Your guide to visiting Zambia

Zambia’s unit of currency is the Kwacha (ZMW), formally ZMK which was rebased in 2013. The denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2.  It is subdivided into 100 ngwee. Coins available are K1, and 50 ngwee.

However, most prices are quoted in US$. It is therefore possible to use dollars.

Larger bank branches have ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard. Foreign exchange offices are easy to find in cities and larger towns. 

Banks are generally open on weekdays from 08h15 to 14h30, and 08h15 to 11h00 on the first and last Saturdays of each month. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays. 

The rains in Zambia come mostly in December, January, February and March though the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. Eastern areas and higher areas generally receive more rain than western and lowland areas.

By April and May most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that’s still green, but starting to dry out. Nighttime temperatures start to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations.

In June, July and August the nights become much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up if you’re out at night, as some nights get very cold! Most of Zambia’s small ‘walking bush camps’ open at the start of June, when the roads have dried out sufficiently to allow access. This is the start of the ‘peak season’ for these countries – with often cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings.

Into September and October the temperatures climb: the lower-lying rift valleys – Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get very hot in October. However, you’ll see some superb game as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.

November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season’s first downpours. Often it’s a very interesting month as you can see both patterns on successive days.

Zambia’s native cuisine is based on nshima, a cooked porridge made from ground maize normally accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare nshima if requested, and it is almost always available in small, local restaurants.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas visitors tend to serve  a range of international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is typically excellent.

Water in the main towns is usually purified, provided there are no shortages of chlorine, breakdowns, or other mishaps. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zambia for just a few weeks, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water in town.

Out in the bush, most of the camps and lodges use water from bore-holes. These underground sources vary in quality, but are normally perfectly safe to drink.

Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zambia are predominantly the Type G (BS-1363) square pin plug, but the round pin plugs Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546) are also in use. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it’s crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zambia supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency.  If you’re plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

• Malaria: Livingstone lies within a malaria area and we highly recommend you consult with a doctor prior to your arrival to get a malaria prophylactic. In addition, cover up at night, sleep under mosquito nets and spray yourself with insect repellent.
• The African sun: The heat here may be underestimated by those coming from colder countries. Please take suitable precautions by wearing a good sun hat, using high factor sun screen and keeping hydrated.
• Water: Locals drink the water from the tap and brush their teeth with it but to be safe drink only bottled water.