Information about Zambia
English speaking Zambia is peaceful, friendly and covers a fascinating and varied part of sub-tropical Africa.
Its six month dry/wet cycle (see our seasonal calendar), rich soils, and unspoilt forests (including the major portion of the region’s “Miombo” woodland) and plains are drained by three of Africa’s largest rivers — the Zambezi, the Kafue and the Luangwa.
Each river provides the ideal ingredients that contribute to Zambia being one of the greatest and most abundant wildlife refuges in Africa.
The country also encompasses 10 large lakes including Tanganyika, Mweru, and Kariba; and Victoria Falls in Livingstone is of course one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage site.
We will happily help you arrange your travels around other parts of Zambia should you wish to extend your safari beyond the Luangwa Valley.
What to bring on safari:
You should always travel with soft bags not hard suitcases. If you are using a small plane (6 seater) at ANY point of the safari then DO NOT exceed 12kg otherwise weight restrictions on the larger 18 seater planes are 15kg per person for checked luggage and 5kg for hand luggage.
- A hat, sunglasses, high strength sun screen, moisturiser, lip salve, strong insect repellent, malaria prophylactics, anti-histamine cream and tablets should always be carried, although we do also carry a stock of antihistamines in camp.
- Clothes: both camps have a daily laundry service, so you do not need to bring too much.
- Long trousers, shorts and shirts in bush colours, and comfortable walking boots or shoes. A sweater or jacket for the cooler months of May, June, July and early August.Binoculars – One pair PER PERSON is a must
- Glasses: If you wear contact lenses bring a pair of glasses as well since dust can be a problem.
- Your camera equipment
- Since July 2012, local transactions can only be made in Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). You can still purchase your entry visa in USD (cash), but after that you will have to purchase ZMW at a local bureau de change, or retrieve cash at one of the many ATM machines available at airports and major towns. USD can only be used in small transactions or exchanged in shops.
First Aid / Health
Both camps have comprehensive medical kits in case of emergency. A doctor is on call from Mfuwe (40km / 1.5 hrs by road). However, it is essential that guests take out medical insurance for coming on safari.
While Luangwa is listed as a malaria area, the disease is only really virulent during the rains (Nov to April). As Kaingo and Mwamba are deep inside the park and far from human habitation malaria is extremely uncommon (mosquitoes only fly up to 2km). Furthermore, there is not much standing water (which mosquitoes breed in) and adequate preventative measures are taken such as the provision of mosquito nets and insect repellents to lessen the chances of being bitten. However it is recommended that you do take Malaria prophylactics as a precaution.
It is advisable to know your blood group type in case of emergency.
All visitors should be medically insured before coming on safari.
Recommended medication/vaccinations
Malaria – prophylactics, Tetanus, Yellow Fever and the hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.
Video and camera battery charging
Battery charging is available at both camps from an inverter = 220v. No generators are used to ensure we preserve the natural peace and quiet of the bush.
However we do not provide downloading facilities so please ensure you have adequate digital memory for your trip.
Satellite Phone / Radios
VHF radios are fitted to all vehicles, carried on walking safaris and connect the camps with each other and the Mfuwe area for communication and safety. There is email and a satellite phone at Kaingo Camp in case of emergencies.
Drinking water / Lighting / Water Heating
There are ground wells (bore-holes) at Kaingo and Mwamba for our water; this water has been tested and is 100% safe, deliciously pure spring water . It is used at both camps as drinking water. All lights are solar powered and the water is boiler heated in efficient wood boilers providing hot water 24hrs a day.
