Zambia is essentially an unspoilt, under populated and extremely rural country. The population is concentrated mainly around the capital, Lusaka, in the south and the Copperbelt in the north-west.

Although the country is rich in copper and other minerals, it is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Zambia's umpteen National Parks and game reserves offer a variety of beautiful African woodland, grassland, savannah and even rainforests filled with big herds of game. It also shares one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, with neighbouring Zimbabwe. Zambia gives you a taste of what Africa was once like - wild and beautiful. It derives its name from the Zambezi River which arises in the north-western corner of the country and also forms it southern boundary with Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa Rivers form deep valleys, rapids and waterfalls of which the most famous is Victoria Falls. Lake Tanganyika touches Zambia's northern borders, while Lake Kariba stretches across its southern border with Zimbabwe, but much of inland Zambia is dry.

As there are few campsites, it takes at least a couple of long driving days to get from one side of the country to the other. The modern capital, Lusaka, is a useful stop-over as there are good supermarkets to stock-up and places where you can get whatever services you need.

From Lusaka to Livingstone the road is good, but on average the other roads in the country are full of potholes. Livingstone was once the colonial capital of Zambia and has much more of an African feel than the modern Victoria Falls town on the Zimbabwean side. Although Livingstone has some superb campsites, lodges and hotels and the traces of its colonial history is still visible, it has an easy-going African charm.

At the colourful African markets you can buy curios at a far better price than in Victoria Falls. Livingstone offers a lot in terms of tourism. Apart from good accommodation and restaurants, a number of adventure activities like canoeing, white-water rafting, bungee jumping and helicopter rides over the Falls are offered.

The less adventurous can take a slow boat ride on the Zambezi, enjoying drinks on a sunset river cruise, admiring the game on the river bank. Zambia has 19 National Parks where the African wilderness and amazing sense of space can be enjoyed. Many of them are inaccessible during the wet season and as the roads are on average not in perfect condition, it is advised to go by 4x4.

Some of the National Parks really are not in top condition because of mismanagement, lack of funds and poaching but many still offer an excellent bush experience and umpteen wildlife. (20 Dec 11).

Capital: Lusaka Climate: Can be described as subtropical humid or tropical wet and dry, but semi-arid in the south-west. It is a summer rainfall (November to April) area. Best time to visit: The cooler dry season (May to August) is the most comfortable time to visit as it not yet unbearably hot, Mosquitoes are less and animals more visible in the drier vegetation. But the hot, dry months of September and October are undoubtedly the best time for fishing.

ANTENNAE RADIOS:
If wanting to use 2 way radios with large antennae's on the car roof: you are required to get a temporary guest license by going through the country's beauracratic process, but that can be cumbersome. If caught without a license for this, you can get fined.

A traveller reported going through over 20 road blocks, without any questions asked. They were only questioned at one stop, and after explaining the radios were for private use between their own vehicles, it was fine. (Dec-2012).

CLIMATE:
Can be described as subtropical humid or tropical wet and dry, but semi-arid in the south-west.

It is a summer rainfall (November to April) area.

Best time to visit: The cooler dry season (May to August) is the most comfortable time to visit as it not yet unbearably hot, Mosquitoes are less and animals more visible in the drier vegetation.

But the hot, dry months of September and October are undoubtedly the best time for fishing.

FUEL:
Petrol costs the same throughout the country (8647 ZKW per litre) (Aug 2011).
There also seems to be a fuel supply issue and many of the smaller towns run out of fuel frequently. If you have time (few days) you will find fuel, but if in a hurry fill up where you can and maybe take an extra jerry can.

The current fuel price at most towns was ZMK7566 which roughly translates to USD1.5 or ZAR12.70.

MOBILE PHONES & SIM CARDS:
Zambia has mobile phone service providers MTN and Airtel - both with 3G capabilities, but in the country you might lose 3G. Sim cards cost ZMK10 000, which equates to approx R15.00 and airtime varies from ZML10 000 to ZMK150 000 and is sold all over Zambia. (Aug-12).

MONEY:
US Dollars cannot be used for payment in Zambia, but only Kwacha, the local currency. All payments in Zambia must now be done in Kwacha only.
Kwachas can be withdrawn at ATMS in Zambia, which accept all major credit cards, or Bureaux de Change will accept Dollars, Euro or Sterling at all airports and in all towns.

Zambian government is only allowing Kwacha currency in their country. Trading in foreign currency is illegal. They have also removed all the zeros in their currencies, bringing about 'Renewed Kwacha' values. Government has give till June 2013 for the currency change to come into effect, after which no old Kwacha currency will be accepted. Plan your fuel cash well! (Jan-13).

Any government pontoon or DNPW park fee will only be accepted in Kwacha although these rates are quoted in USD.
The privately run lodges may accept USD but will still issue a kwacha invoice. The local tourism and business community is up in arms about this but this is the reality so be prepared.

POLICE:
Zambian police reported to be very friendly as compared to a few years ago. (Jul-12).

ROAD CONDITIONS:
Zambian gravel roads are in a poor state, and when there is rain they become very challenging. Normal tyres will turn a good 4WD into a useless vehicle on these roads when its wet. (May-14).

SAFETY:
Night driving is not recommended, on the Zambian Copperbelt there are charcoal trucks, delivering homemade charcoal to villages and towns, they are usually unroadworthy, very slow and have no lights, and many cars have rammed into them from behind at high speeds with fatal consequences.

Zambians also only turn on their headlights when it is pitch dark. Drive very carefully, and avoid an accident at all cost, especially involving a pedestrian, the police are not always around to take control of the situation, so the crowds or mobs might sort you out before the police arrests you!

Also use the size and severity of tyre brake marks on tar roads, as a warning sign of a possible upcoming pothole! (Feb-14).

SPEED LIMITS:
The speed limit is 100km per hour. (25 Aug 11).

VACCINATIONS:
As of 1 October 2011, all travellers from and to Zambia, will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate).

“URGENT YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION UPDATE: The WHO has revised the Yellow Fever (YF) vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South African Department of Health has issued the following information regarding the requirements for travellers from and to South Africa: Travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of YF vaccination. Previously, proof of YF vaccination was not required. In-transit passengers, irrespective of the time period in-transit, will still require proof of YF vaccination. A yellow fever vaccination needs to be done a minimum of 10 days prior to travelling. Travellers will not be allowed to get the vaccination on arrival in South Africa due to the 10 day period.” - Janine Reyneke, 2011/06/06

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