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Zambia
Overview
Country Overview
Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. The Zambezi River together with Lake Kariba forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the man-made Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1200m (3937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.
Most tourism is concentrated in nine of the 19 parks – Sumbu, Kafue, Lochinvar, Luangwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Lower Zambezi, Kasanka and Sioma Ngwezi – the remainder, as yet, having fewer facilities.
Herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope are easily spotted and there are plenty of lions and zebra. There are also rhinos, monkeys, baboons, wild pigs, hippopotami and crocodiles.
Attractions in the capital, Lusaka, include nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and Zoo. Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres.
Local culinary specialities include bream from the Zambezi, Kafue and Luapula rivers.
General Information
Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles).
Population: 8,781,000 (1998).
Population Density: 11.7 per sq km.
Capital: Lusaka. Population: 1,097,700 (1994).
GEOGRAPHY: Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola to the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the northeast, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia to the southwest. The Zambezi River together with Lake Kariba forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the man-made Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast, the country rises to a plateau 1200m (3937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964. Head of State and Government: President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa since 2002.
Language: English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.
Religion: Around 30 per cent of the population is Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), a smaller number are Muslim and Hindu, and a small minority have traditional animist beliefs.
Time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Communications:
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 260. Outgoing international code: 00. There are public telephones and most calls are made through a post office.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 network. Operators include Telecel (website: www.telecel.com), Celtel (website: www.msi-cellular.com/index.jsp) and Zamcell. Coverage is limited to some areas around Lusaka and near the coast.
Internet
ISPs include Zamnet (website: www.zamnet.zm), Coppernet (website: www.coppernet.zm) and Zamtel (website: www.zamtel.zm). E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes in Livingstone and Lusaka.
Fax/telegram
There are public fax facilities at the central post office in Lusaka and at principal hotels. Telegrams may be sent from telegraph offices in main centres, open Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (closed Sunday and public holidays).
Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes seven-14 days.
Press
National Mirror, Sunday Times of Zambia, The Chronicle, The Post, The Sportsman, The Sun, The Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail are published in English.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Australian | Yes | No | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | No | Yes | | USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | 1 | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for six months from the date of entry required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 30 days:
(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);
(b) nationals of Romania and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro);
(c) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Bangladesh, Gambia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and the UK who do require a visa);
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: A Bonafide Tourist, who is travelling on a pre-arranged package tour with a foreign tour operator, or in conjunction with a local tour operator in Zambia, will be issued a fee-waived visa for a stay of no longer than 14 days. The fee-waived visa will be issued at any port of entry to Zambia.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £33 (Single-entry); £35 (when issued at port of entry); £45 (Double- and Multiple-entry).
Validity: Six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission or Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) One completed application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee (payable in cash or by postal order). (e) Self-addressed stamped envelope for postal applications. (f) Letter of support confirming purpose of visit, from host in Zambia for all trips. (g) Proof of the Zambian host’s immigration status. (h) Proof of return journey to home country. (i) Proof of sufficient funds during length of stay in Zambia.
Working days required: Three.
Temporary residence: For visits in excess of 90 days, apply to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Kent Building, 50300, Lusaka (tel: (1) 252 622 or 252 659; fax: (1) 251 725).
Money
Currency: Kwacha (K) = 100 ngwee. Notes are in denominations of K10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of K1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 ngwee.
Currency exchange: Exchange of foreign currency is carried out at authorised banks and bureaux de change.
Credit & debit cards: American Express is widely accepted, with more limited use of MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to K100. Free import of foreign currency subject to declaration on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import.
Note: Currency declaration forms and exchange receipts must be shown if purchasing airline tickets in Zambia.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kwacha against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 6164.39 | 6844.06 | 8007.43 | 8120.49 | | $1.00= | 4230.00 | 4500.00 | 5063.50 | 5100.00 |
Banking hours: Vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mon-Fri 0815-1430.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 450g of tobacco; 1 opened bottle of alcoholic beverages.
Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits.
Public Holidays
Dec 25 2002 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). Jul 7 Heroes’ Day. Jul 8 Unity Day. Aug 4 Farmers’ Day. Oct 24 Independence Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 12 Youth Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 25 African Freedom Day (Anniversary of the OAU’s Foundation). Jul 5 Heroes’ Day. Jul 6 Unity Day. Aug 2 Farmers’ Day. Oct 24 Independence Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Note: It is advisable to verify exact dates in advance.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 | | Cholera | 2 | No | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Ghana. However an outbreak of cholera occurred in Lusaka District in 1999.
3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.
4: Malaria risks, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, are highest between November and June (except in the Zambesi Valley where high risk exists all year). The malignant form is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.
Food & drink: Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Human trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is reported in the north. Trachoma is widespread, as are hepatitis A and E. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis may occur, particularly in the savannah areas during the dry season. Plague occurs very rarely.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Health service is not free and health insurance is advisable. Adequate health care cannot be assured outside main towns. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies as they are limited in Zambia.
Travel - International
AIR: Zambia’s airlines are Aero Zambia (Z9) and Zambian Airways (Q3). and Other airlines serving Zambia include Air Zambezi, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Nationwide Air and South African Airways. Zambian Airways can be contacted at PO Box 310277, Lusaka (tel: (1) 271 230 or 271 342; fax: (1) 271 054 or 271 278; e-mail: roanhq@zamnet.zm).
Approximate flight times: From London to Lusaka is 10 hours.
International airports: Lusaka (LUN) is 26km (16 miles) east of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport and city bus services are available. Taxi service is also available to the city. Return is by prior arrangement with taxis (taxi fares are negotiable). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop (0600-2200, or until last flight), car hire, bank/bureau de change (0600-2200, or until last flight), restaurant (0400-2200, or until last flight) and post office (Mon-Fri 0600-1430, Sat 0600-1100).
Mfuwe (MFU) is situated in the South Luangwa National Park, 1 hour 15 minutes’ flight from Lusaka International Airport. Lodges and camps within the park provide airport transfers by prior arrangement.
Departure tax: US$20 (payable in cash). Transit passengers are exempt.
RIVER/LAKE: There are ferry crossings from Mpulungu across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma in Tanzania and to Bujumbura in Burundi; and a service across the Zambezi from Kazungula to Botswana.
RAIL: There are two major rail routes linking Zambia with Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Zambia Railways serves Livingstone and has a connection across the Victoria Falls to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. There are two trains daily in either direction (travel time – 9-12 hours depending on whether the ordinary or express service is used). The trains have first, second and third class. Tanzania–Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) operates trains from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Services are often suspended and it is advisable to check at the tourist office in Lusaka for details.
ROAD: Coach and bus services are available to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania and South Africa. The main routes are from Zimbabwe via Chirundu or Kariba and Livingstone; from Botswana via Kasane and Kazungula; from Mozambique via Villa Gambito and Zumbo; from Tanzania via Nakonde and Mbala; from Malawi via the Mchinga/Chipata border or further north at Nyika Plateau; and from the Democratic Republic of Congo via Kashiba, Mwenda, Sakania, Mokamba, Kasumbalesa and Kapushi. Opening hours for road borders are from 0600-1800 (except for Victoria Falls which closes at 2000). As yet, there is no border crossing from Angola. A Temporary Import Permit is needed to bring a vehicle into Zambia.
Travel - Internal
AIR: Aero Zambia, Zambian Airways, Zambia Skyways and charters operate domestic routes to destinations including Chipata, Kasaba Bay, Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Mangu, Mfuwe, Ndola and Victoria Falls. There are over 120 other airports, aerodromes and airstrips in the country.
Departure tax: K12,000.
RIVER/LAKE: Local ferries operate on all waterways. Contact local authorities for details.
RAIL: Zambia has three main internal train lines, one from Livingstone to Lusaka, from Lusaka to the Copperbelt, and from Kapiri Mposhi to the Northern border with Tanzania. The main train station is in Dedan Kamathi Road. in central Lusaka, one road east of Cairo Road. There is a daily Kitwe (2000) – Lusaka (0735) – Lir (1800) stopping train. There is also an express train (The Zambezi Express) leaving Livingstone on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1430, arriving in Lusaka at 1100 the next morning.
Children under three years of age travel free, children between three and 15 years pay half price. There is first- and second-class accommodation and light refreshments are available on some services.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. There is a fairly good network of roads (38,763km/24,087 miles in total, of which 8200km/5095 miles is tarred), although they are often not in very good condition. Bus: The network of intercity bus services is run by private operators and Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel). The service used to be unreliable but it is much better nowadays. The buses provided are clean, cheap and frequent. CR coach, linking Lusaka with Livingstone, Chipata, Ndola and Mongu (twice a day, leaving from ShopRite in Cairo Rd) should be booked well in advance. Other coach services are available, including Giraffe. Car hire: Several firms operate in main centres. Information is available from the Zambia National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section) or the Lusaka Bus Terminus on Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka. Avis, Hertz, Taiwo, Zungulila and other car hire firms can provide chauffeur-driven cars. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
URBAN: Bus services in Lusaka are provided by private minibuses and shared taxis. The buses are somewhat basic, and can become very crowded. Taxis are not metered and fares should be agreed in advance. It is also advisable to negotiate a fare.
TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Lusaka to other major cities/towns in Zambia.
| Air | Road | Rail | | Livingstone | 1.20 | 6.30 | 11.00 | | Ndola | 1.00 | 4.00 | 6.30 | | Kitwe | 1.00 | 4.30 | 7.00 | | Mfuwe | 1.30 | - | - |
Accommodation
Accommodation in Zambia may be divided into four main categories: hotels, motels, lodges and camps; and two minor categories: Government (GRZ)-hostels and camping/caravan sites. Zambia is a large, wild and, as yet, largely undeveloped country. Only the major tourist sites are fully prepared to cater for the needs of the visitor and payment is in hard currency, except at smaller establishments.
HOTELS & MOTELS: Hotels are concentrated around Lusaka, Livingstone and the Copperbelt region. Others are widely dispersed around the country along principal roads or near towns. It is advisable to book in advance and to obtain confirmation in writing. All bills are subject to a ten per cent service charge in lieu of tips and 23 per cent sales tax. Tipping in hotels is not permitted by law. Grading: Hotels are graded according to a five-star system and range from an ungraded class to one five-star hotel. For further information, contact the Hotel and Caterers Association of Zambia, PO Box 30815, Lusaka (tel/fax: (1) 252 779; e-mail: gardengroup@zamtel.zm).
NATIONAL PARKS: All lodges and many camps in the parks are offered on a fully catered basis. As the quality of accommodation and associated facilities varies enormously from one place to another, visitors intending to stay should contact the relevant tour operator/tourist office for detailed information.
LODGES: These are generally stone buildings with thatched roofs designed to complement the natural environment, housing a maximum of 40 beds.
CAMPS: The most common and most widely used type of accommodation for safaris. In general, standard facilities include hot and cold running water, electricity and waterborne sanitation plus the basic accoutrements for comfortable living. For instance, Luangwa’s camps have beds, clean linen, refrigerator, crockery, cutlery, mosquito nets, lamps, toilets and showers. At non-catered camps, visitors must bring their own food and drink. Some are open all year round while others open from June to October or November.
GRZ-HOSTELS: These are available throughout the provinces. They have a small capacity, rising in exceptional cases to 24 rooms. Government resthouses are available in many centres but they are very basic.
CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Sites are available at most of the tourist centres, including several national parks. It is best to make reservations well in advance. If booking is more than four weeks in advance, some operators charge a 15 per cent deposit. Prices may increase during peak periods. For further information, contact the Zambia National Tourist Board, who can supply a list of Zambian tour operators.
Introduction
LUSAKA: Attractions in the capital include nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, the Kabwata Cultural Village (devoted to the preservation of indigenous arts and crafts and displays of traditional dancing), the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and Zoo and the Lusaka National Museum (opening hours: daily 0900-1630).
NATIONAL PARKS: The Zambian government has long recognised the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost one third of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves. Tourism is mostly concentrated in nine of the 19 parks – Sumbu, Kafue, Lochinvar, Luangwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Lower Zambezi, Kasanka and Sioma Ngwezi (described below) – the remainder, as yet, having fewer facilities. The Zambia National Tourist Board also recommends the following national parks: Nyika, Blue Lagoon, and Sioma Ngwezi.
All the main national parks are accessible by car and plane. National parks require an entry permit bought from the main gate during opening hours. For further and more detailed information about safaris, see also the Sport & Activities section or contact the Zambia National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).
Note: Most tourist organisations are controlled by tour operators and prices of tours need to be fixed well in advance.
Kafue National Park: Situated in the centre of the southern half of the country, Kafue encompasses a huge area (22,500 sq km/8687 sq miles) and is one of the biggest game sanctuaries in Africa. Noted for its beauty, the park is bisected by the Kafue River, which attracts hundreds of species of birds and offers good game fishing. Eight-day walking and driving tours are available. The principal attraction is the prolific wildlife. Accommodation is provided throughout the year at Mukambi Lodge (no guided safaris during the rainy season, November to April), and the Musungwa Lodges, and at New Kalala Camp (full catering) and others. There are also several seasonal non-catered camps.
South Luangwa Valley National Park: Regarded as one of the most exciting game reserves in the world, the Luangwa Valley is home to a huge variety of animals: among many others, elephants, hippopotami, lions, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, monkeys and wild dogs. Blossoming trees and exotic flowers set the scene. The main rainy season runs from November/December to May. There are lodges at Chichele, Mfuwe, Kapani (all year) and Tundwe (dry season), and catered camps at Chibembe, Tena Tena, Kaingo Camp (dry season) and Chinzombo (all year). There are also several seasonal non-catered camps. Facilities in the park include luxury double rooms in chalets, private baths and toilets, full three-course meals, bar facilities and swimming pools.
Lochinvar National Park: Exceptional diversity of birdlife (over 420 recorded species). The park is situated on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats, a wide floodplain of the Kafu river, famous for its large herds of lechwe, an antelope unique to the Kafue Flats. There is one lodge, open throughout the year.
Sumbu National Park: The sandy shorelines of Lake Tanganyika provide the setting for three all-year beach resorts: at Kasaba, Ndole and Nkamba bays. There is also a small non-catered camp at Ndole Bay. Activities include swimming, sunbathing, boat rides and freshwater big-game fishing for the Goliath tigerfish (up to 35kg), giant catfish and the Nile perch (both up to 50kg and more). It is possible to arrange visits into the surrounding bush to watch game. Kasaba Lodge boasts an afternoon tea service, a bar and beach barbecues. Nkamba Bay Lodge offers exactly the same facilities as Kasaba but facilities are housed in rondavels. The park’s spectacular sunsets are not to be missed.
Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Located on the southernmost edge of Zambia bordering Zimbabwe, the astonishing Victoria Falls are the mightiest cataracts in the world – the 2.5km-wide (1.5 miles) Zambezi River drops 100m (330ft) into a narrow chasm at a rate of 550 million litres every minute. The spray can be seen 30km (20 miles) away. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby is small by Zambian standards but is home to most of Zambia’s more common wild animals. Also nearby is Livingstone, ‘Tourist Capital of Zambia’, with several luxury hotels, a casino, and the National Museum, housing Livingstone memorabilia and anthropological exhibits. The Railway Museum is also situated in Livingstone.
Kasanka National Park: This is one of Zambia’s smallest parks, with an area of 390 sq km (150 miles). It encompasses eight lakes and four rivers, the largest being the beautiful Luwombwa. Kasanka is an attractive and diverse park with forest and swamp, home to specialised mammals and birds. Animals include elephant, hippo, reedbuck, waterbuck, hyena, warthog, baboon, jackal, leopard and the rare blue monkey, which can be found in the forests that flank Kasanka’s rivers.
Lower Zambezi National Park: This lies along the Zambezi River, 100 km (62 miles) downstream of the Victoria Falls. It has abundant wildlife, including elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard together with a great variety of birds. Game drives and walks will often reveal big cats and on occasion, the cheetah. Canoe safaris, fishing for tiger fish, bottle-nose fish or bream and birdwatching activities are available.
North Luangwa National Park: This is one of Africa’s most spectacular surviving wilderness areas. It covers 4636 sq km (1790 sq miles) of primarily woodland park with numerous small rivers including the beautiful Mwaleshi which all play an important role. The park is particularly noted for its huge herds of buffalo. Walking safaris here will also reveal elephants, leopards, wildcat, hyena, puku, impala, zebra, baboon and velvet monkey. Over 350 bird species are found here, including the crested leorie, crowned crane, carmine bee-eater and giant eagle owl.
Sport & Activities
Safaris: For information on Zambia’s national parks and wildlife reserves, see the Resorts & Excursions section. The usual method of animal watching is from an open-topped Land Rover, but walking and canoeing tours are also available. In general, safaris are limited to six to eight persons per vehicle (with experienced guides provided). As a precaution, no more than six may make up a walking party and the guide will be armed. Nocturnal safaris are also possible. Native wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, antelope, lion, zebra, rhino, hippopotamus and crocodile. Birdwatching enthusiasts may head to Lochinvar, where 400 different species have been recorded.
Adventure sports: Zambia’s centre for adventure sports is Livingstone, whose proximity to the grandiose Victoria Falls ensures a steady increase in the range (and cost) of the thrill-inducing activities now available in the area. In addition to bungee jumping off the 111m- (364ft-) bridge linking Zambia and Zimbabwe across the River Zambezi, enthusiasts can now abseil down the gorge or high-wire across it – the latter involving a gravity-defying trip in a body harness attached to a cable spanning the chasm. Scenic flights in micro-light aircraft offering aerial views of the falls are also available. Whitewater rafting trips on the Zambezi are considered particularly wild. Longer and quieter river trips lasting from one to seven days usually follow the Victoria Falls–Lake Kariba itinerary, with Lake Kariba also offering the possibility to relax for a week on a luxurious houseboat. Rock climbing and hiking are also popular.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Owing to the liberalisation of the economy, there is now plenty of food in the shops. Local specialities include bream from the Zambezi, Kafue and Luapula rivers, and Nile perch, lake salmon and other freshwater fish.
Mosi, Rhino lager and imported beers and assorted soft drinks are available. Spirits are also available.
Nightlife: Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres. The Copperbelt and Livingstone areas offer a variety of entertainments including casinos and nightclubs. Very popular among travellers are boat trips on the river with a few drinks (also called ‘booze’ cruises).
Shopping: Lusaka has modern shops, supermarkets and open-air markets. Special purchases include African carvings, pottery and copperware, beadwork and local gemstones. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300.
Special Events: There are many traditional ceremonies and festivals that take place throughout Zambia, the ones that might be of interest to tourists have been included here. The following is a selection of events taking place in Zambia in 2003:
Jan Kwanga (traditional festival), Lake Bangweulu. Feb N’cwala (the chief of the Ngoni people tastes the first fresh fruit of the year); Lwindi (religious ceremony during which offerings are made to ancestors), Livingston. Feb/Mar Ku-omboka (the Lozi chief or Litunga, together with his entire household, is paddled up a natural canal flood plain, from Leaului to Limulunga, his residence in the rainy season). Mar Zambia National Fishing Competition, Lake Tanganyika. May Kufukwila (the Kaonde people pay homage to their chief), Solwezi. Jun Zambia Music Day, Lusaka. Jul Likumbi Lya Mize (traditional festival of the Luvale people), Mize. Jul/Aug Umutomoboko (celebrated by the Lunda people), Mansa. Aug Livingstone Arts Festival, Livingstone; Kulamba, (traditional festival of the Cheva people), Chipata. Sep/Oct Shimunenga (a traditional ceremony of the Ba-Ila people), Maala on the Kafue Flats. Oct Women in Music (music festival), Lusaka.
Social Conventions: African culture and traditions remain prominent and there are various customs, folklore and traditional crafts in the different regions. Traditional dancing is popular and there are many colourful annual ceremonies that take place throughout the country. Visitors to the outlying areas should expect to be met with curiosity. Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Gifts are often offered to visitors as a sign of gratitude, friendship or honour. One should never refuse a gift but accept it with both hands. Photography: Visitors are able to take photographs in most places but are advised to avoid military installations. Tipping: A ten per cent sales tax is added to all bills. Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law but a ten per cent tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.
Business Profile
Economy: The Zambian economy relies heavily on the country’s mineral wealth, particularly copper (of which Zambia is one of the world’s largest producers), and also cobalt and zinc. These account for the bulk of export earnings and provide essential raw materials for Zambia’s manufacturing industry, which accounts for over one third of national output. Apart from raw material processing, the manufacturing sector includes vehicle assembly and oil refining as well as the production of fertilisers, textiles, construction materials and a variety of consumer products. Despite the role played by industry (unusually high by African standards), export earnings have been steadily declining throughout the 1990s, mainly as a result of persistently low commodity prices. This has led to major problems with the Konkola copper mine, the country’s largest and the source of much government revenue. In 2002, the mine’s Anglo-American operators pulled out saying that they could not run the mine economically. Agriculture produces 30 per cent of GDP and employs two thirds of the population. Maize and cattle are the main earners; other crops (cassava, millet, sorghum and beans) are produced mainly for domestic consumption but have to be supplemented by substantial food imports. Zambia’s hydroelectric projects have allowed it self-sufficiency in energy.
Economic policy changed substantially during the 1990s with the accession of the Chiluba government which sought the backing of the IMF to tackle Zambia’s serious financial problems. The standard IMF package was imposed and, with quite some difficulty, largely implemented. More recently, Zambia has been a beneficiary of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries programme to reduce the external debts of the world’s poorest countries. The economy is now growing (3.7 per cent in 2002) but inflation (20 per cent) and unemployment (estimated at 50 per cent) remain high. Zambia is a member of the Southern African Development Council (SADC). Its main trading partners are Japan, the UK, South Africa, the USA and China.
Business: Formal dress is acceptable for people at business meetings. English is widely used in business circles. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700.
Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, PO Box 31968, Kwacha Annex, Cairo Road, Lusaka (tel/fax: (1) 226 673); or Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 30844, Lusaka (tel: (1) 253 020; fax: (1) 252 483; e-mail: zacci@zamnet.zm); or Zambia Investment Centre, PO Box 34580, Lusaka (tel: (1) 255 240; fax: (1) 252 150; e-mail: invest@zamnet.zm; website: www.zic.org.zm).
Conferences/Conventions: For further information, contact the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, PO Box 33200, Lusaka (tel: (1) 290 506; fax: (1) 291 991; e-mail: micc@zamtel.zm).
Climate
Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.
Required clothing: Lightweights or tropical with rainwear.
History and Government
History: Zambia was first colonised by the British South African Company in 1889, although it was not until 1924, when the company ceded administrative control to the British Crown (whereupon it became the colony of Northern Rhodesia), that serious exploitation of the country’s main natural resource, copper, began. From 1953 to 1963, the country found itself forming the northern part of the Central African Federation, essentially a pale form of apartheid, which enjoyed no support whatsoever among the black population. The colonial authorities ceded independence in 1964. The pre-independence elections were won by Kaunda’s United National Independence Party. The country soon became involved in the war in Southern Rhodesia. Kaunda closed Zambia’s southern border and gave safe haven to cadres from Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU party and its associated guerrilla army, ZIPRA.
Relations with the Zimbabweans have naturally improved since that country became independent in 1980, and Kaunda’s foreign policy subsequently focused elsewhere. Kaunda played a major part in peace initiatives in Namibia and South Africa, chairing both the Organisation of African Unity and the ‘front-line’ group of Southern African states confronting the South African apartheid regime. Kaunda played a central role in all the major developments in the region. More recently, Zambia has been deeply involved in the search for a peaceful settlement in Angola.
Zambia was a one-party state from 1973 until 1991. During 1990, domestic unrest sparked off by price rises, developed into demands for a more democratic system of government. Kaunda promised a national referendum on the issue but postponed it after further disturbances in July 1990. The principal opposition to the disintegrating UNIP was the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), led by Frederick Chiluba, chair of the Zambian Council of Trades Unions, the focus of much opposition activity under the one-party state. The election took place on 1 October 1991 and gave Chiluba a substantial majority.
The new administration adopted the standard set of IMF-approved, market-oriented reforms (subsidy cuts, trade liberalisation, privatisation) and resumed debt repayments. International financial and development aid – which were suspended towards the end of Kaunda’s tenure –- were resumed. More importantly, Zambia has since gained considerable benefit from the Western debt relief programme, which wiped out a fair proportion of Zambia’s foreign debt.
On the political front, Zambia has managed the transition from one-party state to political pluralism reasonably smoothly. In October 1996, Chiluba was returned for a second term. However, after the election, the government took increasingly repressive measures against political opposition, resulting almost inevitably in a sharp escalation of political violence and unrest. This culminated with an attempted coup by disaffected junior army officers in October 1997. The opposition kept a lower profile in the immediate aftermath but still managed a serious challenge to the MMD at the most recent national elections in December 2001. However, despite their best efforts, the MMD emerged as comfortable winners of both the presidential and national assembly polls. MMD candidate Levy Mwanamasa – hand-picked by Chiluba to take over from him as leader of the MMD – was duly installed as president. In the national assembly, the MMD was returned as the largest party but, lacking an overall majority, rules in alliance with a group of smaller parties.
Despite his political debt, Mwanasama did not prevent the arraignment of Chiluba in early 2003, on charges of corruption related to massive illicit diversion of state funds. This is not the only illustration of Mwanasama’s single-mindedness. In October 2002 – as part of a decision, which provoked praise and criticism in equal measure – Zambia refused to accept genetically modified maize, despite strong pressure from the US, to meet serious food shortages that have affected the whole southern African region.
Government: The present constitution dates from 1973. Legislative power is held by the unicameral National Assembly with 135 members, 125 of whom are elected every five years by universal adult suffrage (the remaining ten are presidential appointees). Executive power is held by the president who appoints a cabinet, headed by a prime minister, to conduct the administration of the government.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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