Archive for the ‘Zambia’ Category
Yellow Fever Regulations: Travel between Zambia and South Africa
If you’re traveling between Zambia and South Africa please familiarize yourself with the new Yellow Fever regulations.
Please take note of the new Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements for travelers to and from Zambia:
The South African Department of Health has issued a statement that all returning travelers from South Africa to Zambia and travelers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. This is all part of their yellow fever regulations and is mandatory. All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Over the last several months there has been a lot of back and forth regarding this new policy. Often times the translation of the new policy has confused travelers. So what is the new policy stating?
As of October 1, 2011 a Yellow Fever proof of vaccination will be required to enter Zambia. As of this date, the yellow fever regulations will be compulsory.
In addition, also as of October 1, 2011 travelers coming from Zambia into South Africa will need a Yellow Fever certificate (World Health Organization card) to enter the country.
So in other words, South Africa’s Department of Health will need to see visual proof you are vaccinated for yellow fever (unless you’re in possession of a valid waiver certificate).
All travelers coming from a yellow fever risk country who are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry will either be refused entry or quarantined until their certificate becomes valid, with a max holding time of no more than 6 days.
Those with a valid waiver certificate (generally due to medical reasons) will be allowed entry but required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities while being placed under surveillance.
According to International Health Regulation, a valid yellow fever certificate is required for all passengers over the age of one. Passengers in transit from Dakar (not leaving the aircraft), do not require a certificate.
For more about Yellow Fever and the required vaccination please consult your physician 8-12 weeks before departure.
For more about yellow fever regulations pertaining to travel throughout southern Africa feel free to contact us.
In the end, it’s just one more obstacle to make you feel like you’re going somewhere really special.
Zambia Safari Planning
Experience the Magic of the Infamous Victoria Falls… and Discover the Place Where Walking Safaris Were Pioneered!
Immense areas of unspoiled and undiscovered wilderness makes Zambia a popular safari destination. The infamous misty waters of the great Victoria Falls lure in the curious, adventurous, and those who seek to experience the powers of a Natural Wonder of the World for themselves. Together, Victoria Falls and the nearby town of Livingstone is known as the ’adventure capital of the world,’ and with good reason.
Bungee jump off the bridge connecting Zambia with Zimbabwe, paddle or whitewater raft the treacherous waters of the mighty Zambezi River, river cruises, micro light flights, abseiling, plus much more!
Zambia is the place where walking safaris were pioneered. Both the trails and guides are of top caliber next to no other. (The government regulates standards through a series of examinations to ensure the guides knowledge is sharpened and polished, adding to your safari experience!)
Game drives are superb, with less vehicles than that of East Africa however, not as exclusive as that of Botswana since they are in the national parks. However, night drives are a guaranteed option and can easily be incorporated into your tour. The rolling mountains, lush green vegetation, and people are sure not to disappoint.
Zambia’s Top Safari Destinations:
Victoria Falls and Livingstone
Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the Smoke that Thunders in the local indigenous language is the country’s most sought after destination. Although it’s neither the tallest nor the widest, Victoria Falls is recognized as the largest. Stretching 5,600 feet over a height of 360 feet the sheer amounts of water spilling, tumbling, and spraying over the sides is magical and bewitching!
1 of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World!
Mopane woodlands dominate the area, while it isn’t uncommon for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, along with a variety of plains antelope to maraud the surrounding areas. Along the rivers, Vervet monkey’s and baboons swing from the trees and bark from the cliffs. In the river, hippos and crocs dangerously lurk, submerged under the water away from the unrelenting sun.
Easily Experience Both Zambia & Zimbabwe!
Due to political issues brought upon by Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe’s desperation to cling to power have moved many to stay on the Zambian side of the falls. Nevertheless, the best vantage point, especially during the dry season, is from the Zimbabwe side. It is easy to stay in Zambia yet cross over to Zimbabwe for a few hours or the entire day.
Livingstone is the Home to the Regions Adventure ActivitiesIf adrenaline and adventure is what you’re looking for, the majority of activities are now based on the Zambian side of the falls. The town of Livingstone is the base of all these operations, nestled only 10km north of the river. Livingstone caters to a variety of national dishes, places of accommodation, and makes for a great jumping off point for tours to Chobe National Park as well.
Accommodation (click on lodge)
David Livingstone Safari Lodge
ZIMBABWE VICTORIA FALLS Accommodation (click on lodge)
Imbabala Safari Lodge
South Luangwa National Park
The Place Where the Walking Safari Originated!
A spectacular wildlife sanctuary! The Luangwa River and the areas many ox bow lagoons lure in large concentrations of game. It is Africa’s most intact river system and the life of the 9050km² park. Home to 60 different species of game and 400 + birds, its no wonder this is the place the walking safari originated! (There are no rhinos, sadly they have been poached to extinction in the area).
Accommodation (click on lodge)
North Luangwa National Park
Wild! Untouched! And Unobtrusive Wilderness!
The North Luangwa National Park is NOT open to the public and needs to be arranged through a tour operator like Wild Safari Africa. There are no permanent lodges and the 4,636km² of remote wilderness offers fabulous opportunities for walking safaris! Experience Africa as it once was; WILD, UNTOUCHED, and a totally UNOBTRUSIVE wilderness.
Only a Limited Number of Visitors Allowed Each Year
The park was not open to anybody but game rangers for over 30 years! Now open to private group members, like yourself, a limited number of visitors are allowed each year.
On the western bank of Luangwa River, large herds of buffalo roam, while dominate prides of lion, hyena, wildebeest, elephant, zebra and all the other animals you would think to see on safari, ramble.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Zambia’s newest park which is still relatively underdeveloped. The diversity of animals is not as great as the country’s other major parks, however, the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi water channels is unmatched; and because of the river and its many tributaries and canoeing safaris are a top attraction.
A Prestige, Gigantic Wildlife Sanctuary
Located directly opposite of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools Game Reserve, giving this particular surrounding area of the river a prestige, gigantic wildlife sanctuary. Although the park is 4,092km², the game roams primarily in the valley floor. Enormous herds of elephant call these wetlands home.
Kafue National Park
Zambia’s oldest and largest park, proclaimed in 1950 and stretching over 22,400km². This is the 2nd largest national park in the world and comparable in size to the country of Wales!
Zambia’s Oldest and Largest Park
Although, lack of management has led to illegal poaching throughout the years, the park remains an unspoiled wilderness with large populations of game and birdlife. Expect to see large herds of red lechwe, the mystical sable and roan antelopes, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebra, and buffalo, all of which make for a plains game viewing extravaganza!
A Plains Game Viewing Extravaganza!
Prides of lion, the elusive leopard, and stealthy cheetah, along with the smaller carnivores such as the jackal, civet, and mongoose, can all be seen.
Superb Fishing OpportunitiesThe park is fed by the emerald green rivers of the Lunga, Lufupa, and Kafue Rivers. Besides creating an environment for excellent game viewing, the rivers also provide superb fishing opportunities, especially bream, barbel, and fresh water pike.
What activities are offered while on safari?
Zambia offers a wide selection of activities other than the traditional game drives and walks.
However, Zambia’s walking safaris are nothing short of extravagant. Choose between day walks or walk between camps while the crew transports your luggage between camps. The canoeing safaris along the Zambezi are also fabulous!
Walking & Canoeing Safaris Are Fabulous!
Adventure Activities include:
- Bungee jumping
- Elephant back safaris
- Micro-light flights
- Helicopter flights
- Swimming
- Whitewater rafting
- Much much more!
What is the ideal season to safari Zambia?
Defined by southern Africa’s tropical climates, the best time to visit Zambia for game viewing is during the dry season (June -October). Although, due note that game are dispersed during and directly after the rainy season.
Best Season to Visit is between June – October
If seeing the waters of Victoria Falls plunge into the canyon is your main priority, the best time to visit is directly after the rainy season (April-May). However, if the region has experienced heavy amounts of rain during the wet season, the falls can continue to spill with power until August.
How much does a safari in Zambia cost?
Zambian safaris are beginning to run parallel to the prices of Botswana. But before this happens, there are a number of cheaper options to save you money without having to cancel out fulfilling your dream.
Adventure activities in Livingstone and Victoria Falls cost money; however, the price is ALWAYS WORTH THE EXPERIENCE!
What vaccinations are required to safari Zambia?
No vaccinations are required, however, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), and poliovirus.
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies are highly recommended.
Malaria is prolific across Zambia and antimalarial drugs are highly recommended when traveling to these areas.
It is recommended you consult with your health-care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure to allow time for your vaccinations to take effect and to start taking your malaria prophylaxis.
Combine Your Zambian Safari With Botswana, Namibia,
or South Africa With Ease!
More fabulous Safari destinations!
Safari Botswana
Safari Namibia
Safari South Africa
Safari Zambia