zambia

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

752,620 sq km
10 million
lusaka
mwanawasa
english
zambian kwacha
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in august 2003. .these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

you can get a visa at the victoria falls - livingstone border, costs varying between 25 to 45 us dollars, depending on your nationality.

if you book a room at jolly boys, however, a 14 days visa will be included in your booking. (this costs you 20 us dollars for the visa, two nights in a dorm bed, a meal and a beer). bookings can be done at backpacers bazaar in victoria falls.

as far as i know you can get a good deal, as well, with "faulty towers" backpackers in livingstone which, apparently is much nicer and quieter than jollyboys.

getting in and out

victoria falls - livingstone: easy and friendly. you can get a TIP (temporary import permit) for your vehicle, free of cost.

places to stay

livingstone: jolly boys backpackers has dormbeds for usd 6.--, triple rooms for usd 21 and double rooms for 20 usd. it has a good reputation, which, obviously, comes from the past... try "faulty towers on the main road" which seems to be the best place at the moment

lusaka: cha cha cha backpackers is i good place to stay. with dorm beds for usd 6.--, camping usd 3.-- and renting a tent costs usd 4.--. they serve food, have a bar and can give you all the information you need. call them in advance as they are often full: +260122257 (S 15*24,720 / E 28*17,547)

chipata: the pine view guesthouse is good value at 65'000 kwacha for a double with bathroom ensuite and TV. it's clean, friendly and quiet. there is a restaurant and a bar.

other

insurance: you can get third-party insurance at "professional insurance corporaton zambia ltd". 30 days for car or motorbike cost 32'500 kwacha (about usd 7.5). they are located at in the "living inn" building in the city centre on the main street, (next to "superiour furniture"). telephone: 03-322817, email: picz@zamnet.zm

speed control: keep well within the speed limints between kafue and lusaka (about 50 kilometers). there are many controls and the fines as stiff.

internet: there is a well equiped internet cafe with a decent connection just behind cairo street. if you drive north on cairo street it's just after the church street intersection on the right side. (15*24,901 / 28*16,897)

clinic: northmead medical centre is a small privat clinic, run by dr. rubi correos. it's located on paseli road in northmead (near chachacha backpackers, just around the corner from alpha bar) PO box 50067, ridgeway, lusaka phone: 26-01-292084 cell phone: 02-781090