
ZAMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. On its border with Zimbabwe is famed Victoria Falls – indigenously called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders” – plunging a misty 108m into narrow Batoka Gorge. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls is Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular viewpoint.
The country has retained its virgin, untamed wilderness that throbs with wildlife and exotic birds. The scenery is breathtaking and the road network just ideal for a discovery drive around the country.
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ZAMBIA QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Lusaka
- Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
- Area: 752,614 km²
- Population: 17,35 million (2018)
- Language: English (official), Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
- Religion: Christian (50%-75%), Muslim and Hindu (24%-49%), indigenous beliefs (1%)
- Electricity: 230V/50Hz, Plug type C/D/G
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ZAMBIA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 2nd Monday in March, Youth Day
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 25 May, Africa Day
- 1st Monday in July, Heroes’ Day
- 1st Tuesday in July, Unity Day
- 1st Monday in August, Farmers’ Day
- 24 October, Independence Day
Also, Good Friday through Easter Monday.
ZAMBIA WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Zambia's location near the equator gives the country its tropical climate. The annual rainfall in Zambia averages between 700 mm in the south and 1,400 mm in the north. The hot months are very dry, receiving almost no rainfall between May and August. The wet season (September-April) rainfall is controlled by the passage of the tropical rain belt (also known as the Inter‐Tropical Conversion Zone, ITCZ) which oscillates between the northern and southern tropics over the course of a year, bringing rain between October and April of 150‐300 mm per month. Variations in the movements of the ITCZ can cause large variations in the rainfall received from one year to the next. Rainfall in Zambia is also strongly influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which causes further inter‐annual variability. El Niño conditions (warm phase) bring drier than average conditions in the wet summer months (December-February) in the southern half of the country, whilst the north of the country simultaneously experiences significantly wetter‐than average conditions. The reverse pattern occurs with La Niña (cold phase) episodes, with dry conditions in the north and wet conditions in the south.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
HIKING & CYCLING IN ZAMBIA
The best time for outdoor activities and game viewing in Zambia is during the dry season, from May to November.
SURFING IN ZAMBIA
River surfing is growing in popularity worldwide and one of the world’s most dangerous river wave lies somewhere along the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia.
HEALTH RISKS IN ZAMBIA
Be aware of possible health risks in
Zambia
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click