Essential Information for ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWE
VISA REQUIREMENTS: The information provided is based on Australian passport holders. If you are holding a foreign passport please check direct with the Embassy for visa requirements. Our information is correct at time of printing, but we take no responsibility for any changes by the Governments. We therefore recommend that clients carry extra US$ cash in case of such events. All visitors must hold onward tickets, documents and sufficient funds for duration of travel. ***It is critical that you check your visas when issued at immigrations on arrival that enough days have been issued to cover your stay and to account for any unforeseen delays***.
PASSPORT VALIDITY You will require a valid acceptable passport or travel document good for a sufficient period to cover your intended stay (at least 6 months), a valid visa if required, sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket and at least two blank pages for each visiting country.
ZAMBIA: visas are required to enter Zambia and can be purchased on arrival at any entry point – the fee for this is US$50.00 per person for a single entry visa, US$80.00 for a double and US$160.00 multiple entry visa and CASH only is accepted.
ZIMBABWE: Visas are required to enter Zimbabwe and can be purchased on arrival at any entry point – the fee for this is US$30.00 per person for a single entry visa and US$45.00 for a double entry visa, and US$90.00 for a multiple entry visa and CASH ONLY is accepted.
ZIMBABWE & ZAMBIA KAZA UNIVISA - US$50 USD CASH ONLY per person – the KAZA UNIVISA is valid for 30 days as long as you remain in Zimbabwe OR Zambia, where clients can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as they like within the 30 day period. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day-trips through the Kazungula Borders. The KAZA UNIVISA is not valid for overnight stays in Botswana.
YELLOW FEVER POLICY - This is the revised Yellow Fever (YF) vaccination requirements for Africa. It is compulsory that you have the YF inoculation and carry your certificate with you are travelling through Zimbabwe & Zambia if you have visited the following countries - The Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda.
Please Note: It has been advised by local authorities that you no longer require Yellow Fever for Zambia however it has not been officially announced on the “World Health Organisation” website. Please ensure you check with your doctor on this for the most up to date information prior to travel as some countries might still want to site yellow fever certificate if you have visited Zambia.
MALARIA: Please consult your Physician before you travel to Africa for advice on precautions against malaria prior to departure.
SIGHTSEEING & TOURS: These local fees are NOT always included in your itinerary costs, and have to be paid locally IN USD CASH to your tour guide.
Entry to the Falls on the Zimbabwe Side: USD$30.00
Entry to the Falls on the Zambia Side: USD$30.00
(Included when staying at Zambezi Sun or Royal Livingstone Hotels)
River Cruises / River Activities: USD$15.00
Flight of Angels Helicopter Ride: USD$15.00
Helicopter and Microlight flights USD$6.00 Safety and Navigation Fee.
***There are constant changes to the cost of visas, park fees, entry fees etc. Please be sure to carry extra US$ cash with you for these instances. We do our best to advise prior to departure of any changes BUT sometimes circumstances change quickly and are totally out of our control***.
Time difference to Australia: Zambia/Zimbabwe –8 Eastern Standard Time
Money and Banking hours: Banks and foreign exchange bureaux are available at all international airports and in all main towns. Most hotels and lodges accept Visa and MasterCard. **Surcharges MAY apply on credit cards and you will require a PIN number**
ZAMBIA: The currency is the Kwacha (ZMK) US Dollars cash are widely accepted. General banking hours in main towns are: Monday – Friday: 08h15 – 14h30.
ZIMBABWE: The currency is US Dollars. Some places will take Rand or Pounds but US$ is preferred. We recommend that cash in US Dollars, Euro, Pound Sterling or South African Rand is used. ATM’s are few and far between and all currency withdrawn will be in US Dollars. All bills are to be settled in US$.
Credit Cards - Some Lodges will only accept certain brand credit cards (PIN number required) and some accept none at all so suggest not relying totally on use of credit cards to make payments locally and always carry cash.
*** It is highly recommended that you travel with foreign cash (preferably in small denomination bills of US Dollars or Rand) places will NOT accept any US Dollars printed prior 2006 or in poor condition. **
Electricity: Lodges in the more remote areas do not have electricity. These lodges generally rely on generator power for lighting and refrigeration but this power only runs at critical times of the day. Where there is a power source you will need the three square prong British adaptor.
Zimbabwe/Zambia 220/240 Volts AC, 50hz
Dietary requirements: Meals included in any of our itineraries are only as indicated in the particular itinerary. Most dietary requirements can be catered for but please tell us well in advance so we can inform lodges, hotels and resorts. With most lodges a shop isn’t simply around the corner so lodges need all information well in advance.
It is generally recommended that you drink and brush your teeth with bottled water only during your stay in Southern Africa both in the cities and whilst visiting the camps and lodges. Tap water is NOT safe at all unless advised otherwise. Some camps and lodges do provide limited bottled water in the rooms free of charge. Check with each lodge/ hotel on the situation with drinking water and ice making process.
Language: English is widely spoken throughout Southern Africa.
Climate:
ZAMBIA: The rains come mostly December - March though the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. By April and May most of the rain has faded away, leaving a landscape that's still green, but starting to dry out.
From June - August the nights have become much cooler, but the days are clear and warm. This is the start of the 'peak season' for these countries – with often cloudless days and continually increasing game sightings.
Into September and October the temperatures climb: the Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Luangwa Valley – can get very hot in October. However, you'll see some superb game as the animals concentrate around the limited water sources.
November is variable; it can be hot and dry like October, or it can see the season's first downpours.
ZIMBABWE: The rains come principally in December - March; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves. By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night-time temperatures start to drop.
The nights in June - August become much cooler. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the 'peak season'– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase.
Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe's lower-lying rift valley – Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you'll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe's wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources.
November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season's first rainfalls – and in this respect it's a very interesting month.
Accommodation: photographs shown in your itinerary may not reflect the room allocated to you upon check in. Personal identification will be required upon check in; please ensure that you are in possession of the necessary documentation – e.g. a valid passport, driver’s license. ***For double room configurations, certain properties ONLY have twin bed configuration*** - rooms preference requested are NOT guaranteed.
Game Drives: Game drives are usually twice a day AM & PM between 2-3 hours. There may be long and slow driving conditions due to road surfaces.
Check in / out times: Standard hotel check in times is between 12noon – 2.00pm / check out times is between 1000 am - 1100 am. For early arrival flights, The Africa Safari Co. can request early check in BUT is not guaranteed. This is strictly subject to availability upon check in with the hotel. To guarantee a room upon your early check in - you will have to pre-book and pay for an additional night. For late departure flights, your luggage may be left with the hotel concierge until your departure transfer time.
What to pack: Camouflage-patterned clothing is not permitted in ZIMBABWE. This applies to any clothing that can be construed as mimicking military-wear. Travellers are urged not to wear, or even carry, any military-inspired clothing while travelling in Zimbabwe. Dress should generally be informal, comfortable and practical. Washable cotton clothing in neutral colours is best for safari. Light to medium weight khaki trousers or shorts, skirts for women, and t-shirts work well.
A light jacket and warm sweater are recommended during the early morning and evening game drives. Sandals or sneakers are suitable footwear. Laundry is available at most camps and lodges so avoid bringing too much gear - one medium sized soft-sided duffel bag is ideal as space is limited in the vehicles and weight is restricted on all internal flights. We advise all clients to pack as little as possible to minimize ‘headaches’.
Baggage Restrictions: One average sized suitcase with a luggage limit of 23kgs is allowed on normal scheduled flights in economy class to/from and within Africa, however, clients who will be travelling by light aircraft (often referred to as Charter Flights) on safari must adhere to the following baggage restrictions when travelling in small light aircraft which have limited space for baggage and a weight restriction. If not using these light aircraft, normal luggage restrictions of 23kgs apply. City hotels do store luggage for guests while they are out on safari. Please check directly with your carrier’s website for the most up to date information on baggage requirements. All charter Flights: SOFT SIDED BAGS ONLY. NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE PERMITTED ON LIGHT AIRCRAFTS – on Pro-flight Total 2 x pieces at a maximum of 15kilos including hand luggage. See example of soft sided bag.
Tipping: It is customary to tip 10% of the bill at all restaurants. It is also the custom to tip when staying in Game lodges/camps to local rangers/guides, and Game lodge/camp staff of US$5-$10per person per day for each the guide and the staff. Porters are given a tip of approx. US$1 per item of luggage, paid directly at the time they provide the service.
E ticket information: WHEN FLIGHTS ARE BOOKED WITH THE AFRICA SAFARI CO, your airline tickets are pre paid and have been issued electronically. Please refer to your copy of itinerary with electronic ticket numbers. All passengers must be in possession of an e-ticket receipt. This should be the printed page which contains all flight details, vendor locator & ticket number. Having a print out of your e-ticket will eliminate unnecessary delays and frustrations.
***ALL departure transfer times, scheduled activities, tour times, and light/schedule/charter aircraft flights will be re-confirmed to you locally by your Ground Operators as per your dates shown in your itinerary***.
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The Africa Safari Co. www.africasafarico.com.au