Travel Info Zambia

Zambia

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

 Travelers to Zambia must have a valid passport and visa to enter the country. It is best to get this visa before departing on your trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required based on your itinerary.

Passports should have six months’ validity and three empty pages for an entry stamp.

VACCINATIONS:

Vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. We recommend going to your local travel health services provider, like Passport Health for individual recommendations. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations are recommended for Zambia:

• typhoid

• hepatitis A

• polio

• yellow fever

• rabies

• hepatitis B

• influenza

• pneumonia

• meningitis

• chickenpox

• shingles

• measles

• Covid -19

• mumps and rubella (MMR)

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

SAFETY IN Zambia:

We recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before traveling aboard and to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Zambia is usually a safe place to travel to, but it’s important to be careful. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in busy places. Look out for anything suspicious.

• Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber, especially at night. Don’t get into unmarked taxis or go with people you don’t know.

• Don’t show off valuable things like jewelry, cameras, or money.

• Keep your money and other valuables safe in a hidden pocket or money belt. Don’t show a lot of money in public.

• Follow local customs and laws. For example, some things that are okay where you live might not be okay in Zambia.

• Protect yourself from mosquitoes. They can carry diseases like malaria. Wear long clothes and use bug spray.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

Zambia is a country in Africa that has many popular places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Zambia are Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park and Lake Kariba. Each place has its own climate and weather patterns.

Victoria Falls is a big waterfall that has a lot of water during the rainy season from November to April. South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are places where you can see wild animals like lions and elephants. The best time to visit these parks is during the dry season from May to October. Lake Kariba is a man-made lake that’s good for fishing and water sports. The best time to visit for these activities is during the dry season from May to October.

It’s important to check the weather forecast before you travel to any of these places in Zambia. The weather can be different than usual sometimes, so it’s good to be prepared.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Similarly to Zimbabwe, Zambia has mild winters yet the summer days can be scorching hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. It is advisable to wear light loose-fitting full-length clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash and will guard against the sun. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. White is not recommended for walking safaris as it is too bright and will stand out against the natural environment.

On safari keep clothes to neutral colours; tans, khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are essential.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Zambia:

Tipping is customary in Africa, however, all tipping is solely at your discretion. A tip of 10% is normal in hotels, restaurants and for taxis, depending on the service received.
Typically, you will be asked to give any gratuities to your host (or the lodge manager) upon departure for each safari lodge/camp, and these monies will then be distributed amount all staff members.

Guides should be tipped separately, and you’re often encouraged to hand over their tip personally.

• Game lodge guide or mobile safari guide: US$ 10.00 per guest per day.

• General Lodge Staff: US$ 5.00 per guest per day for all staff.

• Transfer Driver: US$ 3.00 per guest.