My Zambia and Malawi Trip

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.

ENTERING ZAMBIA

You DO require a visa to enter Zambia if you are a citizen of -

· USA

· Canada

· Australia

· United Kingdom

· any of the EU countries (with the exception of Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Romania)

If you are a citizen of another country, please consult THIS LIST

(https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=118), to determine if you need a visa before you enter.

In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Zambia.

Visitors should also ensure they have at least TWO successive blank pages in their passports for Zambia.

Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Zambia, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages each time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

Zambian visas may be obtained in advance, as well as at -

· Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka

· Harry Mwanga International Airport in Livingstone and

· Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola, respectively.

Visas obtained in advance may be applied for manually at relevant Zambian Missions, as well as online HERE (https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/#/).

Processing of an e-visa online should take between 3 – 5 working days.

Although visas are available on arrival, travellers who opt to obtain an airport visa may expect delays.

If purchasing the visa on arrival, travellers should note that POS (Points of Sale) have been configured to accept -

· VISA

· MasterCard

· Maestro

· American Express

For those visitors who prefer to purchase their visa with cash, travellers should -

· have the exact US$ to hand

· note that if purchasing visas on arrival in Zambia (airports and road border posts), you will be required to do so using US$ bills issued LATER than the year 2006.

Older notes are not accepted and may result in travel delays or entry refusal.

CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS, ATM’s & FOREIGN EXCHANGE in ZAMBIA

The currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), which is made up of 100 Ngwee.

By law, payments within Zambia can be made in Kwachas only, even if the item price is quoted in US$; foreign currency will not be accepted for purchases once you have cleared immigration at the airport.

Credit Cards

As in most African countries, credit cards are usually accepted throughout Zambia. Visa is however more readily accepted than MasterCard.

American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all.

NOTE: Not all safari camps and lodges in Zambia accept credit cards.

ATM’s

ATMs are available in larger towns and in the city centres, with Visa once again being the preferred, if not the only, credit card, for cash advances.

Debit cards are not acknowledged.

Foreign Exchange

When exchanging cash at a bank or bureau de change in Zambia, such as at any of the airports, the most acceptable foreign currency is the US$.

NOTE: US$ dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Zambia.

TIPPING

Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in US$ or Kwachas (ZMW).

General Guidelines for Tipping

· Ranger/ Guide - $10 - $20 per couple per day

· Tracker - $8 - $16 per couple per day

· Butler - $8 - $16 per couple per day

· Camp Staff - $10 - $20 per couple per day

· Transfer Drivers - $5 per transfer per couple one way

· Porters - $1 per bag

· Restaurants - 10% of the bill

Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware, as above, that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to the bigger towns and the cities.

NOTE: US$ dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Zambia.

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 

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for ZAMBIA

Malaria:

Since malaria is endemic in Zambia, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country.

To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure.

Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.

Vaccinations:

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Zambia requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate.

A list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE.

The yellow fever vaccination is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.

NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.

Water:

All safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests.

Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap/faucet water.

Medication(s):

Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies, you think you may experience in the course of your stay.

Visitors are advised to carry sufficient supplies of specialised (prescription) medication they may require for the entire duration of their holiday.

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. 

THE WEATHER in ZAMBIA

Zambia lies in the tropics, and experiences three seasons.

Dry season — May to August is the coolest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 24°C/75°F to 28°C/82°F during the day, but this can drop as low as 7°C/45°F at night.

Hot season — from September to November the daytime temperatures rocket up to a scorching 38°C/100°F to 42°C/108°F, with clouds of swirling dust making driving on dirt roads quite uncomfortable.

Wet season — December to April the temperatures cool down to 32°C/90°F or so, and, true to the name, there is a lot of rain — sometimes just for an hour or two, but sometimes for days on end.

WHAT to PACK for ZAMBIA

Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Zambia.

It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt and a baseball cap, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.

Must Haves

· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun

· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions

· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes - you do not require specialised hiking shoes for bush walks

· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp

· Golf shirts or T-shirts

· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings

· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended

· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives

· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months

· Swimming costume – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom

· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and ski cap/beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.

NOTE: should you be embarking upon a bona fide Zambian walking safari and choose to bring along authentic hiking boots, we suggest you wear your hiking boots in transit on small planes. Luggage restrictions are stringent, hiking boots are weighty, and may very well take up a good proportion of your overall allowance.

A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack

· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours

· Shirts with long sleeves

· T-shirts

· Shorts or light skirt (not short)

· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cool days

· Wind-proof warm jacket

· Light sweater/jumper

· Lightweight water-proof jacket

· Swimwear

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Personal toiletries

· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm

· Strong insect repellent

· Hat and sunglasses

· Binoculars and camera equipment (as well as a dustproof bag for cameras and accessories).

LAUNDRY

Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments.

Owing to and depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, at certain camps, the staff may not or will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.

It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

POWER in ZAMBIA

Camps and lodges in Zambia are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator.

These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.

Hairdryers & Electric Shavers

It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power.

You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.

Most camps have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one at home prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Zambia is the ‘G’, the two-pin ‘C’, and the less commonly used ‘D’, which utilises the universal plug adapters WA-7, WA-9C, and WA-10 respectively.

Dubbed the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation brimming with touristic abundance. Its exuberant landscape is a breathtaking natural kaleidoscope of verdant countryside, sweeping plateaux, soaring highlands, and river valleys. Malawi's share of the vast Great Rift Valley encompasses the country's must-see eco-destination, the emblematic Lake Malawi, several national parks and game reserves, while the Central African Plateau's undulating terrain is defined by a series of dramatic escarpments, punctuated by lakes, dramatic hills and dense forests. A wealth of outdoor activities is open to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. Game viewing at the reserves offers a chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and leopards. For the more culturally curious, browse the many bustling markets, visit traditional villages and dig into the treasure trove of the country's history at The Society of Malawi in Blantyre.

ENTERING MALAWI

You DO require a visa to enter Malawi if you are a citizen of -

· USA

· Canada

· Australia

· United Kingdom

· any of the EU countries

If you are a citizen of another country, please consult THIS LIST

(http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=77), to determine if you need a visa before you enter.

In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Malawi.

In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.

Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Malawi, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages EACH time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

Depending on which visa category you fall into, Malawian visas may be obtained in advance, as well as at ports of entry. To avoid any possible inconvenience, current official advice is to obtain your visa well in advance of travel. Visas obtained in advance may be applied for manually at relevant Malawian Diplomatic Missions.

For visitors purchasing a visa on arrival, travellers should -

· take note of the necessary documentation required and have same prepared

· have the exact US$ to hand

· note that if purchasing visas on arrival in Malawi (airports and road border posts), you will be required to do so using US$ bills issued LATER than the year 2006.

Older notes are not accepted and may result in travel delays or entry refusal.

CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS & ATM’s in MALAWI

The currency of Malawi is the Kwacha (MWK), which is made up of 100 Tambala.

If using dollars to pay for your tours and accommodation, please be aware that $1 bills will not be accepted or exchanged; the minimum denomination accepted is $5.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency imported but it must be declared and accounted for on departure.

ATM’s

There are ATMs in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. Only local currency is dispensed and this is restricted to approximately the equivalent (depending on exchange rates) of GB£85, Euro110; US$140 in any period of twenty-four hours.

In rural and remote areas, there is limited or no access to ATMs.

Credit Cards

Acceptance of credit cards is very limited in Malawi, although in Lilongwe and Blantyre, and in main hotels and lodges, MasterCard and Visa can be used.

American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all.

Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees!

Debit cards are not acknowledged.

TIPPING

Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in US$ or Malawian Kwacha (MWK).

General Guidelines for Tipping

· Ranger/ Guide - $10 - $20 per couple per day

· Tracker - $15 per couple per day

· Butler - $15 per couple per day

· Camp/Lodge Staff - $10 - $20 per couple per day

· Transfer Drivers - $5 per transfer

· Porters - $1 per bag

· Restaurants - 10% of the bill

Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to the bigger towns and the cities.

NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in Malawi.

Air: 
Main airlines: Ulendo Airlink 
International Airports: Kamuzu International Airport 
Domestic airline: Ulendo Airlink 
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for MALAWI

Malaria:

Since malaria is endemic in Malawi, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country.

To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure.

Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.

Vaccinations:

Medical services and facilities are limited, and medicines are often unavailable; as a precautionary measure, tetanus, polio, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Malawi may require proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, you may be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate.

Endemic countries include Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

A full list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE.

The yellow fever vaccination is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.

NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.

Bilharzia:

Bilharzia is present in some of the more remote areas of Lake Malawi, as a precautionary measure, check with resident locals or staff before swimming.

Water:

All safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests.

Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap/faucet water.

Medication(s):

Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies, you think you may experience in the course of your stay.

Visitors are advised to carry sufficient supplies of specialised (prescription) medication they may require for the entire duration of their holiday.

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, when thoroughly peeled and cooked
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: No

Local cuisine:  
Malawians enjoy traditional and rustic cuisine specialising in starchy carbohydrates sourced from maize flour, fresh local produce, fresh fish from Lake Malawi, and locally grown vegetables.  
 
Drinks:   

Mawehu- Refreshing unsweetened non-alcoholic drink made from maize meal 

Chibuku- Served in a milk carton, this beer is made from fermented maize and has the consistency of porridge. 

Kuche kuche– A light local beer 

Malawi Gin – Serve with tonic and a slice of lemon 
 
Tipping: No 

THE WEATHER in MALAWI

Malawi lies in the tropics and experiences autumn, winter, summer, and a rainy season.

The short autumn season runs from April to May, when days are warm and evenings are chilly, the skies are clear and Lake Malawi should be calm.

Winter stretches from May to end August, with warm to hot days and cool to cold evenings. Temperatures can be as low as 15°C/59°F, and as high as 28°C/82°F.

These are the driest months, however by July the lake becomes windy.

From end August until March summer arrives, bringing hot to very hot days, with warm nights, and temperatures ranging from 20°C/68°F to 32°C/90°F. There is wind on the lake in August, which by September has abated.

The rainy season starts towards the end of November and stretches until April.

November can still be dry, but from December to March it is usually hot and wet.

There are a couple of anomalies; the north occasionally experiences summer rains, and Zomba and Nyika can experience mist and drizzle throughout the year.

Zomba and Nyika National Park are at a higher altitude and are always chilly in the evenings, no matter what time of year.

Winds can brew up on the lake at any time.

WHAT to PACK for MALAWI

Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Malawi.

Malawi is predominantly a beach destination, with most travelers visiting the shores of Lake Malawi. Here lightweights are worn all year round, pack light and casual, and include a rain jacket if you are visiting in the wet season.
Warmer clothes are advised in the mountains, particularly during winter and on
chilly evenings elsewhere.

Visitors to Nyika and Zomba should note that the nights are cold.

Must Haves

· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun

· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions

· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes – if exploring on foot (you do not require specialised hiking shoes)

· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp or lodge

· Golf shirts or T-shirts

· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings

· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended

· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives (if going on safari)

· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy warm months

· Swimming costume – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom

· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and ski cap/beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.

A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack

· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours (if going on a safari)

· SCUBA/PADI certification (if considering diving)

· Shirts with long sleeves

· T-shirts

· Shorts or light skirt (not short)

· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cool days

· Wind-proof warm jacket (if going to higher altitudes)

· Light sweater/jumper

· Lightweight water-proof jacket

· Swimwear, including sarong/wrap

· Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops

· Socks & underwear

· Personal toiletries

· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm

· Strong insect repellent

· Hat and sunglasses,

· Binoculars and camera equipment (as well as a water- and/or dustproof bag for cameras and accessories).

NOTE: Women should not wear shorts/mini-skirts when traveling outside of the lodge/camp, as this is considered provocative and rude. Cover up with a sarong/ wrap from the waist down.

LAUNDRY

Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments.

Owing to and depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, at certain camps, the staff may not or will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.

It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on holiday, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush or on the beach!

POWER in MALAWI

Camps and lodges in Malawi are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator.

These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each room for lighting and ceiling fans.

Hairdryers & Electric Shavers

It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in some of the rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power. You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area at the lodge - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.

Most camps/lodges have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one at home prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Malawi is the ‘G’ (shown below).