General Information on Travelling in Zambia

VISA WAIVER

Effective 26 January 2008 the Visa Waiver Scheme is scrapped and all visitors have to pay the full visa fee.

VISAS

All visitors are required to purchase a tourist visa. Please visit the Zambian Immigration Website for full information. This site has not yet been updated with the new rates which were introduced on 26 Jan 2008. For guidance, the visa rates for single entry are:

 

 
Nationality
Visa Entry Fee
  British GBP 75 / USD 140
  USA USD 135
  Canada USD 55
  Others, where fee is asked USD 50

Note that this is not a full list of all visa fees. Although the new rates are being enforced already, they have not been approved by parliament and it is important that all visitors to Zambia are advised that we expect the tourism industry to lobby this decision and the rate you are charged on entry may be different.

If necessary, visas can be purchased upon arrival. Please have correct money and amounts in $5 and $10 notes. (With "big heads" - see money). Some nationals do have to obtain a visa before arriving in Lusaka such as Greek, Turkish, Indian, Chinese.

Important tip

Please ensure you check the visa stamp in your passport when at the immigration desk.  Ensure that you have been given enough days.  There have been a number of incidences where the days were short and you will be fined heavily on departure.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

  • International departure tax: US$ 25
  • Domestic airport tax: US$ 8

MEET AND GREET SERVICE

If you are arriving in Lusaka from an international or domestic flight, you will be met and assisted by a representative from Tours Africa. The representative will assist you with immigration, check-in for your connecting flight, payment of departure tax, and any other assistance you may need.

Their contact number in Zambia is: 021 127 1070.

LUSAKA HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Robin Pope Safaris is happy to book hotel accommodation when an overnight stay in Lusaka is required.

We highly recommend the following accommodation in Lusaka:

Chaminuka Nature Reserve

Small upmarket lodge set on a private game farm 40 minutes from Lusaka Airport (One hour from Lusaka). Peaceful location and many facilities such as swimming, tennis, sauna, jacuzzi, billiard room.

Rates from USD 260 per person per night.

Rate includes bed, supper, breakfast, bar, use of all facilities and return airport transfers.

Intercontinental

The Intercontinental Hotel is located about 25 minutes from the Lusaka Airport. Transfers to and from the airport are offered by the hotel. They have very comfortable rooms, a good restaurant. A good place to stay when overnighting in Lusaka.

Rates starting from USD 366 per room per night plus transfers (B&B basic)

  • air-conditioned rooms
  • open year round
  • swimming pool and spa
  • transfers arranged  – $12 per person
  • credit cards accepted
  • Bed & Breakfast basis

MEDICAL

All visitors should be medically insured. Robin Pope Safaris does insure for medical evacuation but not for medical services.
Malaria - protection imperative.
Tetanus and the hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.
It is advisable to know your blood group type in case of emergency.

MONEY

Travellers cheques and cash are accepted. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted but not in remote areas and should not be relied on except in major towns. RPS do not accept credit cards. US dollars are easier to change than sterling. USD notes should be recent, and should have "large heads". Old notes with "smaller heads" (except One Dollar Bills) are not accepted ANYWHERE in Zambia.

RPS will take Visa for emergencies in camp, but remember, everything is included so you should not need to use this facility.

TIPPING

Is not expected but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service. We suggest you tip your guides directly, and if you wish please give anything for the camp staff to the management to be shared out. When asked 'how much' I say from US$5 to US$10 per person per night at camps.

VOLTAGE

220-240 A.C. Hairdryers cannot be used at camps with generators, but video battery recharging is fine. See Camp Information for details of which camps are on mains, and which have generators.

INSURANCE

We advise that luggage is fully insured. We highly recommend full Trip Cancellation Insurance - we do need to charge cancellation fees as stipulated. Robin Pope Safaris bears no responsibility for any delays, loss, injury, illness, death, cancellation of flights, change of itinerary and retains the right to alter or cancel a safari with just reason. All guests are advised to insure fully.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please be sensitive when photographing local people and their villages. Ask the guide or the villagers first. Be careful when photographing public buildings and persons in uniform - again, ask first.