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It is not advisable to drive on the highways between cities at night. The roads are not lit and are alive with animals, people and broken down vehicles you do not see until it is too late. Best to get your driving done before the sun goes down.
Not a tip especially for Zambia.But we were so unsuspecting to share our packed lunch with the wild monkeys near the statue of Livingstone, at Victoria Falls Park.They started to fight with each other and we were glad, that they didn't bite us instead of the bread.The picture is from the website of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa:http://www.uwc.ac.za/students/indexr.htm
Zambia is still one of the countries with the lowest income within Africa. We changed only a very small amount of money (about $10 each), but forgot, that that was about the monthly income of an average Zambian worker!!!! I still do have Kwatchas at home!
Driving - a few things.1 - The roads aren't very well maintained.2 - After dark in Lusaka it is unadvisable to stop at traffic lights.3 - If you happen to injure a pedestrian while driving, do NOT stop. Go to the closest police station and report the accident. In Zambia, as in other parts of Africa, retribution sometimes comes before the police show up.4 - Police checkpoints are frequent and sometimes costly. Be careful to treat the guards with respect and be sure to give them a straight story. Be willing to be flexible with your plans
There are a few dangerous areas in Zambia to travel in. Some of the area close to the border with the D. R. of Congo are dicey. The US government travel advisory page is always over conservative, but is useful as a general outline.http://travel.state.gov/zambia.html
There were concerns about break-ins even 30 years ago (I had a couple in my time, one of which turned into a real 'barn-burner'), and they have become much worse in recent times. Another problem was bilharzia, a parasite that infested still-waters and would invade your body if you swam in those conditions. I did catch it once but took some pills and I seem to have recovered! Photo of me swimming with a mate from Nova Scotia in the Lwombe River near Kasama. Another little pest was the 'putsi' fly - it would lay its eggs in your damp laundry on the clothes line and, if worn without being ironed, the eggs would burrow into your skin to begin their life. This would eventually require removal of the maggot! Thank you James Masamba for keeping me clear of this one!
When you catch the 'international' bus from Lusaka, Zambia, to Harare, Zimbabwe - expect it to take at least two hours longer than anticipated.The walk across the border bridge is hazardous.The baboons attack you!Make sure you DON'T have any food with you.
It can get really hot in Livingstone. One day it was 48 degrees celcius in the sun, 34 in the shade. Make sure you wear sunblock with at least SPF 15, a hat, and loose clothings that covers yourskin.
Malaria is endemic. Take anti-malarial pills, as prescribed by a doctor. Take care not to getbitten in the evening when the mosquitoes that transmit this disease are active; use a mosquito netwhile sleeping and use bug repellant that is at least 30% DEET. If you develop a fever while inthe country, or within three months of departing, get a blood test to rule out malaria.
Remember that the rate of HIV infection in adults (aged 18-45) in Lusaka is between 20 and 30 percent. Be careful! Malaria prophylaxis isn't the only protection to consider! I experienced a coup attempt, harrassment from the police, but never the threat of being mugged, or any personal threat as a result of war in neighboring countries. (And you can see from the photographs above that I am not averse to taking risks.) I think it is important to establish relationships with a small group of people you trust and to go with them -- not alone. This is true if you are going to town center to email family back home, trying to exchange foreign currency, going out for a drink at night, or travelling between cities. A more banal precaution that I always took was I boiled and filtered my drinking water. (PS...
Tongabezi Lodge Livingstone
113 Opinions
Kanyemba Lodge Lusaka
14 Opinions
Royal Livingstone Livingstone
3 Reviews and 304 Opinions Situated directly at the Chobe River lies this luxury hotel. The style is very colonial. The rooms...
Reviews and photos of Zambia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Zambia sightseeing.
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