Hi all.

Here is the place to post your country research. eg...

* Car papers ie carne passage (spelling?), signage (AA);
* Car requirements ie warning vests, 2x triangles, etc;
* Border crossings ie times, etc;
* Customs regulations ie booze, perfume, cigs, food, cash, etc - what not to take ie pepper spray, medical drugs;
* Vaccinations needed?;
* Dress code, local customs/habits/behaviour;
* Local history, culture, food, languages (dictionary of basic conversation);
* Time zones;
* Drivers licence, which side of road to drive;
* Currency;
* Tourist attractions, accommodation;
* Identify Embassy;
* Travel distances;
* Climate/seasons/rainfall;
* Maps;
* Banking.........please add or delete!

Hey guys,
Finally started on my research...Please see below requirements for the Zambian Visas...I work on the assumption of the different nationalities in the team.

VISA
1. South Africans,we do not need a Visa for Zambia
2.UK,Germany,Austria,Netherlands & Peru u do need Visas which can be obtained at port of entry or apply in advance at a Zambian missions abroad...Adresses below

SOUTH AFRICA - HIGH COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA      
570 ZIERVOGEL STREET [OFF HAMILTON ST.]        
ARCADIA P.O. BOX 12234          
PRETORIA                        
TEL: 0027 12 3261847/3261854          
FAX: 3262140            
EMAIL: zhpta@mweb.co.za  

GERMANY - EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA      
EXEL-SPRINGER-STR.54A 1          
0117 BERLIN                        
TEL: 0049 30/206 2940          
FAX: 0046 30/206 29 419                      
EMAIL: zambianbonn@t-online.de      
WEBSITE: www.sambia-botschaft.de  

Arrival by Road
The main overland routes from the south to Zambia are; via Harare in Zimbabwe through the border at either Kariba or Chirundu; via Bulawayo and across the Victoria Falls Bridge; via Botswana across the ferry at Kazungula near Livingstone.

Zambia can be entered from Malawi at the Mchinga/Chipata border, or further north at Nyika Plateau or Chitipa.
The Tanzanian entry point is through the Tunduma/Nakonde border post onto the Great North road,.
Access from Congo D.R. is via the Lumbumbashi - Chingola road, but there is no access from Angola as yet.
Road borders all open at 06h00 and close at 18h00 except Victoria falls which closes at 20h00.

To bring a vehicle into Zambia one must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP), at the border, or depending on the country of origin, a carnet de passage. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle they must have a letter from the owner authorising the use of the vehicle in Zambia. You must also purchase third party insurance at the border. Have your vehicle papers on hand at all times as road blocks are fairly frequent.

Zambia has 38 763kms of roads, 8200 kms of which are tarred and another 8000 kms all weather gravel road. The rest range from reasonable to bad dirt roads.

Once you cross into Zambia from the south, be prepared for a radical change in road conditions. It's improving all the time but certain sections of the main roads become potholes strung together with strips of tar, so be really careful, especially if travelling at night for road markings are usually non existent. There is much road rehabilitation finally being done so perhaps this won’t be as bad in the near future. Do watch out for animals in the road, vehicles without lights pedestrians, unannounced roadworks, bad drivers and broken down trucks with no warning triangles. If you see a branch in the road, slow down immediately - these are improvised warning triangles and there’s bound to be a truck or car in the middle of the road up ahead. Never leave a car with anything visible in it in Lusaka, if possible make sure you have an alarm system or steering wheel locking device. Car theft is rife here, but avoidable if you’re careful.

Sections of the major routes to the north, south, east and west are nearly always undergoing pothole repairs.

The gravel roads on the minor routes are fine to drive without a four by four, but if you’re doing a long trip around the country there are wonderful remote places to go to that would require 4x4 durability.

Petrol is available at most of the major towns, but gets more expensive as one gets further from the railway line. If travelling in the more remote areas be sure to take extra supplies as availability is not always guaranteed. If it’s an emergency, try the local markets. They sometime have bottles of petrol for sale.

Be sure to have all your vehicle papers on hand as you’re bound to encounter a few roadblocks and if you ever need to stop, pull well off the road.

Banks
Operational hours are 0815 to 1430 hours Mondays through to Fridays  and 0815 to 1030 hours on 1st and last  Saturdays of the month.

Business hours
Government offices are open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday. Closed from 13h00 to 14h00.
Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30 - 14h30 Monday to Friday. Only some are open on Saturdays.
Shops are generally open from 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday although some stay open until 19h00 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 13h00 although some stay open til 17h00.

Climate
Zambia has three distinct seasons. December to April: warm and wet, May to August: cool and dry. September to November: hot and dry. Average temperatures in Summer range from 25° C to 35° C and in winter from 6° C to 24° C.

Currency
The Kwacha has denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10 000, 20 000 and 50 000 kwacha notes. To understand the value of ur currency,I have summarised below the conversions to USD & Rands...Just an indication as these obviously fluctuate
1.00 USD = 3,402.50 ZMK
10.00 USD = 34,025.00 ZMK
50.00 USD = 170,125.00 ZMK
100.00 USD = 340,250.00 ZMK

1.00 ZAR = 431.444 ZMK
10.00 ZAR = 4,314.44 ZMK
50.00 ZAR = 21,572.22 ZMK
100.00 ZAR = 43,144.44 ZMK

Currency regulations
There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form.

Credit Cards
Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards. Most of the bigger banks will advance local currency against a credit card.  Standard Chartered, Stanbic and Barclays Banks have ATM's which accept Visa cards for cash

Communications
Postal services are fairly well organised in Zambia and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. Telegrams are less certain. There are two commercial Internet servers in Lusaka and another on the Copperbelt.

E-mail:  There are several Internet Cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka and time on line is very reasonable.   A popular one in Lusaka is at the Kilimanjaro Coffee shop at the Manda Hill Shopping Centre with several computers, a hotspot connections and great food!. Arcades shopping centre also has a large Internet Centre and there are several in Cairo Rd.

Internet Service Providers are Zamnet, Coppernet, Zamtel, Microlink, Iconnect, Africonnect and most offer broadband or dial up connections now.

Public telephones are available in most public buildings, ie. post offices, and most use tokens. International calls can also be made from a private home or large hotel. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high). Direct dialling to neighbouring countries requires 4 sets of numbers: first the international prefix 00, then the country code, the city code, then the number. Incoming calls usually cost less than outgoing calls from Zambia. To book an operator assisted international call, dial 090 or 093. Local directory assistance is 103. There are secretarial services along Cairo Rd in Lusaka that offer telephone, fax and telex and email facilities for a fee.

Customs
Travellers may, for their own consumption, import 2.5 litres of duty free beer, wine or spirits and 400 cigarettes or 500gms of tobacco.


Drivers Licence
Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers Licence. Drivers licences from other countries are not valid except SADC countries. New residents are required to pass a driving test. A person driving into the country on business can have their car admitted without having to pay duty, provided they will not use it for hire or commercial purposes. They will also have to show that the car is owned by themselves or by their company.

Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; One bottle of spirits and wine and 2.5 litres of beer (opened); 1oz bottle of perfume.
Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits.

Emergency Numbers
Emergency  – 999
Police – 991
Lusaka, Central police station, – 220006
Lusaka,  Central Fire station, 220180
Lusaka, Ambulance service – 220180
 
National telephone operator – 100
National directory – 102
International operator - 090
Ambulance - 991
Fire brigade – 993
Hospital UTH  - Lusaka
          - General Line 251200
          - Casualty Direct Line254115
 
Livingstone Central police 03 323575/320116
Livingstone Fire station- 03 324043

Energy
Local current is 220v, 50 cycle AC

Health Requirements
Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South America) must be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.

Insurance
Third party insurance must be purchased at the border for a nominal fee.

Language
There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, but the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well. Bemba is the next most commonly understood language, followed by Nyanja Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka.

Medical Insurance
Medical insurance should be purchased before you leave your own country and should include emergency air evacuation coverage if you’re spending any time in remote parts of the country. There are two medical rescue organisations

MEDICAL RESCUE
Speciality Emergency Services
Tel: 273302-7 Lusaka
Fax: 273301, 273181
Emergencies: 273303/4
med@zamnet.zm

 
Health InternationalMedical Air Rescue Service (MARS)
Tel: 251163  251371  / 250852
Fax: 231081
himrsz@zamnet.zm

Petrol
Petrol and diesel can be readily obtained in all major towns, but shortages are common in the very remote areas so make sure you have spare fuel for emergencies. Both petrol and diesel get more expensive the further away you are from the line of rail. Unleaded petrol is now available at most BP stations in the major towns.

Religion
There is freedom of worship in Zambia with over 15 different churches. Christianity is followed by over 60% of the population.


Road Conditions
Zambia has a total road length of 38763kms tarred roads, 8592kms gravel roads and 21999 kms dirt roads. Zambia is notorious for potholes and roadsigns are few, but there are major roadworks on some of the main routes at the moment as the roads are finally being upgraded.. SOme of the more remote roads require great care and caution while driving. Avoid driving at night if possible as there are no roadmarkings and potholes and animals occur when least expected. A 4x4 is recommended if you’re going anywhere off the main routes.

Road Rules
In Zambia, one drives on the left hand side of the road. The general speed limit on national highways is 100km/h, secondary roads 100km/h and in urban built up areas 65 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Security
Petty theft is as common as any major city where unemployment is high. Be very awake when walking around carrying anything of value, there are master pickpockets here and there. Never leave your vehicle unlocked and never change money on the streets. For the most part, however, Zambians are very friendly and helpful.

Time
Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time and ten hours ahead of Western USA time.

Tipping
Tipping is discouraged as it is included as service charge on your bill.

Vehicle permits
To bring a vehicle into Zambia one must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) or, depending on the country of origin of the vehicle, a carnet de passage. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, they must have a letter of authorisation from the owner for use of the vehicle in Zambia. Your local AA office should be consulted before leaving for Zambia to check whether any of these conditions have changed. Otherwise, write to the Controller of Customs and Excise Headquarters, Box 60500, Livingstone, Zambia.

THE PEOPLE

Zambia has over 73 different tribes, with a population of just about 10 million people, most of whom live in and around the urban centres. The population growth however, at 3.7 % p/a is among the highest in the world.

In the cities, especially Lusaka, where there is massive unemployment and poverty, the informal sector has been allowed to multiply. There is a growing number of thieves, pickpockets and beggars, but if you don’t walk around with anything obviously stealable, it’s quite safe and most will be more than willing to chat or give directions. For the most part Zambians are very friendly people.

There is no predominant ethnic culture and Zambians are fast becoming westernised. There is however, an attempt to maintain traditional customs with the revival of tribal ceremonies amongst the various tribes in different parts of the country. If any of these are taking place during your visit, they’re well worth attending

SAFETY

As far as personal safety is concerned, one could easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without a problem. Theft however is rife in the bigger towns and cities. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.

CLOTHES

Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must.

HEALTH

A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if you are travelling from an infected area. Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in the low lying areas of the country which include most of the good wildlife destinations. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is boiled already. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Zambia is an extrememly photogenic country. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich colour and good low lighting conditions abound. It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Always bring plenty of film as it is difficult to get in Zambia. Only print film and processing is available in Lusaka, not slide. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari.

CAMPING

Zambia is a fascinating country to travel around by vehicle. Even though camping facilities are marginal, if you’re well prepared you can find some of the best, unexplored and remote places in the country and very often have them all to yourselves. Be fully equipped for spending the night with no facilities at all except perhaps a nearby river. Have a bucket for washing pots and clothes, all cooking gear and all the food you need for the whole journey apart from fresh vegetables. Meat is not always available in the remoter areas so bring substitutes. Most villages will sell onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, sugar, salt and oil. You can buy just about anything you need for your journey in Lusaka, but tinned food is pricey. Always have at least twenty litres of drinking water in the vehicle at all times as well as spare jerry cans of petrol. It is best to boil all water before drinking it.

Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. People with little are easily tempted. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

SOME USEFUL WORDS

English       Bemba       Nyanja
Hello         Shani       Bwanji
Goodbye       Shalapo     Pitani Bwino
How are you?  Uli Shani?  Muli Bwanji?
I am fine     Ndi Bwino   Ndili Bwino
Thank you     Natotela    Dzikomo
very much     sana        kwambili

NATIONAL FLAG

The flag of Zambia was hoisted for the first time at midnight on the 23rd October, 1964, symbolising patriotism and the nation’s natural resources. An eagle in flight over three stripes of red black and orange on a green background. Red represents the struggle for freedom, black, the people of Zambia, orange the country’s mineral wealth and green the wildlife and environment. The eagle in flight symbolises the freedom in Zambia and the ability to rise above national problems.


  NATIONAL BIRD

The Fish Eagle
 
NATIONAL ANTHEM

Stand and sing of Zambia proud and free, Land of works and joy in unity, Victors in the struggle for the right, We have won freedom's fight. All one, strong and free.

Africa is our own motherland, fashioned with and blessed by God's good hand. Let us all her people join as one, Brothers under the sun, All one, strong and free.

One land and one nation is our cry, Dignity and peace 'neath the Zambian sky. Like our noble eagle in its flight, Zambia, praise to thee. All one, strong and free.

Praise to God, Bless our great nation, Free men we stand, Under the flag of our land, Zambia praise to thee, All one strong and free.

Culture

Zambia’s contemporary culture is a blend of values, norms, material and spiritual traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse people. Most of the tribes of Zambia moved into the area in a series of migratory waves a few centuries ago. They grew in numbers and many travelled in search of establishing new kingdoms, farming land and pastures.
Before the colonial period, the region now known as Zambia was the home of a number of free states. Each having comprehensive economic links with each other and the outside world along trade routes to the east and west coast of Africa. The main exports were copper, ivory and slaves in exchange for textiles, jewellery, salt and hardware.

During the colonial period, the process of industrialisation and urbanisation saw ethnically different people brought together by economic interests. This, as well as the very definite influence of western standards, generated a new culture without conscious effort of politically determined guidelines.
Many of the rural inhabitants however, have retained their indigenous and traditional customs and values. After Independence in 1964, the government recognised the role culture was to play in the overall development of a new nation and began to explore the question of a National identity.
Institutions to protect and promote Zambia’s culture were created, including the National Heritage Conservation Commission. Private museums were also founded and cultural villages were established to promote the expression of artistic talents.  

Music and Dance

Quiet beauty, bustle, bounding life or brimming joy characterise many aspects of music and dance in Zambia. Emphasis varies from breathless acrobatic spectacle amid propulsive drumming to fine subtleties of sound and movement.

Many traditional instruments are still played throughout the country, although the desire for western instruments increases. The more common ones are the hand piano, a small instrument with iron keys mounted on a rectangular box and plucked by both thumbs. Or the silimba, a xylophone type instrument with a range of flat wooden keys mounted over gourds. The most common of course is the drum and drumming plays an important part of rituals, ceremonies, celebrations and community communication.


Dance is an important part of musical expression among Africans and along with the ideas they express, serve as reflectors of life and thought over the centuries - of times of turmoil and peace, tension and confidence, retreat and advance, conquest and defeat.
The influence of the west and the rest of Africa is well entrenched in music tastes of the current generation in Zambia. In the big towns, night clubs and shebeens belt the sounds of Kwela and rumba and many local bands play to the increasingly westernised youth.

Arts & Crafts

Zambia’s diverse cultures bring with them a wide variety of traditional skills. Crafts can be found in great variety if not in abundance and among them is some of the finest basketry in Africa.
The economy of most of the crafts people is based on fishing, cattle or the cultivation of crops. Craftwork is often done seasonally to supplement the incomes of many families. It was originally intended for barter and made according to the needs of other villagers. To many, especially the subsistence farmers, craftwork is their only means of earning cash.

Traditionally made pots and baskets in the more populated areas however, are being replaced by commercially manufactured utility items made of plastic or tin. A large part of the new generation are losing these traditional skills because of a lessening demand and others have begun to make more modern items like lampshades, shopping and laundry baskets and furniture.

Fortunately there are organisations such as Zintu Handicrafts in Lusaka, the Nayuma Museum in Mongu, the Tonga Museum in Choma and the Moto Moto Museum in Mbala, which aim to stimulate the production of quality craftwork both in traditional forms and where craftwork is a contemporary expression of art.

Basketry, practised by both the men and the women is widespread. The many forms and raw materials used reflect the environment in which they are made: bamboo, liana vines, roots, reeds, grasses, rushes, papyrus palm leaves, bark and sisal. They are decorated with symbolic designs using traditional dyes made from different coloured soils, roots, bark and leaves. The variety of uses for basketry is wide; carrying and storage, fishing traps, beer strainers, flour sieves, sleeping and eating mats and a variety of tableware. The Lozi and Mbunda people in the Western Province are particularly skilled in this field.
It is the men that usually do the woodwork and carving and produce canoes, furniture, walking sticks, utensils and food bowls as well as masks, drums and a variety of animal forms. The potters are usually, though not always women who work the clay and then fire them on open fires or pits.

For a look at a local artists pictures visit Enock Ilunga's web site.

Urban Life

The principle urban centres, Lusaka, Livingstone and the towns on the Copperbelt are where most of the rural people head when they make the decision to leave their villages. The transition may not be an easy one, especially as the motivation is to find work and very often they are disappointed. The impact on the cities has been immense. A ring of shanty towns around the peripheries, with no electricity or adequate sanitation increases both disease and crime. But the shanties are filled with a people who have made a fine art out of surviving with very little. Home industries spring up everywhere from tailors, cobblers, vegetable sellers, money exchangers, to hundreds of walking salesmen selling anything from frying pans, electric plugs and batteries to fruit, vegetables and nuts. The unemployment figure is currently about 60%.

But despite the dirt and discomfort of the city, the allure is still powerful. The countryside may be healthier, more open and free, but to many of the rural young, it is monotonous compared with the action and energy of the big city. The massive markets that have developed are a world within a world in the cities. Thousands of little wooden stalls crammed together selling a wide variety of goods in an endless shanty shopping mall. The mood in the markets is very lively, serving as a social meeting place as well.

The impact on rural villages will have long term detrimental effects as it is mostly young men under 25 that leave, leaving the women folk to raise children, tend to the fields and eke out a living by themselves, since little money is made in the cities so little is ever sent back. Fewer traditional farmers are making a living by agriculture and crop output for the nation is reducing as a consequence.

Zambia faces an enormous challenge to cope with this trend, not only to lure people back to the country to cultivate the land, but to ensure the people who won’t leave the cities, are gainfully employed.

There is also a burgeoning well educated middle and wealthy class, white collar workers and entrepreneurs. Many women are in management positions or  have their own companies and several are in government.

Rural Life
Africa’s economy, before Europeans arrived was essentially a rural one. Fishing, hunting and agriculture were the means of survival and because numbers were small, these activities were viable. With the increase in community sizes and the lure of the cities, rural life has undergone fundamental changes. Most villages are dominated by women who now have to depend on their own ingenuity to generate cash to support their many children and very often their elders.

Adulthood comes at an early age to rural children, especially the girls. Few manage to start school before ten and only five years later they are considered adults with all the attendant responsibilities of marriage, child rearing and tending to crops. Only a small percentage of children finish primary school due to the high cost of uniforms, books and various school funds which parents must contribute. Usually a woman will have between 6 and 12 children and the cost of schooling for all of them is usually out of their reach. The desire to have many children still remains, even with the attendant hardships. The idea of long term insurance overwhelms the sacrifices.

Traditional healers play an important role in health care and almost every village will have a knowledgeable person who takes care of the ill with herbal and plant remedies.

Different tribes have differing village styles, some build their houses from mud and thatch, others burn bricks and build square houses which they paint with individual patterns. Usually long distances must be walked to fetch water and wood for fuel.

But although life is hard in these remote villages, they are by no means unhappy. Pleasure is taken in simple things and problems are shared. Daily chores are done in groups and often become social occasions. Everyone contributes to weddings and funerals otherwise they would not be affordable. There are no invitations and anybody in the village is welcome to join in.

Customs

Many of the tribal customs are only still practised in the rural areas as the urbanised youth aspire to Western behaviour.

A greeting is always exchanged before any conversation. If a person approaches you, you should always offer the first greeting. A man should withhold his hand in greeting until the woman offers hers. Gifts are often offered to a visitor as a sign of honour, friendship or gratitude. One should never refuse a gift and accept it with both hands at the same time expressing thanks.

‘Lobola’ the bride price is still widely practised and is a token of appreciation to the parents of the girl. In most tribes, the bride is taken to the man’s village the evening before the wedding. Large quantities of food are prepared and home made beer is brewed to celebrate the marriage. The whole village attends and much singing dancing and drumming takes place, usually over two or three days. Afterwards, the elders council the bride and groom on the preservation of marriage. The bride is not supposed to cook until after the in-laws introduce her to the pots and fire.

Funerals are also big occasions in the villages. Everyone clubs together to help pay the expenses. Grief is shown through wailing singing and dancing and becomes quite an emotional affair. During the mourning period women and men separate, the men staying outside and the women in the house of the deceased. After long speeches about the departed friend and thanks for the donations, the whole village walks to the place of burial to pay their last respects.

Health and Education

The government has a policy of universal free primary education and health care. Health facilities however are grossly inadequate with only half the required doctors needed to service the population.

Some 95% of primary school age children are enrolled at schools with 20% continuing to secondary level and 2% of the 20 - 24 age group in tertiary level. Illiteracy is only 27% but the drop out rate at schools is very high. In rural areas, the standard of education is hampered by lack of facilities, transport and teachers.  

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Experts have dubbed South Luangwa as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of game around the Luangwa river and it’s ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa.



The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the park's 9050km2.    The Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first hand. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. The only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.



  Wildlife

If you’re staying at one of the Valley’s lodges, the guides will ensure you have every opportunity to see all that the valley has to offer of its wildlife, birds and varying vegetation and habitats. If you’re in your own vehicle, be sure to get a map of the park from the Crocodile Farm at the park entrance and follow the loop roads graded in the park, past dambos bursting with hippos, crowned cranes, grazing antelope and scurrying baboons. Further out on the plains you’re bound to see the large elephant herds, reaching up to 70 in number. Buffalo are abundant and spread throughout the valley.



The hippopotamus is one animal you won’t miss. As you cross over the bridge into the park there are usually between 30 and 70 hippos lounging in the river below and most of the dambos and lagoons will reveal many. There is estimated to be at least 50 hippos per kilometre of the Luangwa River!

Zebra can be seen running in small herds of about a dozen. The difference between Zambia’s zebras and those in the south and east of Africa are in the stripes. Here they are evenly spaced as opposed to broad light stripes with a faint shadow stripe in-between.



Thornicroft’s Giraffe, unique to Luangwa Valley should be easily spotted.

The park has 14 different antelope species, most of which are easily seen on game and night drives. Watch out for the elusive bushbuck, preferring to inhabit densely covered areas. The common duiker is not that common near the Luangwa river but inhabits the back country of the Luangwa Valley. The largest of the antelope is the eland, usually near the Nsefu sector of the park. The most numerous antelope is the impala, these gregarious animals can be seen in herds all over the park. Not to be confused with the Puku, of similar size but a much fluffier buck with a rich orange coat and also prolific.

Perhaps the most beautiful is the Kudu, with its majestic spiral horns and delicate face. Although fairly common, they’re not always easy to find due to their retiring habits and preference for dense bush.. Reedbuck, roan, sable, hartebeest, grysbok, klipspringer and oribi are all here but not prolific in the central tourist area of the Park. They tend to stay deeper in the remote parts towards the Muchinga escarpment.

Of the primates, baboons and vervet monkeys are prolific. More scarce is Maloney’s monkey. Present, but unlikely to be seen except on night drives is the night ape, and the nocturnal bushbaby.

Hyenas are fairly common throughout the valley and their plaintive, eerie cry, so characteristic of the African bush can be heard on most nights.

South Luangwa has a good population of  leopard but they are not that easy to spot and tend to retreat when they hear vehicles. Many of the Lodge’s game trackers are skilled in finding leopards on night drives however, and often visitors are rewarded with a full view of a kill.



Lions are as plentiful in the Luangwa as anywhere else in Africa, but when a kill is made away from the central tourist area, the pride may stay away for several days and may not be seen by visitors on a short stay. Very often they roam in prides of up to thirty.

Of the other carnivores present but not often seen is the caracal, wild dog, serval and side striped jackal.

The Luangwa river also has an extraordinarily high number of crocodiles. It is not uncommon to see several basking on the riverbanks or even floating down the river tearing at a dead animal.

Night drives are fascinating in the Luangwa. Not only for the chance of seeing a leopard but for the many interesting animals that only come to life at night. Genets, civets, servals, hyenas, and bushbabies as well as owls, nightjars, the foraging hippos, honey badgers and lion.

Birdlife

Birdwatching is superb in the Valley. Near the end of the dry season, when the river and oxbow lagoons begin to recede, hundreds of large waterbirds can be seen wading through the shallows. The red faced yellow billed storks move along with their beaks open underwater, disturbing the muddy liquid with their feet until the fish flop into their mouths. The pelicans tend to operate in lines abreast, driving the fish before them into shallows before scooping them up into their beak pouches. The striking 1.6m saddle bill stork makes quick darting movements into the water. Then there’s the marabou stork, great white egrets, black headed herons, open billed storks and the stately goliath heron that can stand in the same position for hours before pouncing. Of the most beautiful are the elegant crowned cranes, with their golden tufts congregating in large flocks at the salt pans.

Around the same time, just before the rains set in, in November, the palearctic migrants from Northern Europe and the intra-African migrants arrive to exploit the feeding opportunities that the warm rainy season brings. These include the red chested cuckoo, white storks, European swallows. Swifts, hobbies and bee-eaters, as well as birds of prey such as the Steppe eagles and Steppe buzzards that come all the way from Russia. A special sight is the hundreds of brightly coloured carmine bee-eaters nesting in the steep sandy banks of the river.

The ever-present sounds of the birds in the Valley takes some getting used to. An early caller is the ground hornbill, looking like a well-dressed turkey, but emitting the sound of a deep base drum. The melodious Heuglin’s robin, the shrill cry of the fish eagle and the background cooing of doves and larks.

With about 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds appearing in the Valley, including 39 birds of prey and 47 migrant species, there is plenty for the birdwatcher to spot, whatever the season.

For an enhanced experience of the bush, one would do well to develop an interest in the varying vegetation in Zambia. Some magnificent trees grow in the Valley and it certainly adds to the richness of one’s experience to begin to recognise different tree species and figure out the implications of them growing in that particular area.

Among the more common trees in the valley are the mopane, leadwood, winterthorn, some beautiful specimens of baobab, large ebony forests, the tall vegetable ivory palm, marula and the magnificent tamarind tree.

SOUTH LUANGWA

Where to stay

There are many varied places to stay in the Valley ranging from luxurious safari camps to budget chalets and camping. Most of the lodges are spread along the east bank of the Luangwa River, in the adjoining Game Management Area, conducting game drives and walking safaris along the west bank, in the Park itself. Some of the Lodges have bush camps deep in the Park for remote walking safaris.

Tena Tena is a luxurious tented camp under a shady mahogany grove in the northern section run by Robin Pope, a well-known safari expert. (June to October). The Popes also own the picturesque Nkwali Camp further south, which boasts the ‘best bar in the Valley.’ (April to December) and Nsefu, the oldest camp with a spectacular view across the Luangwa River.


Kaingo is a small, very comfortable lodge, one of the few inside the Park itself, with an emphasis on personalised walking safaris and game drives. Mwamba Bush Camp is three hours walk north of Kaingo set under shady ebony trees along the Mwamba River. The emphasis here is mainly on Walking Safaris; it is an excellent game area. An ideal safari includes three nights at Kaingo and three at Mwamba Camp. Both camps are owned and operated by Derek Shenton, son of former Park Warden and prominent conservationist, Barry Shenton. (Open: 20 May - 31 Oct) See some outstanding pics taken from here

 

Kapani is one of the more well known and established lodges, built by Norman Carr, the ‘father’ of conservation in Zambia. It has comfortable, well appointed brick and tile chalets and top quality catering. (All year). Kapani runs three bush camps in the Park during the dry season; Luwi, Kakuli and Nsolo with the emphasis on walking safaris. (June to October) Run by Norman Carr Safaris.

 

The Bush Camp Company  has walking Trails through the Park staying at their four very comfortable bush camps along the Luangwa River.

 

Kafunta. Each spacious log cabin is made from natural material with a splendid view over the winding Luangwa River.

 

Tafika  offer unique, quality game viewing in Zambia’s pristine Luangwa Valley.  5 chalets built from local materials, offering excellent cuisine, personalised attention and respected and dedicated guides.  Chikoko and Crocodile Walking Camps (June-October), give you the opportunity to explore the wonders of the African Bush on foot.

 

Track and Trail River Camp is located at a breathtaking spot on the Luangwa River, a rustic camp only five minutes from  the main entrance of the South Luangwa National Park. Comfortable chalets and camping spots. They offer photographic safari in open game vehicle and on foot.  They have an elevated unique looking pool with sundeck located directly on the river.

 
Chichele Presidential Lodge An elegant Victorian “Gentleman’s Lodge” initially constructed as a private residential retreat for the former President of Zambia – Dr Kenneth Kaunda. Chichele occupies one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire South Luangwa National Park, home to elephants, lions, their prey and their habitats. With its magnificent hilltop position inside one of Africa’s most prolific game-viewing areas, Chichele is set to become one of the greatest safari lodges in Africa.
 

Puku Ridge Tented Camp  A real wilderness experience under canvas with attention to luxury and comfort and emphasis on exciting wildlife opportunities. This superb property is located on a ridge overlooking spectacular game rich floodplains. Game to be seen includes elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo and giraffe. Guided walks, game drives and night drives are conducted by armed professional safari guides.

 

Mfuwe Lodge is a fine luxury lodge in one of the South Luangwa's prime locations, built between busy lagoons within the Park iteself. They  have two Trail Camps, for walking safaris operating from July to October. Otherwise the main lodge is open all year round.
 

Mushroom Lodge has modern, yet authentic African styled thatched chalets on the banks of a blue lagoon under ancient ebony trees. The lodge is frequently visited by elephants  offering a unique up close and personal view  Game viewing drives are available for the more adventurous A 24hr butler service is available, high speed wireless internet connectivity, 24hr security, bar and open air boma.
 

Croc Valley Camp  - Situated very close to the entrance of the Park, where the old Croc Farm used to be. They offer chalets, camping, game drives and walking Safaris, an environmental friendly "Hippo" pool, a bar & restaurant facilities.  A good option for the budget traveller, moderately priced accommodation with high quality finishes, and personal, exclusive service.

 

Chimfule Lodge is located about 4km from Mfuwe international airport, about 15 minutes drive from the Park. They have 14 air conditioned, self contained chalets overlooking a lake. There is an open air restaurant, two bars and a chef who specialises in both local and international cuisine. Bird watching, fishing can be done from the lodge, and then game viewing  and walking safari's can be taken into the  park.

 

Luangwa River Lodge. Nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking a Lagoon, this stylish  lodge has open plan lounges, with dining under the endless canopy of African stars. Spacious rooms with good views. Offer game drives and walks in the park.




For the budget traveller,

Flatdogs Camp has four very comfortable and airy, self catering chalets for rent as well as a fully serviced camping site with excellent ablution facilities, a fully equipped kitchen with a cook on hand, a bar and a take away restaurant. This you’ll find situated 500 metres before the park gate on the left.  Walks, night drives and game drives in open vehicles are available. (All year)



The Wildlife Camp also has beautiful chalets for hire on an excellent location on a bend in the river, as well as  a camp site and a good bar/restaurant with a great view. They also offer game drives and walking safaris. (All year)



Track and Trail River Camp is located at a breathtaking spot on the Luangwa River, a rustic camp only five minutes from  the main entrance of the South Luangwa National Park. Comfortable chalets and camping spots. They offer photographic safari in open game vehicle and on foot.  They have an elevated unique looking pool with sundeck located directly on the river.



Croc Valley Camp  - Situated very close to the entrance of the Park, where the old Croc Farm used to be. They offer chalets, camping, game drives and walking Safaris, an environmental friendly "Hippo" pool, a bar & restaurant facilities.  A good option for the budget traveller, moderately priced accommodation with high quality finishes, and personal, exclusive service.



Its Wild~ Bushcamps


Marula Lodge  Located very close to the Park entrance on the banks of the Luangwa, Marula offers very affordable yet comfortably appointed accommodation and offers guided walks and drives into the park.

All the bigger lodges offer game drives, night drives and walking safaris as part of the package. Budget lodges charge separately for these services.


Mobile Walking Safaris are run in the wild and remote sections of the park. Camps are set up ahead of you and moved on to the next site while guests take a slow and adventurous walk through the bush.  Robin Pope Safaris (June to September)

NORTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK


This remote tract of land covering 4636 square kilometres offers one of the finest wilderness experiences in Zambia, if not Africa itself. It is not open to the public and there are no permanent lodges there. Access is with one of the few safari operators granted permission to conduct walking safaris there.

The beauty of visiting this park is the truly remarkable opportunities to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama.



Although declared a wilderness area, the North Park, was not open to anyone other than Game Department rangers for more than thirty years. In 1984, Major John Harvey and his wife Lorna sought permission to conduct walking safaris in the area and for many years were the only operators in this remote wilderness.

Then in 1989, Two scientists, Mark and Delia Owens, famed for their book ‘Cry of the Kalahari’, were granted permission to set up a research station in the park. Through their influence and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to the park to a few more safari operators who bring limited numbers into the park for guided walking safaris and game drives. Their efforts in the North Luangwa are documented in their book ‘Survivors Song / The Eye of the Elephant’.



There are very few roads and you’re unlikely to see anyone else for the duration of your trip.
Like the South Park, it lies on the western bank of the Luangwa River bordered on the other side by the dramatic Muchinga escarpment which rises over 1000 meters from the valley floor. Its hazy outline can clearly be seen from the Luangwa river.

There are a number of tributary rivers running through the park and into the Luangwa which play an important ecological role in the Area. The crystal clear Mwaleshi River trickles down the escarpment in a series of small waterfalls. It recedes in the dry season, leaving many pools along the way, drawing the animals from the bush to its banks in search of water. No game drives are permitted in the Mwaleshi area, access is by organised walking safaris only.

Vegetation ranges from mopane woodland to riverine forest, open grasslands and acacia thicket, the beautiful sausage trees, vegetable ivory palms, red mahogany and leadwood.



   What to See

The park is noted for its massive herds of buffalo, a spectacular sight if they’re seen on the run, kicking up dust for miles behind them. Large prides of lion inhabit the territory and it is not uncommon to witness a kill. Other common mammals are hyaena, Cookson’s wildebeest, bushbuck, zebra, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey, puku and impala. Elephant and leopard are also seen, but not as frequently as in the South Park. You are more likely to see hartebeest, reedbuck and eland here, however. All the birds in the South have been recorded here as well. Sighted regularly are the crowned cranes, purple crested loeries, broad billed roller, Lilian’s lovebird, the carmine bee-eater, giant eagle owl and Pel’s fishing owl. Occasionally seen are the bathawk, black coucal and osprey.



   Getting There

Although this park was officially opened to the public in 1984, the infrastructure in and to the park is not sufficiently developed to cater for the independent traveller. Special permission to enter it must be obtained from the Dept of National Parks and Wildlife Services in Chilanga or Mpika. This is not advisable due to its remoteness should anything go wrong with your vehicle. The best way to experience this park is with one of the operators running safaris here. One can fly in to either Mfuwe International Airport, about four hours away and be picked up, or be brought in from the Mpika side of the escarpment. There are two airstrips that are open for charter traffic.
See Package Tours in the index for pre-arranged trips in Zambia including North Luangwa.

There are no lodges open to the public in the North Park but several operators run prebooked, organised safaris there.

Shiwa Safaris have two bush camps and their safaris begin at the Shiwa Ngandu estate over the western side of the escarpment.

Zambia's smallest owner-operated camp, Kutandala Camp catering for only six guests on each safari. All the rooms have an unrestricted view of the Mwaleshi River and its flood plain throughout the day.

Mwaleshi Camp  situated on a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River, a beautiful river within the North Luangwa National Park. It comprises of 3 attractive reed chalets, each with stunning views over the river.  Game viewing is on foot, in a remote area renowned for its lion, huge herds of buffalo and endemic Cookson’s wildebeest.

PARK ENTRANCE FEES

An entrance fee of $10 is payable per person for entry into National Parks, except South Luangwa which is $20 per person. There is also a $5 vehicle fee. Kafue Park $15

This site has lots of Zambia information for the self drive- http://tinyurl.com/2p3eot