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
Zambia's unit of currency is the Kwacha (ZMW), formally ZMK which was rebased in 2013. The denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K2. It is subdivided into 100 ngwee. Coins available are K1, 50 ngwee, 10 ngwee and 5 ngwee.
However, some prices are quoted in US$. It is therefore possible to use dollars and pounds as well.
Banking
Zambia accepts the US dollar, British Pound and Euros
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Proflight flies from Lusaka to Mfuwe (South Luangwa), to Livingstone and the Copperbelt and also does charters.Various air charter companies will fly to any of the many airstrips around the country and most of the areas worth visiting are accessible by air.
Public Transport
There are many taxis available. Prices are negotiable. There is a good bus service to Chipata, Livingstone, the Copperbelt and Harare, but they don’t always follow strict schedules. The main bus terminus is in Dedan Kimathi Road in Lusaka where one can inquire about timetables. Other private bus companies offer more reliable services to Livingstone, Harare and Johannesburg.
Travel by Bus
Long range buses frequently leave from Lusaka to all the main towns. The intercity bus terminal can be found one road up from Cairo Road at the station.
Minibuses and taxis, local transport – all painted blue – can be jumped on at pretty much any juncture. They’re not expensive and you can always find a minibus that won’t cost too much to buy all the seats in it to get your own private minibus to wherever you want to go but you’ll have to negotiate.
Travel by Road
Zambia has 38,763 kilometres of roads, about 10,000 kms of which are tarred and another 8000 kms are gravel road. The rest range from reasonable to bad dirt roads.
If you’re doing a vehicle trip through Zambia it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you.
Be really careful, especially if travelling at night for road markings are usually non existent. 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 tree 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.
Be sure to have all your vehicle papers on hand as you’re bound to encounter a few roadblocks.
Health and Medical Information
- Smoking Policy
We have a very strict no-smoking policy at all meals, lounges, and aircrafts and on safari vehicles. In fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard. If you are a smoker, we will have “smoke breaks” on the drives. We ask that you respect this policy and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
MEDICAL EVACUATION PROCEDURE
In the event that a guest needs to be evacuated, we deal and work with MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service) once the guest has been transferred to the nearest PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINIC, a senior member of Zontanos Travel & Safari will be present and available to the guest 24/7 at the medical facility to assist with the procedure of evacuation to where the Insurance allows. Allowing comfort and peace of mind to our valued guest or guests.
There is internet connection in all the safari camps and lodges with a backup of a satellite phone. GPS coordinates are available at each camp and lodge.
Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Trip leader has a file for each guest on the safari with all required information such as medical insurance documentation, allergies, dietary requirements etc in the event that a guest is not able to respond, so that all relevant information is at hand to hand over to the medical rescue service which will take the guest off our hands.
The guest will be evacuated to the nearest PRIVATE CLINIC or medical center. They will then arrange the evacuation to wherever the medical insurance allows.
Please do note that all our guests HAVE TO TAKE OUT medical insurance for this very purpose of a possible evacuation.
All of our Professional guides are trained in Advanced First Aid.
Safety Notices
- Animals around the Camps
There are no walls or fences around the camps and lodges you will visit. Animals do wander sometimes through the camps. Please listen to your guide’s instructions and keep your accommodation doors closed. Flashlights are provided in all guest rooms. Use them!
- Environmental Standards
We are driven to ensure that whatever we do NEVER compromises the integrity of the reserves and that all our actions ad value, enhance and protect these wonderful parks.
We are committed to the development of tourism through sustainable engagement: Around 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity can be found on only 5% of the earth’s crust. The key to continued species diversity on the planet is to be found in the sustainable protection of this 5% - the areas known as environmental “hot-spots”. These are the areas of extremely high species diversity that are found nowhere on earth. The core philosophy of Zontanos Travel and Safari is to run a good business ensuring that Zimbabwe’s most pristine wildernesses, wildlife areas and cultural heritage remain sustainably protected, whilst delivering a great experience for our guests and fair returns for shareholders and stakeholders. Zontanos Travel and Safari must help protect and nurture these wild places and our environmental hotspots. The benefits of sustainable tourism through this model (Dividends, cash. Jobs, Training and community up-liftment)
Minimum standards are designed to set out the way we should be conducting our business so as to minimize the effect on the environment whilst maximizing the benefits to guests, ourselves and our country.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
- Meals
We prefer to opt for good, wholesome home styled cooking at elegantly set tables where guests can discuss and debate the day’s events with their fellow travelers, guides and hosts. The meals are geared around the best game viewing times and the activities to a specific camp or lodge. In game viewing areas we generally don’t return to camp at 8am just to have breakfast. We would rather be out in the field enjoying the fauna and flora when the viewing and morning light are at their best. The meal times take this into account. We abandon the traditional three meals a day routine. We start off at first light with a very quick continental breakfast of juices, tea, coffee plus a quick bowl of cereal or toast – and then we are off in the vehicles. We usually return at around 10am for a large “brunch”. High tea is provided before the afternoon activity. On return to camp a hearty dinner is enjoyed.
Please do warn us upon making your booking on any special dietary requirements to give us time to prepare for this in advance.
Climate and Weather
The rains in Zambia come mostly in December, January, February and March though the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. Eastern areas and higher areas generally receive more rain than western and lowland areas.
By April and May most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that's still green, but starting to dry out. Nighttime temperatures start to drop, especially in higher and more southerly locations.
In June, July and August the nights become much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. Make sure you bring warm clothes to wrap up if you're out at night, as some nights get very cold! Most of Zambia's small 'walking bush camps' open at the start of June, when the roads have dried out sufficiently to allow access. This is the start of the 'peak season' for these countries – with often cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings.
Into September and October the temperatures climb: the lower-lying rift valleys – Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get very hot in October. However, you'll see some superb game as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.
November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season's first downpours. Often it's a very interesting month as you can see both patterns on successive days.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can be scorching 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 neutral colours - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are a must.
Internet Availability
Most holiday accommodation venues offer internet and/or WiFi (free or paid) to their guests but there are often disruptions in service.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zambia are predominantly the Type G (BS-1363) square pin plug, but the round pin plugs Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546) are also in use. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in the Republic of Zambia supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Banking and Currency
Botswana's currency is Pula (which means 'rain' in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means 'shield' in Setswana). Travellers' cheques and foreign currency may be changed at banks, bureaux de change and authorised hotels.
The US dollar, Euros, British Pound and the South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies (and accepted by some estabishments - but, generally, then an inflated rate of exchange will be applied).
Banking
Botswana accepts the US Dollar, British Pound and Euros
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
- Game Drive tracks and Roads
In the National Parks that you will visit we do not have formal roads. Instead we have tracks that enhance the experience.
Health and Medical Information
- Smoking Policy
We have a very strict no-smoking policy at all meals, lounges, and aircrafts and on safari vehicles. In fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard. If you are a smoker, we will have “smoke breaks” on the drives. We ask that you respect this policy and thank you in advance for your cooperation.
MEDICAL EVACUATION PROCEDURE
In the event that a guest needs to be evacuated, we deal and work with MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service) once the guest has been transferred to the nearest PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINIC, a senior member of Zontanos Travel & Safari will be present and available to the guest 24/7 at the medical facility to assist with the procedure of evacuation to where the Insurance allows. Allowing comfort and peace of mind to our valued guest or guests.
There is internet connection in all the safari camps and lodges with a backup of a satellite phone. GPS coordinates are available at each camp and lodge.
Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Trip leader has a file for each guest on the safari with all required information such as medical insurance documentation, allergies, dietary requirements etc in the event that a guest is not able to respond, so that all relevant information is at hand to hand over to the medical rescue service which will take the guest off our hands.
The guest will be evacuated to the nearest PRIVATE CLINIC or medical center. They will then arrange the evacuation to wherever the medical insurance allows.
Please do note that all our guests HAVE TO TAKE OUT medical insurance for this very purpose of a possible evacuation.
All of our Professional guides are trained in Advanced First Aid.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
- Meals
We prefer to opt for good, wholesome home styled cooking at elegantly set tables where guests can discuss and debate the day’s events with their fellow travelers, guides and hosts. The meals are geared around the best game viewing times and the activities to a specific camp or lodge. In game viewing areas we generally don’t return to camp at 8am just to have breakfast. We would rather be out in the field enjoying the fauna and flora when the viewing and morning light are at their best. The meal times take this into account. We abandon the traditional three meals a day routine. We start off at first light with a very quick continental breakfast of juices, tea, coffee plus a quick bowl of cereal or toast – and then we are off in the vehicles. We usually return at around 10am for a large “brunch”. High tea is provided before the afternoon activity. On return to camp a hearty dinner is enjoyed.
Please do warn us upon making your booking on any special dietary requirements to give us time to prepare for this in advance.
Climate and Weather
Botswana's climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly between December and March, when average minimum temperatures are in the low 20°s. Some days will be bright and sunny, some will have afternoon thunderstorms, and some will just be grey.
As with Namibia, April and May in Botswana are generally lovely, with the sky clear and the landscape green. Night temperatures start to drop during these months, especially in the Kalahari. Note that places in and around the Okavango tend to have less extreme, more moderate temperatures than the drier areas of the Kalahari.
From June to August the night-time temperatures in drier areas can be close to freezing, but it warms up rapidly during the day, when the sky is usually clear and blue. It's now very much 'peak season' for most safari areas: the land is dry in most areas so the animals congregate around the few available water sources.
This continues into September and October, when temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. This is the best time for big game safaris – although October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C.
November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
In summer, lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. In winter, wear trousers, long sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys. From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing. Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain. Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons. Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses. Wide brimmed sun hats are essential.
Internet Availability
Internet availability is very limited especially outside of the major cities.
Most holiday accommodation venues offer internet and/or WiFi (free or paid) to their guests but there are often disruptions in service.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the 'Type M' South African SABS1661 ('Large' 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The 'Type M' South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the 'Type D' Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. If you need to use appliances that are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, you will need a voltage converter.