One Zambia, One Nation
Hello - Mulibwanji
Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. On its border with Zimbabwe is famed Victoria Falls – indigenously called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders” – plunging a misty 108m into narrow Batoka Gorge. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls is Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular viewpoint.
Languages we speak
Zambia’s official language is English, but there are more than 70 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Almost everyone will speak or understand some English. Most Zambians living in the urban centres speak it fluently.
Bemba and Nyanja are the country’s two most widely spoken local languages.
Bemba is spoken by more than two million Zambians and is used frequently in education and administration. Nyanja, a Bantu language spoken by approximately one million Zambians, is also prominent in major centres, especially Lusaka and Livingstone. Nyanja is the official language of the police and also spoken in neighboring Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique. Tonga is spoken by about 11% of the population, and is commonly used in the media.
Other major languages include:
Visa Information
You will need a tourist or business visa to enter or travel through Zambia as a visitor as well as valid return air tickets (if arriving by air) and sufficient funds for your stay. Tourist and business visit visas are available in advance (from Zambian Missions abroad or e-Visa) and on arrival in Zambia. Single and double entry visas are available on arrival at all ports of entry but multi-entry visas are not. If you plan to get a visa on arrival, you will need the correct amount of cash (US dollars) as change may not be available. If you enter through Kenneth Kuanda International Airport, you can generally make payment by credit or debit card at the Zambian Immigration desks.
You should check your visa endorsement for the period of your stay in Zambia. Although you are allowed 90 days per calendar year, the immigration officer will not normally endorse the full length of time upon entry and you will be required to extend the stay at the nearest immigration office.
For further information about entry requirements contact the Zambian High Commission in London at info@zambiahc.org.uk or visit Zambia Department of Immigration.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zambia/entry-requirements#visas
Covid Information
All travellers must be aware that:
-Fully vaccinated passengers can enter Zambia provided they show proof of Vaccine certificate. Fully vaccinated means having 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
-If you're not fully vaccinated you'll need proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure from your country of origin using an approved laboratory through the Africa CDC travel platform https://africacdc.org/trusted-travel/.
-On arrival, you'll will be required to complete health declaration forms for submission to Port Health Officers.
-Children below the age of 12 years are exempt from the requirement to provide a COVID-19 (PCR) test or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Check the airline's guidelines carefully when arranging to travel to Zambia. Some airlines may ask for evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test before arrival in Zambia.
-If you're leaving Zambia, check if your destination or airline requires a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test. If required, you'll need to have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test using an approved laboratory through the Africa CDC Trusted Travel platform.
Currency = ZMW
Zambia’s currency is the Kwacha and is available at airports, hotels, ATMs and exchange offices. Larger shops, hotels, restaurants and tour operators increasingly accept major credit cards. Use ATMs or banks and bureaux de change to exchange money. It may not be possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes.
Network Providers
When visiting Zambia you will notice endless booths and kiosks on the side of the road selling sim cards. Unfortunately at these kiosks you can only get a local sim card with a Zambian ID.
For tourists it is a little more complicated to get a Zambia sim card as tourists will have to go to the main offices to get their sim card registered with their passports. Kiosks do NOT offer this service.
There are three main network providers and these are:
For more information on which network provider would be best for you, click on the link below
https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/africa/zambia/buying-a-sim-card-in-zambia
Traditional foods
Eating is ingrained in Zambian culture. There are three main delicacies that many of our local people enjoy preparing and indulging in
Nshima,
This is the staple carbohydrate of Zambia. It is made from corn that is processed into a fine white powder called ‘mealie meal’. It is cooked by mixing the corn meal with water which is brought to the boil as porridge (similar to grits). It can be enjoyed at any of the many traditional restaurants in Zambia as well as at boutique hotels
Ifinkubala,
Caterpillars in Zambia are called ‘ifinkubala‘. They are usually fried in oil, or boiled for a few minutes then fried in oil, and are served with tomatoes and onion with nshima.
Chikanda,
Chikanda is commonly referred to as ‘African polony’, although it is entirely vegetarian. Made from wild orchid tubers, peanuts, chilli and baking soda, it is cooked until it has a meatloaf consistency, and is served either hot or cold.
To view more about our traditional foods, click on the link below
Malls in Zambia
If you are looking for a place to eat, shop and socialize from; make sure to visit our malls. The most commonly visited malls are listed below.
Garden City,
It has a unique, classy, and inviting image and as you begin to walk through its corridors, you get more astonished by its peaceful nature, located in Lusaka, it is one place you would enjoy your coffee while reading a book.
East park mall,
Located in Lusaka, this mall is what you would describe as a peaceful place during the day and the life of the party at night. It is a very nice place to shop and chill because of its variety of stores to choose from. East Park mall is the second largest mall in Zambia with a retail area of 34,000 square meters.
Kafubu mall,
A pleasant experience is what you will get once you visit this mall. It is located in Ndola, a beautiful town just at the junction of roads leading to several other cities and towns on the Copperbelt and beyond, with easy access to the Democratic Republic of Congo which is just 10 kilometers away from the mall; hence, it is a source of attraction to shoppers even in the outskirts of Zambia.
Manda hill mall,
Looking for diversity? This is your best mall to visit. Manda hill is one of Zambia’s oldest and largest shopping malls that has been in existence since 1990 and is located in the central part of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, along the Great East Road
Novare Great North mall,
It provides you with a beautiful interactive space with various playing zones for children, arcade games, and a play station. This mall has added to the diversity of Lusaka’s vibrant retail sector. Take some time within your busy schedule to explore the amazing mall and you will not regret the experience
Mukuba mall,
When it comes to the Copperbelt, this is the mall on everyone’s mouth, from its outstanding view to its unlimited services. It is the first large mall to be made in the town of Kitwe
To read more about our beautiful malls click on the link below for more information
Transport
In Zambia there are no regular bus services. Bus conductors will shout out the name of the destination they are heading to when approaching customers, but be sure to confirm before getting on board.
Public transport is in the form of many 12 seater minibuses
There are also Dial-up cabs, car hire and chauffeur driven vehicles.
You are advised to use the dial-up cabs or chauffeur driven vehicles.
In Zambia we have various ride-hailing app services which work sufficiently.
The two most used are:
Reach your destination at the right level of comfort and price for you. Choose from several service classes. Perfect for short rides and drivers are commonly found to be on time.
Reliable rideshare and taxi pricing. Ulendo allows you to passenger track the driver’s progress via map in the app. All the information on the city is stored
Emergency Contact Numbers
• Emergency – 999
• Police – 991
• Lusaka, Central Police Station – 0211 220006
• Lusaka, Central Fire Station – 0211 220180
• Lusaka, Ambulance Service – 0211 220180
• National Telephone Operator – 100
• National Directory – 102
• International Operator – 090
• Ambulance – 991
• Fire Brigade – 993
• Hospital UTH – Lusaka
• General Line – 0211 251200
• Casualty Direct Line – 0211 254115
• Livingstone Central Police – 0213 3 323575/320116
• Livingstone Fire Station – 0213 324043
https://www.zambiatourism.com/travel-info/safety-and-security/