Zambia is located in southern Africa and borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia. The country offers spectacular landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls as well as magnificent national parks where amazing wildlife viewing can be experienced. See andyeducation for education in Zambia.

Fast facts to know

• The Victoria Falls are among the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world. They are World Natural Heritage in 1989.
• Zambia is considered a fairly safe travel destination. The border areas with the Congo should be avoided.
• Traffic drives on the left in Zambia.
• Driving in Zambia can be tiring at times with its endless potholed roads and deep sandy tracks.
• Many areas are impassable during the rainy season.
• Power outages are the order of the day in almost every part of the country.
• The international driver’s license is required.
• Entering Zambia with a rental car is highly problematic.
• German nationals need a visa to enter the country, which can be issued before entering the country by the Zambian embassy in Berlin, online as an e-Visa or, for a fee, for tourist stays when entering Zambia.
• No mandatory vaccinations required. Travelers traveling for less than four weeks should have a full vaccination against poliomyelitis (poliomyelitis).
• Zambia is a malaria area.
• International health insurance is strongly recommended.
• Tap water should be avoided.
• US dollars, like the national currency, are mostly accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted.
• Since independence, the official language has been English, which can be used to get around almost anywhere.
• Most tour operators, hotels and lodges have Internet access, but the speed is quite slow.
• Electricity: English 3-pin plug / 230V.
• Just an hour time difference.

Exciting cities in Zambia

• Livingsstone
• Lukasa
• Ndola

History of Zambia

• Settlement in early human times.
• First inhabitants San, later displaced by Bantu.
• From 1000 copper mining.
• Discovered by the British in 1851.
• From 1890 part of the British colony of Rhodesia.
• 1918 Spanish flu kills thousands.
• 1954-64 part of the Central African Federation.
• 1964 Kenneth Kaunda of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) becomes the first President of Zambia.
• 1973 Zambia is declared a one-party state by Kaunda.
• 1990 First democratic multi-party elections since the first republic.
• 1991 Frederick Chiluba new President.
• In 2002, Levy Mwanawasa became President and Head of State.
• 2008 Rupiah Banda becomes President.
• 2011 After Sata took power, numerous corruption processes took place.
• Formerly privatized companies are nationalized again.

Climate & travel weather in Zambia

• Moist tropical climate.
• Temperatures relatively mild.
• May to August: cool dry season.
• September to November: hot dry season.
• November – April: hot and humid rainy season.
• More precipitation in the north than in the south.
• Recommended travel time:
  • Dry season between May and September.
  • Safaris: October, November.
  • Victoria Falls Bird Watching: December to April.

Ideas for trips in Zambia

• Boat trip on the Zambezi
• bird watching
• Watch wild animals on safari
• Observe huge herds of wildebeest
• South Luanga Game Reserve
• Kapishya Hot Springs
• Hiking and mountain biking in the Mutinondo Wilderness
• Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls
• Ride the Royal Livingstone Express
• Livingstone Museum

Eating & drinking in Zambia

• Staple food: corn.
• Common side dishes: beans, cabbage.
• Dishes usually quite meat-heavy.
• Processed Meats: Beef, Sheep, Elephant, Buffalo, Warthog, Crocodile, Monkey, Chicken.
• Tap water should not be drunk anywhere.
• Nsima is usually eaten with the right hand (form a ball, press in a hollow for vegetables, etc., eat).
• Mice are considered a particular delicacy by the Tumbuka people.
• Before meals, all family members wash their hands in order of their status within the family (father > mother > children in order of age).
• Eating is separated by gender.
• Common snack: biltong (dried meat).
• Often drunk: Maheu (yogurt made from cornmeal) and fruit juices.
• Be careful with beer, mainly clear or naturally cloudy beer is drunk.
• Typical dishes:
  • Nsima (porridge made from cornmeal).
  • Chiwaya Cho Kazinga (Roasted Corn).
  • Ndivo (stew with various ingredients).
  • Inswa (termites).
  • Vinkubala (caterpillars).
  • Vimbombo Va Nkhuku (Chicken Feet).
  • Dobe (Fresh Corn).

Particularly scenic

• Victoria Falls
• Ngonye Waterfalls
• The most beautiful national parks:
  • Kafue National Park
  • Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Luambe National Park
• Bangweulu Swamp
• River Zambezi