Zambia

Direct flights to the international airport in Lusaka are offered by Air France and British Airways from Frankfurt a.M., Vienna, Geneva and Zurich. The airport is located about 25 km east of the city. Buses and cabs run between the airport and Lusaka. In the south of the Luangwa National Park lies Mfuwe International Airport, which is mainly served by group tour operators for safari travel.

Zambia has a tropical climate. On the high plateau, temperatures are generally lower than in the lower-lying river valleys. In Zambia, there are three seasons. The cool dry season lasts from May to August with average temperatures between 15 and 28°C. At night, however, temperatures can cool down considerably. The months of September and October fall in the hot dry season with average temperatures of 24 – 32°C. In the Luangwa River Valley, daytime temperatures above 40°C are not uncommon at this time. The dry seasons, especially August to October, are best for excellent wildlife viewing. From November to April there is a comparatively very long rainy season. Many areas are then difficult to access, for this reason many camps and lodges are closed during the rainy season. Nevertheless, it is also possible to travel to Zambia during the rainy season, especially birdwatchers will then get their full money’s worth.

For Zambia travel some vaccinations against tropical diseases are necessary. The German Foreign Office currently recommends the following vaccinations:

Yellow fever
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Poliomyelitis (polio)
Hepatitis A
For Zambia trips longer than 4 weeks additionally against hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Since the mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Zambia change frequently, it is advisable to check carefully before traveling.

Since Zambia is considered a dangerous malaria area nationwide, malaria prophylaxis is recommended in any case. Protect yourself additionally against mosquito bites with mosquito repellents from the pharmacy and body-covering clothing (especially in the evening hours).

To avoid diarrheal and cholera diseases, you should pay attention to careful food and drinking water hygiene.

Medical care in Zambia cannot be compared with German standards. There is a lack of technically and hygienically flawless equipment and well-trained physicians. Travelers are strongly advised to have health insurance coverage valid in Zambia and travel repatriation insurance.

Zambia is considered one of the safest countries to travel in South Africa. The people are hospitable and open-minded to the tourists who provide livelihood to many of them. The crime rate is much lower than in South Africa.

The highest risk is theft, especially in the crowds of larger cities. Therefore, money, valuables and documents should not be carried with you if possible and should not be left in the hotel room, but in the hotel safe. Armed robberies are extremely rare, as are car thefts. The best way to protect yourself from both is to avoid lonely areas in the evening. Cars should not be left unguarded.

Otherwise, when it comes to personal safety, it is also important to use common sense, not to attract attention with helpless or ostentatious behavior, and to radiate calm and self-confidence.

When encountering wildlife, appropriate behavior and following the instructions of the guides is the first priority.