Zambia - Tourist Information |
Statistics
Statistics
Population: 11.5 million
Area: 752 614 sq. kms.
GDP per capita: US$ 900
Languages: English, Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi |
Climate
The climate is generally temperate on the interior plateau at elevations above 1000 metres and on the Nyika Plateau. The low-elevation areas in the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa valleys are generally hot...
More »»
|
Currency and Credit Cards
The unit of currency in Zambia is the Zambian kwacha, which is divided into 100 ngwee. Inflation has rendered the ngwee obsolete. Bank notes currently available are in denominations of K10 000, K5...
More »»
|
Electricity
The Zambian power grid uses 220/240 volts AC 50 Hertz. Wall sockets (square 3 pin) are rated to carry a maximum of 15 amps. Most hotels have electric shaver plugs and/or adapters available.
More »»
|
Visas and Entry Requirements
Valid passports are required by all foreign nationals to enter Zambia. Citizens of Commonwealth countries, Scandinavia, Ireland, Pakistan and Romania do nor require visas. Tourists from most other...
More »»
|
Public Holidays
01 January - New Year’s Day
12 March - Youth Day
Good Friday (Easter weekend) - April (variable date)
Holy Saturday (Easter weekend) - April (variable date)
01 May - Labour day
25 May - African...
More »»
|
History
Between 300BC and 400AD the original stone-age people who occupied present day Zambia were gradually displaced by Black African people who today occupy the country. Just a few rock-art sites that have...
More »»
|
Economy
Zambia has huge mineral deposits including copper, cobalt, coal, lead, zinc and emeralds. Zambia has an estimated 6% of the world’s copper reserves and copper accounts for approximately 90% of the...
More »»
|
General
The tourist slogan adopted by the Zambian National Tourism Board describes the country to perfection. "The Real Africa" evokes images of a land that is somehow reminiscent of the Africa of old, an...
More »»
|
Geography
Zambia takes its name from the Zambezi River, which forms its southern boundary with Zimbabwe. Its neighbours include Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi in the east, Congo to the north, Mocambique to...
More »»
|
Physical Features
The central plateau at elevations of between 1000 and 1300 metres covers most of the country broken by the valleys of the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa Rivers. The Luangwa Valley is one of the southern...
More »»
|
Political Features
Zambia is divided into nine provinces and English is the official languages. English is also the language of business and government. The capital city and most populous urban centre is Lusaka. The...
More »»
|
Accommodation
The variety of accommodation in Zambia ranges from luxury hotels in the main cities and exclusive game lodges in the National Parks to bed and breakfast type accommodation and National Park campsites....
More »»
|
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Banking hours in most centres are 08h15 to 14h30 Mondays to Fridays and 08h00 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Some banks stay open until 15h00 on weekdays.
Foreign bank notes and travellers cheques may be...
More »»
|
Business Hours
Most businesses and shops are open between 08h30 and 17h00 on weekdays and between 08h30 and 13h00 on Saturdays. Supermarkets are often open on Sunday morning. Curios can be purchased in curio shops...
More »»
|
Dining and Drinking
Zambian food reflects the agricultural products of the country. Superb meat products including beef and venison feature prominently. Lusaka boasts a wide variety of restaurants featuring most of the...
More »»
|
Tipping
Tipping for service is illegal, although appreciated in Zambia. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service fee onto the account.
During your trip it is likely that you will come into contact...
More »»
|
Media and Television
A limited variety of daily and weekly English newspapers are available in Zambia, which reflect both the Government and an independent perspective to the news.
The Zambian National Broadcasting...
More »»
|
Medical Care
Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and it is advisable to carry comprehensive medical insurance including casualty evacuation insurance to South Africa. There are Public Hospitals in...
More »»
|
Telephones
A relatively efficient telephone service is available in most parts of the country. Direct national and international dialling is possible in urban and some rural areas. Pay phones are available but...
More »»
|
Postal Services
Post Offices are open from 08h00 to 16h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. |
Air Travel
Direct flights from the United Kingdom provide easy direct access to Zambia. Direct flights from multiple destinations in Europe, North and South America, the Far East and the Middle East provide easy...
More »»
|
Road Travel and Public Transport
The road network has been significantly improved over the last ten years and most major routes are of reasonable quality. The Government has prioritised the rehabilitation of the road network and this...
More »»
|
Security
Zambia has a relatively low level of crime with most offences involving petty thieving. The depressed economy in the country has resulted in an escalation of more serious crime especially in Lusaka...
More »»
|