When to visit
Zambia is open all year round. The dry season is usually best for game viewing. This is from June to October. But the rainy season (November – March), with its lush vegetation and increased bird populations, due to the arrival of the migrant birds from Europe, offers a very different but beautiful perspective. Take note that certain game areas and lodges close down between November and April as they become inaccessible.
It’s best to visit the Victoria Falls in April and May. At this time the volume of water pouring over the falls is at its peak and the spray can be so thick that you cannot see the full width of the falls. (You’ll need a rain coat and umbrella to stay dry whilst viewing them and these are available to hire).
It is just as interesting to view the Falls at their lowest from October to December, when you can see clearly and view the magnificent rock formations and gorges.
The temperature is around 25°C in April, May and September and these are the popular months for tourists. It peaks to 32°C in October and November until the rains cool it down. The rainy season lasts until March. June and July are the coldest months when temperatures can drop enough to create a dawn frost.
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Borders
Most tourists travel in and out of Zambia by air. However backpackers who want details of border crossings should check for up-to-date information with the Zambia National Tourist Board or other resources. There are 11 border crossings around Zambia.
Angola - near Chavuma, northwest of Zambezi town
Botswana -
Kazungula Ferry
DRC - Democratic Republic of Congo - via Mwinilunga and Ikelenge
Tanzania -
Mpulungu by ferry across Lake Tanganyika
Malawi -
East of Chipata
Mozambique -
South of Katete (not often used).
Main common route is via Malawi or Zimbabwe
Namibia -
Katima Mulilo ferry (road very bad on Zambian side).
The best route is through Botswana at Ngoma Gate and then the Kazungula Border Post to Victoria Falls or the Kazungula ferry to Zambia.
Zimbabwe -
Livingstone/Victoria Falls bridge.
Luangwa/Kanvemba (4x4 required).
Chirundu.
Siavonga/Kariba Dam
Most border posts are open between 6:00 to 18:00 hours with some of the larger ones staying open much later, and some of the smaller ones not adhering strictly to these times at all.
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Visas
Visas are required by visitors from most countries except Zambia’s neighbours. However the rules are changing rapidly with more and more emphasis being placed on tourism, so it’s best to check online, with your tour operator or the nearest Zambian Embassy or Consulate. This applies to visa fees as well. (Check www.zhcl.org.uk and www.zambiaembassy.org which are good and contain information for most nationalities.)
Insurance
It is advisable for all travellers to Zambia to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before they go and for the duration of your stay. Travellers should check details with their insurance provider.
Clothing
Casual, lightweight cotton clothing is generally the most comfortable for the climate. But if you will be in Zambia during the rains between November and March, pack an umbrella! A couple of jumpers will be useful for June and July, and a fan and a sunhat for October. Don’t forget your sunglasses, an essential item. Comfortable walking shoes, sandals and flip flops are great for hot climates like Zambia.
Trousers, long sleeved shirts or light jackets are advisable to protect against mosquitoes and cooler evenings. Most hotels and lodges have swimming pools, so bring swimwear. Women are permitted to wear shorts and trousers but should not wear very scanty clothing in public.
When on safari, ensure that you wear neutral colours like khaki, brown and green - to be as inconspicuous as possible. You’ll be going on game drives/walks early morning and evening, so a light jacket is useful. Leave behind black and blue clothing which may attract insects.
Most lodges and hotels offer laundry services and there are a few launderettes in major towns. On an informal basis, if your laundry is piling up, ask around – there will often be a kind soul willing to hand wash your laundry for a fair price.
Health & Medical
Most of the bigger towns have excellent private clinics and there are some good hospitals and mission hospitals in smaller towns. Zambia has very good medical rescue services. Many of the lodges have automatic cover for their clients to be medically evacuated but please check with your lodge prior to arrival. Most large establishments carry extensive medical emergency kits.
This is only a guide - fine tune it to your program. For example, if you are self driving to remote areas, then it is very important to be aware that medical services may be a very long way away. Also ensure you know which blood group you are in case of emergency.
Heat and Sun
Sunscreen and lip balm containing sunscreen is essential. Wear a hat, or better still stay out of direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm. Loose fitting cotton clothing should help keep your body cool.
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration may be serious problems for travellers to Africa, particularly for those coming from a cool climate. Take things easy - after all you are on holiday. Keep your fluid intake and salt levels high (more water than alcohol and caffeine).
Malaria
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, malaria prophylactics are essential for visitors. Check with your GP at least three months before travelling.
Reduce the risk of malaria by avoiding mosquito bites. Use plenty of insect repellant and remember to cover up with long trousers and long sleeved shirts in the evenings.
Vaccinations
Consult your GP about the recommended vaccinations for Zambia and do this well in advance as some vaccinations require a time period to be effective and you may have to wait some time between jabs.
Water
Bottled water is available all over Zambia and should be used for drinking.
Expanses of water
Lakes, rivers and shallow water in Zambia may not be safe to paddle or swim in due to the prevalence of crocodiles and bilharzia. Do not attempt to swim in any water other than a swimming pool, unless the local people know that the water is safe.
AIDS
This disease is prevalent in Zambia and is sexually transmitted. Ensure you take necessary precautions.
