambia has many well known attractions, some of which
are featured in more detail within our Destinations,
Special Interest, Adventure & Off the Beaten Track
Portfolios'. Browse through the selection below:
Luangwa
Valley
Kafue
NP
Victoria
Falls
Zambezi
Valley
North
Luangwa
Walking
Safaris
Canoeing
Safaris
Fishing Safaris
White
water rafting
Kasanka & Bangweulu Swamps
Kasanka is Zambia's only national park under private
management and is entirely reliant on tourism revenue
and charitable funding. It is a valuable conservation
area with diverse flora and fauna including many endangered
species and exceptional birdlife.
The Bangweulu wetlands, just north of Kasanka are
one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife secrets
with over 100,000 Black Lechwe and the world's most
visible Shoebill storks.
Kasanka
NP and the adjacent Bangweulu Wetlands make very rewarding
destinations for visitors seeking to delve deeper
into Africa's hidden corners.
|
National Parks
- Link to National
Parks: Zambia
Accommodation Options
- Link to Zambia:
Places to Stay
Climate
SUMMER: November - March
WINTER: April - August
Like Zimbabwe, the majority of Zambia lies on an elevated
plateau affecting a moderate to tropical climate. In the much
lower lying river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa, temperatures
are distinctly higher becoming very hot from October through
to March. The country can be described as having three seasons
- cool and dry from April to August, hot and dry from September
to October and warm and wet from November to March. Average
temperatures range from 23ºC(73ºF) in winter to 30ºC (86ºF)
in summer, when conditions can be humid.
When to go:
Zambia's distinctive seasons provide visitors with different
perspectives depending on the time of year. The Victoria Falls
are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season. At
the end of the dry season, October to December, the water
levels are low and one can see the magnificent rock formation.
Game viewing is excellent year round, particularly from June
to October (access into South Luangwa is in fact limited to
this period).
Health
Issues
Before entering Zambia, you will should have started a course
of anti-malaria tablets. When purchasing these, please tell
your doctor or pharmacist which areas in Zambia you intend
visiting. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering
Zambia and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving
the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your
pills at night after dinner. Take precautionary measures to
prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed
net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to
keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation
with insecticide; making use of a mosquito repelling lotion
or stick; and wearing long-sleeved clothing, trousers and
socks when outside at night.
An International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow
fever is required for visitors to northern and western Zambia.
Immunisation against hepatitis A and B and tetanus is recommended.
Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera
zone must be able to produce a valid certificate of immunisation.
Air travellers who only pass through the airports of such
a zone need not worry about this.
Health care in the major towns (particularly Lusaka and
Livingstone) is good, but is limited in remote areas, including
game parks. Cash payment are required for medical services.
Therefore, it is essential that your medical insurance covers
your trip to Zambia. It is advisable to bring any medicines
that you may require and a first aid kit.
Entry
Requirements
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid
for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should
be sufficient blank pages for any visa as well as for entry
stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas
for a visit of less than 90 days: Commonwealth Dependent and
Associated states (excluding Britain, Ghana, India, Gambia,
Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka who do need visas), Fiji, Norway, Romania, South Africa,
Sweden and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) Where applicable,
visas should be obtained from your nearest Zambian consulate.
Requirements for a visa are:
· three completed application forms
· two passport photos
· proof of sufficient funds
· onward travel/return ticket and a letter from host in Zambia
Generally, single entry visas, valid for three months, cost
US$25, and multiple entry visas, valid for six months, cost
US$80, but validity and costs can vary according to your nationality.
All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient
funds and onward travel/return ticket.
Please treat this as a guide only - check
with your nearest Zambian Consulate for the most up-to-date
information.
Communications
The international dialling code for calling Zambia is +260.
A direct international dialling service is available from
the hotels in major towns. Both local and long distance calls
are metered on a time basis. Top hotels and businesses have
fax and e-mail services. Hotels levy a substantial surcharge
on all calls. Guests staying at private game lodges can communicate
with the "outside world" via the Zambian telephone system
or by satellite telephone.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220/240 volts AC. Outlets are
of the three-pin, 13-amp type. Lodges in the more remote areas
of Zambia do not have electricity. These lodges generally
rely on generator power for lighting and refrigeration, and
this power only runs at certain times of the day. Please be
aware that at these lodges, you will not find plug sockets
in your room or tent.
Concerns
Other
Considerations
Home | Safari
Planner | Booking
| Payments | Specials
| Travel Tips |
Africa News | Books
& Maps
|
