Zambia

In a Nutshell
Situated in the heart of Southern Africa, landlocked Zambia lies to the north of the Zambesi River. A largely urbanised country, heavily dependent on copper, it offers the tourist the spectacular Victoria Falls, water-sport and fishing on the huge Kariba Dam and excellent game and bird viewing in its 17 national parks and wilderness areas.

Top Attractions

• Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) - one of the world's great natural wonders. Nearby Livingstone offers a wealth of game- and river-based outdoor activities
  
• South Luangwa National Park - part of the Great Rift Valley and close to Malawi. Antelope, buffalo, lion, hippo and Nile crocodile are plentiful in this wild and unspoiled part of Africa.
  
• Lower Zambezi National Park - Zambia's newest park, on the northern banks of the Zambesi opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools. Abundant wild animals and bird life
  
• Kafue National Park - One of the world's largest national parks, containing huge herds of elephants, buffalo, lion and as well as rare antelope such as the sable and roan.

Connections International flights to Lusaka; regular flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone

Size 752,614 sq km

Population approx 10 million

Biggest cities Lusaka, Livingstone.

Official language (s) English

Religion Christian (mainly), indigenous beliefs, Muslim, Hindu

Climate Temperate, dry, rains Nov-April

Best time to visit May-Sept

Visas Visas are required (not by South Africans), but may be bought at point of entry

Health Yellow fever certificate required, if from infected area. High risk of malaria - precautions advised.

Time GMT + 2

Unit of Currency Zambian kwacha

Electrical Current 220/240 Volts, 50 Hz

Driving On the left

Credit cards Not widely accepted. Some ATM machines available

Public holidays 1,2 Jan; 29/30 Mar; 1,25 May; 12 Jul; 5 Aug; 24 Oct; 25 Dec

Dialling code 09260

Water Tap water not safe to drink

Links to Useful Sites

www.zamnet.zm