Wild Zambia, unlike many other African countries, is an example of an authentic spirit and successful infrastructure development. Here you can enjoy truly wild and unbridled South African nature, including the legendary Victoria Falls and herds of animals in the savannah, taste the unique local cuisine, not influenced by neighbors and other countries, and, having gained plenty of new experiences, relax in a comfortable hotel, drink a glass of wine at dinner and send photos to friends via WiFi.
Geography of Zambia
According to Extrareference, Zambia is located in South Africa, the country has no access to the sea, but there are a large number of neighbors. Zambia borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Zibabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west. Mostly the whole of Zambia with a total area of 752,614 km² is located on a large plateau. In the west and south, the majestic Zambezi River flows here, the basin of which occupies 75% of the entire territory of the country. On it, near the border of Zambia with Zimbabwe, there are many waterfalls, including the famous Victoria Falls.
Capital
Lusaka
Area
The area of Zambia is 752,614 km. sq., in terms of area, the country ranks 38th.
Population
14 222 233
Currency
The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK).
Language
Official language – English
Visa to Zambia
To visit Zambia, citizens of the Russian Federation will need to apply for a visa, but this is quite simple. You can get a visa both at the Consulate of Zambia in Moscow, and directly upon arrival at the airport. On the spot, you can apply for a one-day visa (to visit Victoria Falls), it will cost $20, a single-entry tourist visa for 30 days for $50, a double-entry visa for 60 days for $80, and a multiple-entry visa for $160. To obtain a visa on arrival, you only need a valid foreign passport and a return ticket to Russia or a third country. When applying for a visa at the consulate, the rules are the same, however, you will also be asked if you have a reservation at the hotel, the time for processing documents is 1-2 business days.
Weather in Zambia
The Zambian climate is characterized as tropical and sub-equatorial, it has three distinct seasons: dry and cool from April to August, hot from September to mid-November and wet (rainy season) from mid-November to mid-April. During the year the temperature fluctuates from +15ºС in July to +27ºС in October. The average annual rainfall ranges from 700 mm in the south of the country to 1500 mm in the north, droughts are not uncommon. During the rainy season, all nature in Zambia, its forests and waterfalls bloom and radiate with power, various animals begin to migrate, this is a great time, but keep in mind that some roads may become impassable due to rains.
Currency exchange in Zambia
In Zambia, the local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK), but due to high inflation, many prices are simultaneously indicated in US dollars. You can exchange currency in major cities at multiple exchange offices (bureau de changex), as well as at Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank branches, where you can cash travelers checks among other things. Almost all branches have ATMs where you can cash out credit cards. It is recommended to come to the country with US dollars, as the exchange rate for the euro and other currencies is extremely unfavorable. Bank branches are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00 without breaks, days off – Saturday, Sunday.
Electricity
Mains voltage 230V, 50Hz. There are both European sockets with two round type C pins, and British ones, with two flat horizontal and one vertical type G pin, less often with two thin and one thick round type D pin.
Religion
Christianity and Christian-African cults are professed by various estimates from 50 to 75% of all residents of the country, 28% of them are Catholics. Muslims make up 5% of the population, the rest practice Hinduism, Sikhism and other religions.
Security
Zambia is a fairly safe African country, but petty theft still occurs here, especially in the tourist areas of cities with large crowds. In order to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises, do not carry documents, large sums of money and other valuables with you, it is better to leave all this in a hotel safe.
Health
Before traveling to Zambia, he recommends drinking a prophylactic course against malaria, as well as being vaccinated against yellow fever, especially since if you arrive in Zambia from South Africa, you may be required to provide a certificate of such vaccination at the border. For drinking, you should use only bottled water, in the sun it is advisable to stay in light but closed clothing and use high-quality sunscreen, hats and glasses. Do not leave windows open in your room, in this case you not only run the risk of meeting with a robber, but also being bitten by a malaria mosquito.
