Zambia Safaris & Tours

Zambia enjoys a tropical climate. There are three seasons: warm and wet from December to April; crisp and dry from May to August; and hot and dry from September to November. The hottest month is October where temperatures can rise to 45c (about 113 F) in river valleys such as the South Luangwa National Park.

Zambia is an exotic country to visit with friendly and hospitable people. It’s recommended that tourists familiarize themselves with necessary local customs and traditions before arriving in Zambia. Knowing a few rules of etiquette shows respect and can help to avoid misunderstandings.

• Greetings – Greetings in Zambia are generally done with a handshake. Even with business interactions, there is a gentle handshake and a friendly chit-chat before working. When people get to know each other, it is common to greet with a two-cheeked kiss.
• Attire – Visitors should be mindful of what is considered to be the most appropriate attire. Although within the confines of a resort, Western beachwear such as bikinis, shorts and miniskirts are generally accepted, when venturing outside, you should always make sure that you are suitably dressed.
• Interactions with members of the same and opposite sex – It is essential to understand the way in which you are expected to interact with members of the same and opposite sex. For instance, you should not kiss or make any body contact with a member of the opposite sex. Any displays of affection should be kept to an absolute minimum in public.

Zambia offers different accommodation types ranging from international five- star hotels, guest houses and lodges. In National parks, most accommodation is thatched roof and tents (semi-permanent luxurious tents and ordinary tents). In rural regions, housing is predominantly hotels or bed and breakfast establishments.

Banks open between 08:15 am and 03:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Some banks also open every first Saturday of the month.

Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha. The main international currencies such as the US Dollar and British Pound are easily convertible at banks bureau de change, located in major cities. International credit cards, especially visa-electron enabled cards, are acceptable at most hotels and the cards can be used to draw money at various cashpoint machines (Automated Teller Machines).

Fixed and mobile line communications are widely available throughout the country. The mobile service provider uses 3G network technology. Zambia is divided into 72 districts and communication facilities, including the internet, are available in most areas.

Before travelling it is recommended that you check with your phone provider to confirm that Zambia is covered within the plan and what the terms and conditions of that coverage is. It may be cheaper to use an eSim or local Sim card during your travels.

Travelers to Zambia will be accorded an opportunity to enjoy both local and international cuisines offered by many excellent restaurants.

Duty-free allowances are 400 cigarettes or 500 grams of tobacco, 1 X one-liter bottle of spirits and 1 x one-liter of a bottle of wine. There is no restriction on exporting traditional souvenirs, such as baskets, carvings, but you will need a special permit for game trophies. Do not be tempted to buy products derived from endangered species (e.g., ivory).

Electricity is supplied at 220/240 running at 50Hz. Both three-pin British type (type G) and Euro plug (Type C) can be used.

The departure tax is US$11 and US$30 for domestic and international flights respectively. The rate is subject to change. Most airline tickets include the foreign tax for Zambia coded JI.

Baggage allowance on domestic flights is typically 15kgs on checked in bags.

It is desirable to follow all luggage restrictions that are in place for both scheduled local, international and charter flights; Which is usually 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights, 20kgs (44lbs) for domestic flights, 12kgs (26lbs) on small aircraft which includes Okavango Delta charter flights.

Outstanding photo opportunities abound. A good camera and a telephoto lens will be well rewarded. Ensure your equipment is in a padded, dust and heat proof case.it is always polite to ask before photographing people. Photographing official, military or security buildings is not advisable.

• Driving – Zambia drives on the left.
• Time Zone – Two hours ahead of GMT. Zambia does not observe daylight savings Time.
• Telephone – The country code is +260. Zambia enjoys both fixed and mobile telephone lines.