It's best to come into the country with hard cash in either dollars, pounds or euros which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureaux de Change in the main Towns. Travellers cheques attract a commission when changing to other currencies and not all banks change travellers cheques, so to avoid any problems, cash is best.
The Zambian currency is the Kwacha and it fluctuates quite regularly.
In 2004 - 1 US$ buys you 4800 Kwacha
THE PEOPLE
Zambia has over 73 different tribes, with a population of just over 10 million people, most of whom live in and around the urban centres. The population growth however, at 3.7 % p/a is among the highest in the world.
There is no predominant ethnic culture and Zambians are fast becoming westernised. Most ZAmbian speak good English. There is an attempt to maintain traditional customs with the revival of tribal ceremonies amongst the various tribes in different parts of the country. If any of these are taking place during your visit, theyre well worth attending.
SAFETY
As far as personal safety is concerned, one could easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without a problem. Theft however is evident in the bigger towns and cities. Dont walk around with things you cant do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, dont leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.
MEDICAL EVACUATION
Zambia has very comprehensive Medical Rescue Services.
We recommend full travel insurance when booking however.
CLOTHES
Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must.
LAUNDRY
Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service.
HEALTH
There are no specific vaccinations officially required for Zambia. The main exception is for people coming from a Yellow Fever infected area in the previous six days. Nonetheless it is best to check with your doctor before leaving. Malaria is a problem in many areas of Southern Africa. A course of anti-malaria tablets is highly advisable. In addition, covering up and using insect repellent at night is recommended.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if youre staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is boiled already. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Zambia is an extremely photogenic country. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich colour and good low lighting conditions abound. It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Always bring plenty of film as it is difficult to get in Zambia. Only print film and processing is available in Lusaka, not slide. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari.
WHEN TO GO
Zambias three distinctive seasons provide visitors with different perspectives depending on the time of year.
The Lower Zambezi and the Luangwa Valley for example is best for game viewing during the dry season from June to October, but the rainy season, with its spectacular profusion of greens and reds changes the landscape dramatically and the bird populations increase with the arrival of migrants from the north.
The Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular between April and May after the rainy season but often the spray is so thick it is difficult to see the full width of the falls. To appreciate the magnificent rock formations and gorges, it is just as interesting to come when the water is low at the end of the dry season from October to December.
ON SAFARI
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellent.
The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of animals you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, reptiles, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Single supplement for single occupancy will be charged at 20%
All rates are net to Zambian Safari company
All rates quoted may not include park fees, airport taxes and all personal expenses, please verify at the time of booking
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is recommended for all clients. Please ensure YOU have arranged travel insurance in your own country prior to leaving to cover unexpected medical expenses and loss/theft of personal effects.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Please inform The Zambia Safari Company of any special requirements such as dietary requirements (vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) or medical conditions. This will ensure that the tour leader is informed and prepared for these requirements.
AFRICAN CONDITIONS
Travelling in Africa is a challenge! A safari is an adventure. At times, conditions and circumstances such as road conditions, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can be unpredictable and beyond the guide's control or our control. As a result the itineraries are flexible and may change depending on local conditions. Please come prepared and make every incident as part of your adventure.
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS
When travelling to Zambia like any other country customs and immigration formalities must be cleared.
To speed up this procedure.
1. Have your passport ready on arrival at your port of entry
2. Return air tickets - if required.
3. Zambian visa is obtainable at ports of entry (visa rules change from time to time)
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All tourists to Zambia with pre arranged tours with a Zambian Company are exempt from visa fees and will be issued with free tourist visas. (please double check as this rule is subject to change without notice) And where free visas have not been given due to government procedure or staffing problem, Zambian Safari Co will not be liable for this cost.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Malaria prophylactics, personal medical requirements, torch, binoculars, camera / video and film, clothing - T-shirts, warm clothing during cool months for evenings, walking shoes, swimming costume, broad-brimmed hat, adequate sunscreen lotion and insect repellents.
PRICE QUOTED
All prices advertising and in brochure inserts or price guides are subject to change without prior notice and The Zambian Safari Company Limited reserves the right to amend prices. And cannot be held liable for prices quoted on an error and omissions basis.
Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare increases or as a direct result of world oil prices and it is the responsibility of the clients or their agent/s to check that there have been no changes in price prior to making final payment.
Until full payment has been received, we reserve the right to charge any variations to the passenger’s account and can only guarantee the quoted package price, once full payment is received.
The following are not included in the quoted package price (not an exhaustive list): airport taxes, government departure taxes in country of origin and destination, all items of a personal nature such as telephone call, laundry and non-specified meals.
PAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS
A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total tour price is required within 72 hours of confirmation of reservation. The balance of the tour cost is due no later than 45 days prior to arrival. For reservations made less than 45 days prior to arrival, full payment is required within 72 hours. We reserve the right to cancel any reservation that has not been paid by due date. All payments do not include bank commission and charges
Failure to receive payment by the due date may result in our withholding of all our services in part or in total in cases
CANCELLATIONS AND NO SHOWS
All bookings cancelled within 45 days prior to departure are subject to the following cancellation fee:
45 days - 30 days 50%
30 days and less 100%
REFUNDS UNUSED SERVICES AND NO SHOWS
No refunds will be made for no shows or any unused services, or for late arrival arising out of flight delays or cancellations.
Refunds will only be considered on medical ground on production of medical certificates.
Travel Advice
