BOOKING YOUR SAFARI:
- African Portfolio Inc. requires a $500 per person, non-refundable reservation fee (fully applicable to the tour price) to make a provisional reservation on your behalf.
- African Portfolio Inc. will confirm provisional reservations upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 30% the tour price (fully applicable to the tour price). Travel during peak holiday periods or for groups of 10 travelers or more may be subject to additional deposit or early payment requirements.
- Provisional reservations may be released if the deposit is not received by the stated due date.
- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure, after which reservations may be released and cancellation penalties applied.
BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS:
- African Portfolio will book internal flights (scheduled or private) in conjunction with your safari as described in your online itinerary.
- Clients are welcome to make flight arrangements independently; our safari consultants can advise the required flight sectors and times to coordinate with your land arrangements.
- If you prefer the assistance of a specialist, we would refer you to Corporate Traveler, who are part of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. They offer reliable and responsive customer service, through a dedicated team so you’ll work with someone that knows you and your air travel preferences. Their dedicated travel manager will also be in communication with us to ensure all your scheduled flights coordinate well with your land arrangements and internal flights.
This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenalin pumping adventure sports, a variety of fascinating cultural activities, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks. Spend your evenings enjoying the spectacular site of the world’s largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, while sipping on sundowners after an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River. If that sounds a little too adventurous for your taste, take a houseboat cruise along the exquisite Lake Kariba while watching wild elephants drink at the riverbank as you try your hand at catching the elusive tiger fish. However you choose to spend your time in this unique country, you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon to this exceptionally beautiful Southern African country.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
