Zambia Brief Information

By | April 20, 2022

Capital

Lusaka is a modern and vibrant city in the south of the country, the crossroads of many important roads in this part of Africa. It is one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa with a population of approximately 1.7 million.

Population

About 16.5 million people Zambia is one of the most urbanized countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with 44% of the country’s population concentrated in a few urban areas along major transport corridors, while rural areas are sparsely populated.

Climate and weather

According to Bridgat, it rains in Zambia mostly in December, January, February and March, although the further north you are, the earlier the rains come and the later they leave. The eastern regions and higher regions generally receive more precipitation than the western and lowland regions.

By April and May, most of the rain has gone, leaving behind a still green landscape that is just beginning to dry out. Nighttime temperatures begin to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations.

In June, July and August, the nights get much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes with you to wrap up if you go out at night because some nights can be very cold! Most of the smaller “walking camps” in Zambia open in early June, when the roads are dry enough to allow access. This is the beginning of the “peak season” for the country – with more cloudless days and an ever-increasing number of interesting animal species.

Temperatures rise in September and October: low-lying rift valleys – the Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get very hot in October. However, you will have a great safari as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.

The weather in November changes; it can be hot and dry, like in October, or it can rain for the first time in a season. This is a very interesting month as you can see both types of weather in one trip.

Clothing recommendations

In Zambia, winters are mild and summer days can be hot. Lightweight casual clothing can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for winter evenings and early mornings.

On safari, wear neutral colors like khaki, brown and green. A sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent is a must.

Health and vaccination

No preventive measures are required by law to visit Zambia. Vaccinations are required only for tourists arriving from areas where yellow fever is common. In Zambia, travelers are advised to take malaria prevention measures, such as taking antimalarial pills, especially in national parks and river valleys.

Time

One hour less than Moscow. For example, 10 am Moscow time corresponds to 9 am in Lusaka.

Electricity

The line voltage in the network is 220 V, the phase voltage is 380 V. Both round and square sockets are used.

Connection

Livingston and Lusaka have several internet cafes. Telephone booths are located in post offices of large cities. Mobile connection available.

Tips

Payment for services (about 10%) is most often already included in the bill in most restaurants, additional tips are not required. However, you can leave tips for guides and porters. Tips are best given in local currency. For porters you can leave about 1 USD, for maids in hotels about 1 USD per day, for guides – at your discretion.

Useful addresses and numbers

Police – 991

Ambulance – 992

Fire safety service – 993

Food and drink

Zambia’s national cuisine is based on nshima, a boiled porridge made from ground corn, usually accompanied by some delicious appetizer of meat and tomatoes or dried fish. Safari camps often prepare nshima on request, and it is almost always available at small local restaurants. Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to foreign guests usually offer a wide variety of international cuisine, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote camps is usually excellent.

The water in the main cities is usually purified unless there is a lack of chlorine, breakdowns or other troubles. The locals drink it and are accustomed to the relatively harmless microorganisms that it can feed. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth getting used to such water. However, if you are only in Zambia for a few weeks, try to only drink bottled, boiled or purified water in the city. In the bush, most camps and lodges use well water. These underground springs vary in quality but are usually perfectly safe to drink.

Zambia Brief Information