IS IT SAFE TO VISIT ZAMBIA?

Zambia is far safer to visit than other countries in Africa. But in the cities and tourist areas there is a risk of being targeted by thieves. You can reduce the risk significantly by being sensible.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, sometimes happen, particularly in and around bus and railway stations. Local nightclubs, some shopping areas in Lusaka and Copperbelt towns plus other main cities and tourist centres also have reported some petty crimes.

Vehicle break-ins are also common as well so do not leave valuables in your car.

Some serious crimes such as armed robberies, residential burglaries and rapes have happened. This normally happens at night. There have also been some reports of ‘date rape’ drugs used at certain bars and restaurants in Lusaka.

This year, civil unrest and other incidents of violence have taken place in a number of provinces. There have been reports of following reports of ritual murders and homes being gassed.

Some provinces, including Lusaka, have seen an increase in rioting and civil disobedience. This should not affect tourists visiting the country as vigilantes are targeting people suspected of being involved in criminal activity.

Curfews could be imposed without notice.

WILDLIFE

When viewing wild animals there is always a risk. Note all park or nature reserve regulations and instructions given by your reputable tour guides on your Zambia safari. Do not go swimming in lakes and rivers due to the presence of crocodiles.

Most tourists go directly to known game-parks as facilities are limited outside for foreigners.

Zambia is currently experiencing water supply shortages. Monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation. Due to this situation, local officials have applied a nationwide power rationing program since June 2019.

Periodic scheduled and unscheduled power outages are likely to persist over the coming months amid continued drought conditions.

The rainy season normally occurs from December until April. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Rural roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

NO-GO AREAS FOR ZAMBIA

Avoid the area close to the DRC border. Due to the cross-border situation and instability of the neighbouring country, this has resulted in more car jackings and armed robberies on the Zambian side.

Zambia has been a landmine free country since 2009. But there could be still be landmines and unexploded ordinance in areas bordering Angola, Mozambique and the DRC. Avoid driving in these areas.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER IN ZAMBIA

Stay alert of your surroundings and remain aware of people around you.

If you are unsure that someone is following you, immediately go to your nearest police station or public area.

Do not walk alone at night.  

Avoid looking too rich by wearing valuables or cameras visible to others around you.

Do not use an ATM at night and during the day, try and get someone to accompany you to watch the area while you are busy.

Do not go to areas where demonstrations and riots are happening. Watch the local media for information if there are demonstrations going on in certain areas.

Follow orders from local officials.

Keep your passport and other travel documents plus your personal belongings safe at all times.  

SAFE TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN ZAMBIA

Be cautious if you use buses as they are overcrowded.  Taxis are more expensive and you have to pay for them in the local currency. Make sure you do not share your taxi with anyone.

The railway services in the country are limited.

If you intend to drive in the country remember the traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.  You have to have an International Driving Permit and you must keep it on you at all times.  

Vehicles must have two emergency triangles and white reflector stickers in front and red reflector stickers in the back. If you do not have this, it may result in hefty fines.

Turning left at a red light is prohibited.

Consequences for drunk driving are severe.

Using your cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited.

Vehicle accidents happen regularly all around the country.

The roads have major potholes.  Badly maintained vehicles and dangerous driving, animals and pedestrians all pose risks.

Do not do any overland driving in rural areas at night. Roads are poorly lit and in bad shape plus the risk of crime increases.

Car jackings are a major problem, especially in cities and on the roads to and from Lusaka and on the roads in Copperbelt.

Theft often occurs when traffic has to stop.  Criminals grab items through open windows or open unlocked doors to get to your valuables. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Keep a cell phone with you at all times in case you get stranded as there is no emergency service for stranded travellers.

Police roadblocks are common throughout the country. Police officers can request to see identity documents.

TAKING PHOTOS IN ZAMBIA

Photography of military installations is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing local people.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Zambia is a conservative country so dress accordingly. The people are known throughout Africa to be warm and friendly but do take offense to strong language and immoral behaviour.

Carry your passport and visa or immigration permit at all times.

The possession of pornographic material is highly illegal in Zambia. You can be jailed or deported if found with these items in your possession.

Be careful paying money to officials when asked to pay for a fee or fine.  Make sure they can produce an official government receipt for fines or duties. If they cannot provide this, do not pay them as that is then a scam.

LGBT RIGHTS IN ZAMBIA

Zambian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to life imprisonment. Same sex couples visiting the country should exercise extreme discretion in public and also when making hotel bookings.

DRUGS

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Sentenced offenders can expect long jail terms or deportation.

 Do not take non-prescription medication containing diphenhydramine, as this ingredient is on the Zambian list of controlled substances. Tourists have been charged with drug trafficking and have been jailed.

Prescription medicine should at all times be carried in the original container with a copy of your prescription. Make sure that the trade and the generic names of the medication is included.  A doctor’s note explaining why you are taking the medication is also recommended. Failure to do so could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.

CUSTOMS

The following items are duty free for travellers over age 18 years: 400 cigarettes or 500g of cigars or 500g of tobacco, one and a half litres of spirits and two and a half litres of wine and two and a half litres of clear beer.

It is highly illegal to possess, buy or transport animal products like rhino horns, ivory, tortoise shells and the tusks of any animal.  You will see these items sold in the local markets but make sure you do not purchase them as having these items on you, can lead to severe jail time.

All pornographic material is illegal in Zambia and if you think a magazine is appropriate, could be considered pornographic to their officials.  

LOST PASSPORT

Always keep a copy of your passport with you at all times.  If you do lose your passport, report it to your nearest police station and get a copy of the police report. Also report it to your nearest embassy to obtain another passport.

MEDICAL FACILITIES IN ZAMBIA

Government hospitals and clinics are below Western standards and often lack staff and supplies. Private clinics are adequate and need payment upfront.  But for more serious emergency situations, medical evacuations are advised.

There is a scarcity of ambulances so most are advised to get to hospitals and clinics on their own accord.  The medical staff are fluent in English.  Outside the cities, the healthcare facilities drop to nearly non-existent.

If you take chronic medication or prescription drugs, you need to carry your own supplies which will last you through to the end of your holiday in Zambia. Do not rely on finding a pharmacy as there are few reliable pharmacies in the country.

Pack a selection of medical products to treat minor ailments or injuries. This includes painkillers, cold and flu remedies, anti-inflammatories, anti-indigestion and the usual supply of antiseptic cream, plasters and bandages.

Make sure you get adequate travel insurance that covers you for hospital stays and medical evacuations.

IMMUNISATIONS

The National Travel Health Network and Centre and the World Health Organisation recommend the following vaccinations for Zambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.

MALARIA

There is a high risk of malaria throughout the country. The highest risk of infection is in the rainy season, from November until May. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Symptoms can be similar to flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Also, a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.

YELLOW FEVER

Travellers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Zambia. Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria; ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.

FOOD AND WATER IN ZAMBIA

Tourists should drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages as the tap water and ice in Zambia could be contaminated and not safe for drinking.

Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to contamination.

If food has been left out of a refrigerator for longer than an hour especially eggs, chicken and dairy do not consume them.

AVOID STRAY DOGS AND CATS

Do not go near pets or stray dogs, cats or animals in Zambia. They can carry infectious diseases like Rabies which is life threatening.  The animals may bite and scratch you. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEATSTROKE

Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that have come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.

Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones.

Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.

HIV/AIDS

HIV and Aids is still a prevalent problem and the country and throughout the African continent. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday.  If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.

IS ZAMBIA SAFE FOR WOMEN?

Zambia is relatively safe for solo women travellers in comparison to other African countries. Zambia is a male dominated society and they are conservative. Women travellers are advised to dress modestly especially in rural areas. If a woman decides she wants to go out at night it is best advised to be accompanied by a male.  Otherwise avoid going out alone at night for safety reasons.  

NOTE ON CORONAVIRUS

Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

WHAT CAN A VISITOR DO TO PROTECT HIM OR HERSELF FROM THE VIRUS?

Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser as often as possible, since it can eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.

Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and discard tissues into a closed bin immediately, then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Sneezing or coughing into your hands may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Maintain a fair distance between yourself and other people, since coughs or sneezes from infected people may project droplets containing the virus.

If you experience some fever, cough and difficulty of breathing, immediately seek medical care.

Always practice general hygiene measures, but especially when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets. Wash your hands with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.

Strictly avoid any contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities and avoid consumption of any raw or undercooked animal products. You should even handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

ENJOY A SAFE HOLIDAY IN ZAMBIA WITH A REPUTABLE TOUR OPERATOR

MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Zambia We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Zambia who make safety a priority.