Mini-Travel Guide: Zambia

 As you enter via Livingstone international airport

Getting there

As with all the flights we made whilst there this was done with British Airways, as my dad got a good deal to get all flights included. Upon arrival there are two queues for passports and visas, and unless you're a native of Zambia or another African country it wasn't clear which queue you have to go to. Absolutely no travelers seemed to know where it was they had to go but the border officials were cool - so if in doubt join the queue where most people hold the same passport as you.

Between Livingstone and Lusaka we traveled by coach using Mazhandu Family Bus Service. My mum had had a good journey from Lusaka to Livingstone so convinced me and my dad to travel with them on the way back. However on the way back up we got a five seat across coach which was hot sweaty and even though we had booked our seats to be right at the front due to my travel sickness I still managed to feel queezy. Though, again, at the price I'll shut my mouth ;)

Accommodation in Livingstone - very recommended!

Even though were traveling in the 'off-season' I remember getting an e-mail from my dad saying he was struggling to find somewhere to stay when we hit Livingstone.  Because of that my advice is: book ahead. Here is the places I stayed in during Livingstone and Lusaka.

We stayed at the Ngolide Lodge in Livingstone. It's situated on the main road and really easy to find and all taxi drivers we had knew where it was. Reviews had been positive for this place and I can say I cannot speak more highly of it. It was a luxury place (the British Pound goes far in Zambia!) and had an Indian restaurant attached to it. You could get Wifi for an hour (used across the day) for nine kwatcha (literally 50p). Recommended!

For my one night in Lusaka I stayed at the Lusaka Backpackers. It was a basic hostel in comparison to my adventures in the UK, Ireland and Peru but for the price a complaint couldn't be made. I was there with my over half-a-century-old parents and truthfully I would say it is more suitable for groups of young people. This is the only part of my trip I resented being with my parents as I find nothing more attractive in a guy than a sense of adventure but with my parents about I didn't want to gawk too much. Also the huts out the back that you could rent as opposed to a room looked romantic if you wanted to backpack with your lover.

What To Do 

Victoria Falls

It's like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower or coming to Scotland and not going via one of the castles. Unless they really are not your thing - but being one of the seven natural wonders of the world I imagine that's a small percentage of you that would pass this up. It's touristy and once in the park it's hard to imagine that you're in Africa, but it is absolutely breathtaking! I'm an absolute water baby so this was my favorite part of the Zambian trip. I cannot remember the exact money to get in but I remember calculating it in my head and they whole "British pound goes really far" isn't quite the same and it gets hiked back up to average tourist prices.

Tip: It's wet and outdoorsy. There are raincoats to rent (which I did) that are comfortable and don't cost a bomb if you don't have a waterproof with you. Also, don't be that silly woman who wore heels and a dress to go to the Victoria Falls. Though kudos to her for going down to the boiling point (which is a hard walk back up!) in her bare feet!

Tip: The Boiling Point sign you see will take you down towards the Zambezi. It's a beautiful site and yet another way to see the falls, but it is a proper climb back up. I've done worse, but I've done a lot easier too. 

Chobe Safari Park

For all you keen eyes geographers out there you'll realise that Chobe isn't in Zambia but in Botswana. Claimed to be one of the best safari parks in Africa my mum decided to pay the reentry fee for me at the border. It was free to go across to Botswana on this particular safari, and then $50 to get back into Zambia (my passport has four stamps from this day alone). Being one of the best safari's about I wasn't disappointed and got to witness elephants, giraffes, warthogs, eagles, hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Market Stalls

On the main street of Livingstone me and my mum visited some of the art and craft stalls. If you're looking for some authentic African jewelery, bags or pottery this is your place. However be aware that sales people in this country are much more pushy than in the UK. My advice is: unless something in the shops/stall catches your eye from the outside don't go in because you might need to really firmly push your way back out. The men are worse than the women for this and the shops owned be females tend to be okay with you only having a look.

 If you're vegetarian be prepared to eat a lot of these

Vegetarian diets are recognised in Zambia however they still seem to think we only eat salads. If you go here and don't eat meat be prepared to eat many a salad, mainly Greek salads. But also be prepared that the same health and safety standards don't exist as in the UK and fruit is sold on the side of streets with flies everywhere! Felt a bit dodgy after one Greek Salad.

This was the Indian restaurant that was connected to the lodge I was staying in, and it was amazing. From my experience of 'developing countries' the food always takes longer to come than in Europe but once it did come it was amazing. Be warned though the food is Indian and not the fake Indian stuff we get in the UK - it was hot! Unless your taste buds are adapted to Asian cuisine then make sure you don't take something hot or risk downing your body weight in water ofter one mouthful of food. As said Zambia isn't rolling with vegetarian options but this restaurant will be your haven.

This was a restaurant that was situated in a mall upon my stay in Lusaka. Whilst I can't remember the whole menu I don't remember struggling to eat before settling on the avocado salad. Unlike the other salads I had elsewhere this was crisp and clean which didn't suggest it had been bought from the roadside. 

Water

Chucking a bit of information in here. Drink loads of water - I'd recommend drinking plenty whilst travelling there and then drink plenty before you leave your accommodation and always carry a bottle with you wherever you go.

Extra Advice

Clothing

Zambia is dry and hot so be prepared that you will need shorts (I was there in the so called 'cold season' when locals were wearing jeans!) and breathable but comfortable shoes as pavements aren't all the rage in Zambia. A lot of Zambian actually wear 'Western' clothes so don't feel you need to buy a new wardrobe - anything that is light, breathable and practical will do.

Insects and Nasties

I took with me Xpel Misquito & Insect Repellent wipes to use on my skin and also took a 100% deet spray with me to spray on clothes and bed sheets. With this method I came home with only one extra bite, that was so unnoticeable it could easily have not been a bite. Also whilst we're speaking of bugs I'll mention that I suffer a phobia - and it is of the eight legged variety. I have been to Peru and Zambia and not come face-to-face with my phobia. Yes, lifting my bedsheets in the morning was a bit of a scary task but in my experience (also the experience of others) you won't meet snakes/spiders/giant beetles unless you go looking for them. Don't let a fear put you off these countries.

Sunscreen

Being pale and having some ginger in my genetics means that I tend to burn a bit. With me I took Boot's Soltan 50+ sunscreen and only came back with some extra freckles along my arm. Sorted! 

Have you ever been to Zambia? Anything extra to add?

Lots and lots of Zambia love
Morag x