Zambia Visitor Information

Climate Chart for Zambia

Although Zambia lies within the tropics, much of the country has a pleasant climate because of high altitude. Both temperature and rainfall are closely affected and moderated by the altitude of the terrain. Temperatures are highest in the valleys of the Zambezi, Luangwa and Kafue rivers and by the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu.

There are wide seasonal variations in temperatures and rainfall. The highest temperatures come before the rains. October is the hottest months, being humidity and cloudy with thunderstorms caused by moist air from the east. The main raining season starts in mid-November, with heavy tropical storms lasting well into April. The Northern Province has a rainfall of from 30 - 36 inches. May to middle of August is regarded as the cool season, after which temperatures rise rapidly. September usually is very dry.

Livingstone has a hot climate, with extreme temperatures of 40.6°C (105°F) and -3°C (27°F) and an annual rainfall of almost 30 inches. From May to July the weather is perfect. Lusaka at 4,100 ft, has extreme temperatures of 39°C (100°F) and 5°C (41°F) and an average annual rainfall of 45 inches.

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
• US State Department - Travel Warnings

The Zambian Government have decided that they will no longer be offering a visa waiver for those pre-booking safaris in Zambia and that travellers will have to pay for their visas either before or on arrival in Zambia.

You may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay. Passports must be valid for at last six months after your intended departure date.

Listing of Zambian Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world

Official Currency:    Kwacha=100 ngwee
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

The major Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are best taken in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Many lodges, and our businesses prefer payment in hard currency or travellers cheques.

Air

Proflight Commuter Services are an airline that can be booked through any IATA travel agent worldwide. A domestic airline operating scheduled services to tourist and business destinations in Zambia. In June 2006 we will begin regional flights to South Africa and Botswana. Also offers a charter service to any destination in the region.

Zambian Airways and Airwaves operate domestic flights to most the major towns.

There is a small departure tax payable on domestic flights.

Railways / Train Services

The country's main line runs from Kitwe to Livingstone via Kapiri, Mposhi and Lusaka.

Bus

There are bus services to most the major towns covered by several operators. Most of these are crowded and unreliable. There are plenty of taxis in the towns but be sure to agree a price in advance.

Intercape Mainliner
Luxury Inter City Transport provider covering Southern Africa. Travel in the lap of excellance with Intercape Mainliner.

Scandinavia Express Services
Cross border Bus Service between Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia

Road

There is a fairly good network of roads, but some are in poor condition. Driving is on the left hand side and an International Driving Licence is recommended. There are numerous local and international car hire firms

1st January New Year's Day
11th March Youth Day
1st May Labour Day
24th March African Freedom Day
5th July Heroes Day
8th July Unity Day
5th August Farmers Day
24th October Independence Day
25th December Christmas Day
Moveable Holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday

click to view plug types

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz.
The Plug type used in Zambia is: "Type C, G & D"