My Trip to Zambia and Malawi

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.

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.

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.

Zambia's native cuisine is based on nshima, a cooked porridge made from ground maize normally accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare nshima if requested, and it is almost always available in small, local restaurants.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas visitors tend to serve  a range of international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is typically excellent.

Water in the main towns is usually purified, provided there are no shortages of chlorine, breakdowns, or other mishaps. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it. However, if you are in Zambia for just a few weeks, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water in town.

Out in the bush, most of the camps and lodges use water from bore-holes. These underground sources vary in quality, but are normally perfectly safe to drink.

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!

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 Malawi (QM) is defunct as of 2013. Domestic flights are served by charter airline Ulendo Airlink (www.flyulendo.com) which serves destinations including Lilongwe, Chelinda and Likoma Island.

All major roads are tarmac and most secondary roads are in decent condition. Some roads in the more rural areas may be in bad condition particularly in rainy weather.

Car hire services are becoming increasingly available, with a number of companies offering a wide choice of vehicles. Standards do vary (even with the internationally franchised chains) so it is worth seeking a recommendation. Nonetheless, cars should be reserved well in advance as they are very much in demand. Chauffeur-driven cars are also available. Malawians drive on the left side of the road. Drivers will be required to hold an International Driving Permit. Be aware that, for some reason, Malawian drivers seem to believe that by not using their headlights will conserve the life of their car battery, so driving after dark can be dangerous.

There are bus services in all major cities but bus services in rural areas are limited.

Taxis are available in the main towns but they are in short supply and cannot be hailed on the street. Taxi drivers typically expect a tip.

Central East African Railways (tel: 01 640 844) operates the lines in the country. The main route connects Mchinji, Lilongwe, Salima, Chipoka, Blantyre, Limbe and Nsanje. Trains tend to be slow and crowded and are seldom used by tourists.

Cruises on Lake Malawi are available by local steamer. Food and cabins are available. For details contact a local travel bureaux.

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.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Hotel restaurants and many of those in the cities are of a good standard. They offer a wide choice of dishes including European, Korean and Chinese as well as authentic Malawi dishes and haute cuisine. Poultry and dairy produce are plentiful and tropical fruits are abundant in season.

Typical Malawian specialities include fresh fish from Lake Malawi.  Chambo (Tilapia fish) being the main lake delicacy.  There is also trout available from streams on the Zomba, Mulanje and Nyika plateaus. White maize is commonly eaten with vegetables and sometimes meat or fish. Nthochi bread (made with banana)is very popular with locals and travellers alike as are Mbatata cookies (made with sweet potato and cinnamon).

The local beer is very good and Malawi gin and tonic is well known and inexpensive, with almost cult status.

Tipping is generally not expected, but some employees who are very poorly paid might appreciate a small tip for good service.

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).