Victoria Falls to Cape Town Mountain Bike Epic
Country Profile
Time Zone
GMT + 2hrs
Language
English is the official language, but there are over 73 local dialects. The main languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja and Tonga.
Climate
Although Zambia lies in the tropics, the height of the plateau ensures that the climate is seldom unpleasantly hot, except in the valleys. There are three seasons: the cool, dry winter season from May to September; the hot, dry season in October and November; and the rainy season, which is even hotter, from December to April.
Currency
The currency in Zambia is the Kwacha (ZMK) = 100 ngwee. Starting 1 January 2013 the Zambia government is rebasing the Kwacha currency. The new currency code will be ZMW.
Visa Requirements
All nationalities need to obtain a single entry visa for Zambia. The simplest way to do this is on arrival. The cost of this visa varies with nationality, and you will need to fill in an application form in the airport and provide a passport photo. Visa fees can be paid in GB pound sterling or in US dollars in cash.
Vaccinations
You should attend your own doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required vaccinations for the country you are visiting. In general we recommend vaccinations against the following: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis ‘A'. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Yellow Fever vaccination is not required unless arriving from an endemic area. A very good online resource is the National Health Travellers website at fitfortravel.nhs.uk
