ZAMBIA FACT SHEET
Although Zambia is a landlocked country, its most impressive attributes have to do with water. Zambia lies in the watersheds between the Congo and the Zambezi River systems. The country takes the name from the latter, which rises in the northwest corner of the country and forms the southern boundary – a continuum of water that stretches for 1550 miles to the Indian Ocean. The course of the river embraces Zambia’s most spectacular feature, Victoria Falls, the most imposing sight in the Southern Hemisphere. Much of this country lies on a high plateau, ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level. Covering an area slightly larger than Texas, Zambia shares borders with Malawi to the east, Angola to the west, Congo to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, Mocambique to the southeast and Zimbabwe to the south.
HISTORY
Straddling one of the main migration routes in southeastern Africa, Zambia was inhabited by a succession of prehistoric cultures. Evidence of human habitation dates back to nearly half a million years ago, and is evidenced from the remains of early Iron Age people. Most of the present population of Zambia are descendants of Bantu-speaking people who invaded the country from the 16th century onward. At the start of the 19th century, Zambia suffered multi-pronged invasion: slave trading Arabs and Portuguese from the north and south, the Zulu from the east and the Kololo from the west. With the exception of the fast-growing Bemba group in the north, the established orrs fast crumbled. European penetration began at the end of the 18th century and brought with it the famed explorer David Livingstone. British influence intensified, and in 1924 the territory was handed over to the British government for formal administration and was then known as Northern Rhodesia. In 1964 Zambia became Africa’s 36th independent nation.
ECONOMY
The basis of Zambia’s economy is the mining of copper and cobalt, which together provides 95% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. However, Zambia is undergoing extensive efforts to diversify its economic base, which is reflected in its agricultural and manufacturing sectors. The export of electricity has become an increasingly important source as income, as has international tourism. Although Zambia has faced many economic woes in the past, it is still one of Africa’s most prosperous countries, and has made great strides in the even distribution of wealth and education amongst its people.
CLIMATE
Zambia has a moderate climate due to its elevation, even though it lies well into the tropics. With seasons reversed, spring and summer are October-March, and fall and winter are April-September. November brings rains that continue through March, with the dry season being May through August. The ideal tourist season is generally May through November, although one can count o at least four hours of sunshine per day throughout the year.
PLACES OF INTEREST
LUSAKA
Zambia’s capital since 1935, Lusaka began as a railway station in 1905. Today it is a mushrooming metropolis and one of the fastest growing cities in central Africa. Lusaka lies at an altitude of 4300 feet above sea level and enjoys a pleasant climate year round. Lavender jacaranda trees abound, adorning parks, commercial areas, and high standard residential neighborhoods. Although Lusaka is the stopping off point for most safaris in Zambia, the city offers its own unique attractions. Of special interest is the Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and Zoo – an absolutely stunning 30 acre garden with over 300 local and foreign plant species, perennial stream and a fine aviary and zoo. The Zambia Gemstone and Polishing Works produces very fine jewelry from precious and semi-precious stones, and the finished products are on display and for sale to visitors.
LIVINGSTONE
Justifiably known as the tourist capital of the country, Livingstone was named after the famous explorer who was believed to have been the first European to see spectacular Victoria Falls. The Africans call the Falls Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning The Smoke That Thunders. The Falls are rated amongst one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The Livingstone Museum is located in the city center, and is Zambia’s national museum. It is known world-over for its collection of documents and memorabilia relating to the life and work of Dr. David Livingstone. The Museum is also a storehouse for the historic and prehistoric art and culture of Zambia …. Its birthright brought to life.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
The famous Luangwa National Park is one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife sanctuaries. Its 3500 square miles occupy both banks of the wide muddy Luangwa River and reaches into the far distant hills of the Muchinga escarpment. Such a vast area offers a multitude of environments and virtually every species of animal makes a home here. This valley has a large concentration of elephant and even the elusive black rhino can be found here in record numbers. Other species that abound include the buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, baboon and monkey. Perhaps the most exciting of all is the white impala; it’s the only recorded one of its kind in the world. The walking safari was pioneered here in Luangwa and from May to November the park offers visitors a chance to walk into the very midst of herds, allowing matchless opportunities for close up photography. These walking safaris are led by experienced, armed guides.
TOURIST INFORMATION
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
US citizens require Visas to enter Zambia and these are US $100 per person.
The Visa fee may now be paid by credit card as at February 2014. Visa, Mastercard
and Amex are accepted. Univisas are now also available if you are traveling into Zimbabwe as well. $50 covers the visa fee for BOTH countries, and is valid for 30 days. The visa is available in Zambia at Livingstone’s Harry Mwaanga Airport, Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda Airport, the Victoria Falls land border and the Kazungula land border. In Zimbabwe the univisa can be obtained at Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Victoria Falls land border and the Kazungula land border.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Anti-malaria tablets must be taken for the safari regions and Yellow fever shots are recommended.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress is casual in the cities. In game-viewing areas, light clothes and good walking shoes are essential and it is wise to bring along a pair of long trousers and a sweater for cool evenings.
CURRENCY
The Zambia currency is the kwacha, meaning ‘dawn’ in the Cinyanja language. A kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee. All foreign currency must be declared upon entering Zambia, but there is no limit to the amount taken into the country. The import and export of local currency is forbidden. Most credit cards are accepted only in the larger hotels.
BANKING HOURS
Banks are open Monday-Saturday 8.15am-12.45pm. The banks at Lusaka Airport are only open to meet international flights and will NOT convert Zambian currency back into foreign money.
GOOD BUYS
Typical Zambian crafts include ceremonial masks, copper ware, malachite articles, Barotse basketry and jewelry crafted from precious and semi-precious stones.
SHOPPING HOURS
In suburban areas, shops are open all day Monday through Saturday. Elsewhere, they are generally closed Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and all day on Sunday. The best souvenir sources are the museums, craft shops and curio sellers. Bartering is acceptable only with street vendors.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Zambia is English, and the visitor will have no problem getting around, understanding and being understood in Zambia. There are 70 other tongues spoken throughout the country, most of which are closely related.
VOLTAGE
Electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC
TIPPING
10-15% is customary for most services.
For baggage handling, the equivalent of $2 per bag is the norm.
On safari, $10 per person per day for the game ranger and $5 for the tracker. For the general camp staff, tips should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally among all the staff.
RESTAURANTS
The major hotels offer fine continental cuisine and, in some of the larger cities, local restaurants provide international as well as local foods. The national dish of Zambia is nshima, a pounded maize eaten with a peppery relish and meat. Mealie meal is also popular and is prepared with mushy fish and a corn fluor dish. The national drink is chibuku, made from ground soybeans. Beer lovers will appreciate the locally brewed Mosi beer, it has won every competition in this region of Africa.
EXIT REGULATIONS
Please note that there is a Departures Tax payable when leaving Zambia of US $25 per person. There are also taxes applicable if flying domestically within Zambia, which are payable in local currency.
Oft times these taxes are included in the airtickets.