Regions—Zambia

When it comes to wildlife, what Zambia lacks in diversity, it makes up for in concentrations and numbers, offering some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the continent as well as a number of superb lodges and safari options. Using either air charter or a combination of air and road it is possible to build an itinerary that takes in the most rewarding areas at a relaxed and leisurely pace. You can see more than a thousand black lechwe on the floodplains of Bangweulu, catch some of the biggest tiger fish in Africa within sight of a large elephant herd on the Lower Zambezi, fly over the mighty Victoria Falls in spate, or view leopard on a kill at night in the South Luangwa. The modern walking or 'foot' safari originated in this lush land, today offering some of the best traditional walking safaris in Africa.

A number of new bush camps and lodges will be opening in Kafue National Park and the famous South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks within the next year.

Victoria Falls
At 1708 metres wide, the Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world and drops more than 100 metres into the sheer Zambezi Gorge, arguably one of the greatest sights on Earth. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, a visit to Victoria Falls is an essential part of any Zambian safari and there is a wide range of activities around the area, including boat trips on the river, birding walks, and game drives in the nearby Musi oa Tunya Park. The area is famed for its many 'adrenalin' adventure activities, such as microlight and helicopter flights over the Falls, white water rafting, abseiling, kayaking and bungee jumping.

INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO ZAMBIA

BANKS
Banks in Zambia are open during the following hours:
08h15 - 14h30 Mondays to Fridays
There is an ATM machine outside Barclays Bank in Livingstone

CLIMATE

CREDIT CARDS
Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Zambia, but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted.  Please note Wilderness Safaris' camps are unable to accept American Express cards.

CURRENCY
The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha, which is not available for purchase outside the country. Tourist activities are quoted and paid for in US dollars. US dollars and UK pounds are easily changed into Kwacha locally.

DEPARTURE TAXES
For those passengers flying out of Zambia, there is a US$20 airport departure tax that is not included in the cost of the safari. Please ensure you have the exact amount of US Dollars in cash before you leave your home country. Large denomination bills such as U$50 or US$100 bills are not accepted.

DRINKS POLICY
All properties have their own drinks policy. The River Club in Zambia includes all local drinks. Drinks in other operators' camps and cities may be included or excluded. Please refer to your itinerary for specific details.

EXCESS BAGGAGE
If you have to bring more baggage with you, we can offer you and your party an extra seat on most safaris.  This will allow you to bring an additional 70kg (154 lbs). The cost of this extra seat varies depending on your safari. Please contact your agent for details on additional costs.

LAUNDRY
Laundry can be done at most camps. This service is complimentary at The River Club but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments. A laundry is available at the hotels in major centres and is charged per hotel rates.

POWER
The River Club is on mains electricity. The plug outlets are connected to 220volts/13 amp alternating current. River Club can supply plug adapters that will accommodate most USA and European plug types.

RECOMMENDED READING (in no particular order)

a) Zambezi - The River of the Gods - Jan & Fiona Teede.
b) African Thunder: The Victoria Falls  - Jan & Fiona Teede
c) Zambia - the Bradt Travel Guide - Chris McIntyre
d) African Safaris - From Budget to Big Spending by David Bristow and Julian Harrison (Published by Fodors)

SIGHTSEEING
In Livingstone, there are many optional tours available as below. These can be pre-booked on your behalf and costs depend on which lodge/hotel you are staying at.

Morning or afternoon game drive in Mosi-Oa-Tunya Park
Flight over the Falls by helicopter or microlight 
Livingstone Island Lunch     
Half or full day Canoe Safari
Livingstone Museum & Railway Museum 
Crocodile Farm 
Horse Riding
Gorge Swing, Abseil or Hire Wire 
Jet Boating 
Bungi jumping 
Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi
Visit to an African village
Maramba Market Tour
Elephant Back Safari half day
White water rafting on Zambezi (1 day) (Please note that for white water rafting you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights).

 Should you wish to book any of the above services or any other activities, please contact your agent.
 
 VISAS
There is a visa fee for guests visiting Zambia. However, for most lodges and hotels and certainly for guests staying at River Club, we can arrange for the visa fees to be waived provided we receive guests' full names as they appear on their passports, nationality of passport and passport number at least 48 hours prior to arrival.