Tips on Namibia

F.A.Q'S

ZAMBIA

Currency & Money:
Currency = The Zambian Kwatcha
There are some ATM's but we weren't able to get cash out of any of them. VISA is more accepted than MasterCard, but credit cards are mostly not accepted. Payment for accommodation, camping , meals etc. is often quoted in US Dollars and that is the preferred method of payment.

Visas:
Required by most, but not by South Africans or other neighbouring countries.

Language:
English is spoken by everyone we met.

Climate:
Summers can be very hot with thundershowers. Winter is pleasant to hot during the day, and chilly in the early hours of the morning.

Accommodation:
Backpackers and campers are reasonably well catered for. A number of upmarket hotels and lodges can be found in tourist spots.

Tourism Information and bookings:
Zambia National Tourist Board
website: www.africa-in-sights.com/zambia

Things to consider:
Police & other roadblocks: There are MANY roadblocks in Zambia. Some will let you pass without stopping you, others will require you to stop and produce your driving licence, third party insurance or import permit. The key is to be courteous! Say hello, be friendly and comply with legitimate requests.

Reflectors & emergency triangles: Your vehicle must have silver/white reflectors in the front and red on the back. You will be fined if you don't have them. You are required to carry emergency/warning/breakdown triangles in your vehicle. You may be asked to produce these at a roadblock and will be fined if you do not have them.

Price of Fuel: Zambia has the highest priced fuel - petrol and diesel - that we have come across. Budget accordingly.

Car cleaners: In some of the big towns young men will wash your car while you are out doing other things. They will then demand hefty payment. You are not obliged to pay them if you did not agree to have them wash your car. Should you pay them, do not pay them more than one US dollar.

Road conditions: A reasonable road can turn into a patchwork of potholes without warning. Gravel roads are often not graded for years. Driving requires attention at all times. Driving at night is extremely dangerous due to animals and road conditions.

Visas: Make sure your passport is stamped at your point of entry and the visa you are issued is for more time than you intend staying in the country. If you have a breakdown you don't need your visa expiring to add to your problems.

Third-party: You are required to either buy Third-party insurance at your point of entry or have COMESA cover for Zambia.

Places we stayed:

Place Comments Cost

Maramba Lodge, Livingstone Grassy sites with electricty and showers with hot water. The ladies in the laundry will wash and iron your clothes; just negotiate a reasonable price first. The restaurant was a bit iffy and the prices a touch high we thought, but a safe place for a few nights. US$5-00 per person per night

Gwembe Safari Camp, Choma The campsite is basically a piece of farmland next to the house. Electricty is available, as are hot showers. Good wholesome food - 3 courses - for US$10. The owner, Joe Brooks, is a wonderful and entertaining host. US$5-00 per person per night

THERE IS NO CAMPING SITE IN MAZABUKA AT THIS TIME

Mvuu Lodge, Lower Zambezi River Two great camping sites on the river with private ablutions and hot showers. Optional activities include canoeing, fishing and game viewing by boat. The road to get there is an adventure all on its own. Although very pleasant, we found everything over-priced. US$15-00 per person per night camping

Eureka Campsite, south of Lusaka A very open campsite, with some electricity points. Only three showers to serve the entire campsite could be too little when busy. A pub that serves well priced basic meals is worth a visit. US$5-00 per person per night

Pioneer Camp, east of Lusaka Again a very open campsite. No electricity points at this time. Showers are hot only at night unless the campsite is very busy. A little kitchenette for campers is handy. The friendly pub has loads of information for the visitor. US$5-00 per person per night

Zulu's Kraal,
Petauke Get in, go to sleep and get out. We were not impressed with this campsite. The ablutions were dark and damp. It is situated on the road so there is traffic noise and local children jump the wall and stare at your every move. US$5-00 per person per night

Mama Rula's,
Chipata An open campsite with large shady trees and thick lawn. Two pubs and a basic menu from the kitchen, make this an ideal stopover point into Malawi or South Luangwa. Recommended. US$5-00 per person per night

Flatdogs Campsite,
South Luangwa Campsites are located on the river bank and further back. The showers were hot, although a little grimey. Tree platforms, tents for hire and chalets offer an alternative for those not self-sufficient. There is a pub and a restaurant that serves some excellent food. Game drives and walks into the park are on offer. Flatdogs is an institution and is recommended. Visit their website at:
www.flatdogscamp.com US$5-00 per person per night

Crocodile Valley,
South Luangwa This campsite is presently being renovated and will, within a few months, rival the other campsites in the area. Huge trees offer plenty of shade, there is electricity available on each site and one is much closer to the water in the river in winter time than at Flatdogs. US$3-00 per person per night

Travel in Zambia is a pleasure if you are self-sufficient. Hitchhikers will find things a little more difficult. Cost of fuel is about the highest in Africa, so be sure to budget accordingly. Politeness is accepted practice, so always go through the pleasantries of "hello, how are you" etc. before asking for directions etc.

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