AGENT'S RESOURCE LIBRARY
Region Information
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of Zambia, although there are 72 different ethnic groups in the country, most of which speak bantu languages.
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Kwacha, which is made up of100 Ngwee. The easiest currencies to convert are US dollar, GB Pound and Euros. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorized hotels. ATMs will accept most visa cards, and most credit cards can be used in accommodating lodges and hotels.
BANKING
Banking hours are usually from Monday to Friday
08h30 to 15h30
and Saturdays
08h30 to 11h30
OTHER
Electricity is supplied at 230V in Zambia, and there are charging facilities in almost every lodge and hotel. Most will also have international adaptors available however it is wise to travel with one incase.
There are several shops and shopping centers in Lusaka, Livingstone and other small towns basic commodities can be obtained.
TIME ZONE
Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
One hour ahead of Central European Time.
Seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time.
Ten hours ahead of Western USA time.
CONNECTIVITY
There is WIFI or dial up internet access available at most lodges and hotels, however some are located in remote areas that will not be covered by internet or cellphone reception. SIM cards can be purchased for cellphones in most shops and service stations. The main mobile operators are Airtel, MTN and Zamtel.
The dialing code for Zambia is +260.
CLIMATE & TERRAIN
Zambia can be quite cool and dry during the winter months, May to August, and frost may even occur in certain areas. The temperatures then start to increase and the country can become very hot from October to January. The wet season remains quite hot, averaging around 30°C. Zambia has a varied terrain. There is plenty miombo woodland as well as large floodplains and even some Kalahari like areas. The country has varying altitudes throughout.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Zambia has decent medical service providers in Livingstone and Lusaka. Yellow fever is low risk in certain areas at certain times of year, therefore a vaccination and certificate is advised. Certain areas of Zambia are malaria zones and it is recommended that visitors visit their doctors a few weeks before their date of travel and begin a course of anti-malaria tablets prior to entering the country. It is advisable to keep your valuables locked away or on your person.
VISAS & TRAVEL
Zambia is making use of the KAZA UNIVISA which can be purchased on arrival in Lusaka or Livingstone. This will travelers to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe with ease.
Please click here for visa requirements for your country.
LIVINGSTONE
CLIMATE & SEASONS
Dry Season: May to October
Wet Season: November to April
Winter can be very dry, and the mornings and nights can be very cold at around 7°C. Temperatures rise as October approaches, reaching highs of 37°C. The temperature remains relatively high during the wet season. It is usually wet, green and lush from January to March. Afternoon thunderstorms and showers are common.
WILDLIFE
Guests can visit the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to view wildlife while visiting Livingstone. White rhino can be seen in the park, as well as Elephants, Hippo, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest. On very rare occasions Wild dog may be seen in the park. Crocodiles, hippos and elephants can also be seen when visiting the Zambezi river and participating in activities on the river.
BIRDING
There are over 350 bird species in Mosi-oa-Tunya and many species can be seen throughout Livingstone and near the river. The African skimmer can be spotted near the Zambezi, as well as the Taita Falcon and Verreaux's Eagle.
Species to been seen include: Egyptian goose, Pied kingfisher, African fish eagle, Collared palm-thrush, Slaty egret, Grey tit-flycatcher, African finfoot
ACCESS
Guests can fly directly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport. Those traveling from Botswana can cross the Kazungula border to reach Livingstone. Travellers coming from Zimbabwe can cross the Victoria Falls bridge border into Livingstone.
SOUTH LUANGWA
CLIMATE & SEASONS
Dry Season: May to October
Wet Season: November to April
It can become extremely dry in the dry season, with high temperatures averaging 30°C. The mornings and evenings can remain quite cool. The heat continues throughout the wet season. The rains usually come as afternoon storms and thundershowers and don't often carry on into the next day.
BIRDING
There are over 400 different species of bird in the park. This is a fantastic place to view raptors and waterbirds. There are also plenty of Carmine bee-eaters. There are also large flocks of grey crowned cranes in the park.
Species to be seen include: Great white pelican, Verreaux's eagle owl, African skimmer, Cardinal quelea, Narina trogon, Woodland kingfisher, Pel's fishing owl, Racket tailed roller, African pitta
WILDLIFE
There are four of the Big 5 present in South Luangwa, rhino are not present in the region. There are large herds of antelope, elephants and buffalo in the area. This is a great destination for leopard sightings. There are very healthy numbers of hippo in the rivers. Lion and hyena are also easy to spot.
Species to be seen: Elephant, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Kudu, Roan, Sable, Eland, Puku, Bushbuck, Grysbok, Duiker, Wildebeest, Cheetah, Klipspringer, Oribi, Giraffe, Zebra and Reedbuck
ACCESS
There are flights available to Mfuwe airport, which provides easy access to the park.
KAFUE
CLIMATE & SEASONS
Dry Season: May to October
Wet Season: November to April
It is very dry from July to September. It is hot throughout the dry season with temperatures averaging 30°C. The first rain usually falls in October, but very lightly. June and July can be quite cool, with cold mornings and nights. It usually remains hot throughout the wet season with the temperature averaging 28°C. Busanga Plains is completely unreachable during this season. The rain usually stops in April.
WILDLIFE
Four of the Big 5 can be seen in Kafue, however rhino are not found in this area. The park is an excellent destination for leopard sightings. Giraffe are not present in this region, but may pass through occasionally.
Species to be seen include: Lion, Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Wild dog, Crocodile, Kudu, Puku, Sable, Roan, Hartebeest, Red lechwe, Oribi, Waterbuck, Cheetah, Hyena
BIRDING
Kafue is one of Zambia's best birding destinations, there are over 450 species of bird. The wet season is the best time for bird watching, and many migrants are present during this time.
Species to be seen include: Chaplin's Barbet, Black-cheeked lovebird, Wattled crane, Malachite kingfisher, Knysna turaco, Denham’s bustard and Pale-billed hornbill
ACCESS
Lusaka is located just 360km from Kafue. Travellers can self drive on the Lusaka - Mongu road. Charted flights are available.
LOWER ZAMBEZI
CLIMATE & SEASONS
Dry Season: May to October
Wet Season: November to April
The days can be very hot during the dry season, with temperatures peaking to around 35°C in October. The mornings and evenings can remain quite cool. The temperature remains hot throughout the wet season. The sky generally remains clear throughout the day, with afternoon showers. The wettest months are between December and March, and temperatures can average 30°C during this period.
BIRDING
This is an excellent biding destination, there are over 350 species in the area. The Angola pitta is seen here during the wet season. The Narina trogon is seen in the summer time. There are also plenty of raptors present in this park.
Species to be seen: Meyers parrot, Blacksmith lapwing, Hooded vulture, Lilian's lovebird, Trumpeter hornbill, African Jacana, Osprey
WILDLIFE
There are plenty and hippo and large herds of elephant in this park. Wild dog are present in the area but sightings are rare, the best time to see them would be early morning or late afternoon. Four of the big 5 can be seen here, rhino are absent from this region. Giraffe are also not present, but may pass through occasionally.
Species to been seen: Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Impala, Road, Eland,Wild dog, Samango monkey, Zebra, Porcupine, Honey badger, Lion, Hyena, Leopard, Wildebeest, Kudu, Waterbuck, Civet, Genet and Crocodile
ACCESS
The Lower Zambezi National Park is located approximately 216km from Lusaka. Self drive is an option, however chartered flights are available.