PLANNING YOUR ZAMBIAN SAFARI - Part Two
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n the last edition of this magazine I laid out a few thoughts to consider during the initial stages of planning a safari in Zambia. We are now going to assume that your trip of a lifetime has been booked and on this page I will detail a few points to help fine tune your preparations and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
VISAS – For some destinations you will need to obtain visas before travel which can mean sending your passport away, never a comfortable feeling just before a trip. Not so with Zambia, whilst it is possible to obtain visas from Zambian Missions around the world (and a very small list of nationalities will need to) for most visitors one simply arrives in Zambia and buys a visa at the airport. Single entry visas will cost $50 per person.
HEALTH – It’s always hard to advise people on this subject and if you are remotely concerned then a quick chat with your local doctor should put your mind at ease.
For several years the South African authorities required travelers arriving from Zambia to have a Yellow Fever inoculation, this requirement was dropped in early 2015 so there is now no need for that jab.
Malaria is caused by a mosquito borne parasite and is endemic in Zambia. There are many myths about malaria and most people you speak to will have an opinion. One can contract malaria at any time of the year and in virtually any area of Zambia. The best precautions are physical barriers in the early evenings and at night, long trousers and sleeves with a splash of repellant will usually do the trick but most visitors from overseas would be advised to take some form of prophylactic. The incubation period for the malarial parasite is 12 – 14 days so the time to watch for flu-like symptoms is often after you return home. In an attempt to regain some perspective I must explain that the worst health problems most visitors will face come from our lovely African sun and common sense is usually the best protection there.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
MONEY – The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha and at time of print there are just over 10 of them to the US Dollar and about 15 to the pound. There are plenty of ATM’s to be found in all the usual places so that is the easiest way of obtaining local currency but I would always advise keeping a supply of cash US dollars with you as well since these are accepted in most tourist facilities. It is never a good idea to rely on just one credit card when travelling in Africa so bring a selection if you have one.
WHAT TO PACK – this is an important part of planning any trip but particularly so when you are visiting remote areas of a country like Zambia, once on safari you won’t find it easy to pick up that little item you left at home. The baggage allowance on most domestic flights is 23kgs. or 50lbs. which is quite generous but don’t make the mistake of bringing too much as most safari camps offer a daily and complimentary laundry service. When considering a wardrobe for the bush try and steer towards khaki or neutral colours and remember that dark is better than light when it comes to blending in. A sweater or light jacket is useful at most times of the year and a warmer one will be necessary if you are travelling in June or July. If your holiday includes some walking try not to go overboard on large boots that you will only wear for a few hours, comfort is the most important consideration so training shoes are usually preferable. TL Z
Nick Aslin runs Zambian Ground Handlers specializing in the preparation of safari itineraries in Zambia, he has been involved in the industry for over 25 years.
