Zambia is a country of magnificent natural sites as well as authentic African culture.
African rough diamond
According to countryaah, Zambia is located in the heart of eastern Africa. This country of about 14 million residents shares a border with eight states. It is bordered on the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the northeast by Tanzania, on the east by Malawi, on the southeast by Mozambique, on the south by Zimbabwe, on the southwest by Botswana and Namibia and on the west by Angola. There is no shoreline on land, but Sambesi, Africa’s fourth largest river, flows through the country.
Tourists in Zambia are especially attracted by natural attractions and culture. Zambian culture is a mixture of more than 70 different tribal cultures as well as Chinese, Indian and European influences.
The country’s best-known attraction is Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean border, named after Dr. Victoria Living in 1855 by Queen Victoria. Kafue, one of the largest national parks in Africa, is also a popular destination. Its floodplains are home to, among other things, large wildlife in Africa. South Luwanga National Park is particularly attractive to hikers and bird watchers.
Zambia’s three seasons
Zambia has a tropical climate and three seasons. May to August is the coolest, when night temperatures can drop below 10 degrees. During the day, however, the sun heats up, raising the mercury up to +27 degrees. The hottest and driest is from September to November. The rainy season begins in December and lasts until April. During hot seasons, the temperature can be as high as +35 degrees. During the rainy season, the humidity also rises considerably.
Travel to the country all year round, but the best time is during the dry season from May to September. In this case, the temperature is pleasant and there is no congestion in the nature parks. It is good for the tourist to note that many nature parks will be closed during the rainy season.
Good to know about Zambia
Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world and tourism is just a rising industry. Zambia is for the most part a highland whose diverse Natural Attractions are especially attractive to tourists looking for activities. Challenges to travel in Zambia are created by long distances, in some places poor roads and poor public transport. Zambia is best suited as a destination for those who want to find an authentic African atmosphere without Western influences.
Zambia’s price level is the most affordable, but slightly higher than in other African countries. In addition to local currency kwacha, prices are often expressed in U.S. dollars. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and stores. Visa is a more generally accepted card than Mastercard. Before leaving the country, it is worth exchanging the extra kwacs for dollars as they cannot be exchanged outside the country.
The country is generally safe, but normal caution should be exercised. Pocket thefts are common in cities, so you should not carry valuables with you. It is also a good idea to avoid driving and driving alone at night.
Short for ZA by abbreviationfinder, Zambia is at high risk of malaria, so medication is in place. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended. In addition, prescription drug prescriptions should be included.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN ZAMBIA
Flying to your destination
There are no direct flights from Finland to Zambia. You can fly to the country’s capital Lusaka via several European cities. Some companies also fly to Livingstone International Airport. Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Lusaka cost 800-1100 euros. The average travel time with a change will be 20 hours.
Package trips to Zambia can be obtained from these long-distance travel agencies. They often focus on safaris as well as tours.
Accommodation for many tastes
Zambia’s most diverse range of accommodation can be found in the country’s largest tourist center around Victoria Falls. You can choose from everything from luxury cottages to camping areas. In the area you will find a pleasant place to stay for both backpackers and more demanding travelers.
The second largest option is offered by the country’s capital Lusaka. For the budget-conscious, hostels and more affordable inns are available, while the quality-conscious can choose to stay in a few five-star hotels in the city.
In nature park areas, accommodation takes place either in a tent or in a cottage. The level of equipment in the cottages varies from modest to luxurious. It is good to be careful with the prices, as some accommodation also includes activities such as walks and tours.
Getting around Zambia
In Zambia, the distances are long, so the fastest way to get around is by flying. However, domestic flights can be quite expensive. You should also be careful when choosing an airline.
Larger cities have plenty of taxis. The price must be negotiated in advance. In cities, public transport is handled by low-cost minibuses, which can be hired from almost anywhere.
You can get from one city to another by bus or train. Buses run daily but do not always follow schedules. Often they also wait for the bus to be full before leaving. Zambia has three main train routes: Livingstone-Lusaka, Lusaka-Copperbelt and Kapiri mposhi north to the Tanzanian border. Some trains run daily, some a few times a week. It is a good idea to buy tickets in advance.
You can rent a car in the largest cities. If you plan to travel around the country more widely, it is a good idea to opt for four-wheel drive for the vehicle, as only some of the local roads are paved. The more distant the journey, the more likely it is that the roads will become poor and the availability of fuel and spare parts will become more difficult. Driving in the dark should also be avoided.