Zambia

Capital

Lusaka

Languages

English, Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja and Tonga

Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

Electricity

Electrical voltage at 220-240 V/50 Hz; Three-pronged English plugs.

Time difference

Zambia and France are on the same time zone (UTC + 2). However, Zambia does not change time in winter, during this period, there is an hour lag between the two countries (when it is 17h in France, it is 18h in Zambia).

Embassies and Consulates

French Embassy (0211-251322; 74 independence Ave, Lusaka)

Embassy of Canada (5199 United Nations Ave, Lusaka)

Honorary consulate of Belgium (c/O Amagrain Ltd Plot 

The best time to leave the period from late May to early October is ideal for observing wildlife (note however that it can be extremely hot in October). The weather is usually dry in June, July and August. The rainy season extends from December to April, giving rise to a lush landscape – many lodges are nevertheless closed at this time. If you want to see Victoria falls or rafting, opt for a month between August and December when the Zambezi has a lower flow rate.

Visa

Tourist visas are available at the main airports, ports and borders. However, you should obtain a Zambian visa beforehand if you arrive by train or boat from Tanzania.

All foreign visitors ¬ — with the exception of nationals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), for whom the visa is free — pay 50 $US for a single entry visa (up to 1 month) and 80 $US for a visa with entries Multiple (up to 3 months; interesting if you want to go to one of the neighbouring countries). Multiple Entry visa applications (80 $US) must be made in advance by a Zambian embassy or a high commission. If you stay less than 24 hours — for example, to visit Livingstone from Zimbabwe — you will only pay 20 $US.

Payment can be made in US dollars and sometimes in pounds sterling. If other currencies are sometimes accepted at the borders (euro, South African rand, Botswana Pula, Namibian dollar), it is best not to rely on it.

Applications for business visas may be filed with foreign Zambian diplomatic missions; The application form is downloadable on the website