ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
Avocet (Internet: www.avocet-charters.com), Proflight (Internet: www.proflight-zambia.com) as well as other charter and local tour operators operate the domestic traffic. There are over 127 airports and runways in the country. Mfuwe (MFU) is located within the Luangwa National Park, approx. 1 hour 15 flight time from Lusaka. Shuttle services to the park’s lodges and camps can be arranged.
Flight times
from Lusaka to the following major cities in Zambia (approximate hours and minutes):
| plane | train | Bus / car | |
| Livingstone | 1.20 | 11.00 | 6.30 |
| Ndola | 1.00 | 6.30 | 4.00 |
| Kitwe | 1.00 | 7:00 | 4.30 |
| Mfuwe | 1.30 | – | – |
Departure fee
Airport Development Infrastructure fee
– for domestic flights: 26.7 K (approx. US $ 5) per person.
On the way by car / bus
Left-hand traffic. The relatively good road network with a total length of approx. 38,000 km (approx. 8,200 km of which is tarred, but often in poor condition) is often impassable during the rainy season. Gasoline is available in most major cities. When traveling to more remote areas, you should always have a spare canister with you. Long-distance bus: Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel) (Internet: www.zamtel.zm) and private companies offer intercity bus services, but the buses are often unpunctual and overcrowded. Zamtel buses operate on the Copperbelt – Lusaka – Livingstone route. Departure is every two days, tickets should be booked well in advance. Other bus services are offered by Giraffe, among others.
Rental carare available in major cities and should be four-wheel drive. More information from the Tourist Board or Lusaka Bus Terminal, Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka. Zungulila, Avis, Hertz, Taiwo and other companies rent vehicles with chauffeurs.
Documentation: international driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
There are minibuses and shared taxis in Lusaka. The buses are quite simple in terms of equipment and mostly overcrowded. Taxis do not have a meter, fare should be agreed in advance.
On the go by train
The railway lines described under Travel – International continue from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt and from the northern border of Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi. The connection Kitwe via Lusaka to Livingstone is offered daily. The Zambezi Express runs overnight from Livingstone to Lusaka.
On the way by ship
Ferries operate on all waterways, more information on site.
MONEY
Currency
1 Kwacha = 100 Ngwee. Currency abbreviation: K, ZMW (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 K; Coins to the value of 1 K as well as 50, 10 and 5 Ngwee.
Attention: Payments of any kind (cash, bank transfer, etc.) may only be made in the local currency. If you violate this, you face long prison terms.
Credit cards
American Express and, in some cases, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and in the larger shops. In state banks and the Barclays Bank, you can withdraw cash with the Visa card at the ATM. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Some ATMs accept EC cards with the Maestro and Cirrus symbols, but these are not always functional. There is a limit of 250 euros or less for the daily withdrawal.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m., on the first and last Saturday of the month 8.15 a.m.-10.30 a.m. / 12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Import of the national currency prohibited, the export of which is limited to 1,000 K. Unlimited import of foreign currencies, obligation to declare. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies are exchanged in official banks and exchange offices (newer US $ bills are strongly recommended, as sometimes only dollars are exchanged). Exchange receipts must be kept until you leave the country. Check banknotes when changing, old banknotes are not accepted in shops.
SHOP
Overview
Carvings, ceramics, copperware, beadwork and precious stones. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
In Lusaka, dance, theater and cabaret performances are offered in the large hotels. Cinemas (including drive-in cinemas) provide further variety. There are casinos in the Intercontinental and the Pamodzi. Evening entertainment, casinos, and dancing are also available in the Copperbelt and Livingstone.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
A value added tax of 16% is levied on hotel rooms in Zambia, a country located in Africa according to iamhigher.
Camping
There are campsites in the tourist centers and in the national parks, advance booking is recommended. If you book more than 4 weeks in advance, some tour operators require a 15% deposit. The main season is from June 1st to October 13th and from December 15th to January 4th as well as during Easter. In the off-season the prices are lower. The Zambia National Tourist Board can also provide information (see addresses).
