Difference between revisions of "Zambia"

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{{Limited_country}}
 
−
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
−
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Zambia is a stunning and friendly country, with a lot of wilderness to explore. North and South Luangwa National Parks are highlights on the entire continent.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
−
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">May 2018</span>'''
 +
 
 +
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
Virtually all nationalities can get the visa on arrival at any border crossing. It you must pay in USD cash, usually there are guys around to exchange money. Price is $50USD cash per person.
  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
−
{{visa_country}}
+
* Passport of registered owner.
−
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
−
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Buy a visa and get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
 +
* Pay road fund and carbon tax.
 +
* Go to Customs to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out an import form, valid for one month.
 +
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the import form.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
−
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
* The Temporary Import Permit or the Carnet entry are both free.
 +
* Road fund costs <price cost="30" currency="USD" /> and makes all toll booths free - just shows the form.
 +
* Carbon tax costs <price cost="20" currency="USD" />
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
−
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
The standard temp import permit, carbon tax and road fund is for one month.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
−
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Easy to extend at any government office - make sure you do so before your current permit expires.
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
−
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
Uncertain, though it seems if you came back before the temp import expired nobody would be the wiser.
−
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
−
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped out if you have one, or cancel your temporary import permit at Customs
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
Line 41: Line 52:
  
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
−
[[COMESA]] or “Yellow card” insurance is required.
+
You must have local Zambian insurance, or [[COMESA]]. Likely you will not be permitted to drive into the country without it
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
−
See the prices listed on the [[COMESA|COMESA Insurance]] page.
+
* Local Zambian insurance is <price cost="27" currency="USD" /> for 6 months for a 4x4.
 +
* [[COMESA]] can be added to that for an additional <price cost="55" currency="USD" /> for six months for the 4x4.
 +
 
 +
Note: You must buy the local insurance and then add the [[COMESA]] on top - it's the only way to do it.
 +
 
 +
See more on the [[COMESA|COMESA Insurance]] page.
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
−
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
At the border there will be an office / shack selling the insurance, maybe you have to go into a town to finalize or to get [[COMESA]] the next day.
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
−
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
−
Left.<br />
+
Left. <br/>
−
Unknown if LHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
LHD vehicles are allowed temporarily without problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
−
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.
−
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 +
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
−
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Roads vary greatly in Zambia. There are many paved highways in excellent condition, especially the major North-South Highway. There are also old broken-up roads with potholes. Gravel roads can be excellent condition, or horrible mud in the rainy season - possibly impassable.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
−
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs do exist and usually show the distances to the next few upcoming towns. These are improving quickly.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
−
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
On the paved roads there are Toll booths that cost <price cost="2" currency="USD" /> per booth. Show the officer your road tax form from the border and they are all free.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
−
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is less common, though it does still happen. Remain calm, polite and friendly, and don't pay any money without a receipt or official ticket. Ask to go to the nearest station if you must.
 +
 
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for more advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
−
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check your paperwork. Don't pay at any of these. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points, don't get rude or impatient. There is no reason to pay money.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
−
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
Unknown, though it can and has been done as recently as 2017.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">May 2018</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 90: Line 109:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
−
| <price cost="1.63" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="1.14" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
−
| <price cost="1.50" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="0.99" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 +
|-
 +
| Diesel (low sulphur, 500ppm) - RARE only at large Total stations
 +
| <price cost="1.18" currency="USD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
−
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Stations are common and always have both diesel and gasoline. Shortages are not common, though you probably want to fill up whenever you are at half a tank to be sure. <br/>
−
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
Ask around and you will find stations where you can pay with a credit card.
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
−
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Quality seems OK. Sulphur content it probably high in diesel.
−
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
−
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to road hazards. Watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
−
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones
−
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
−
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible from potholes and speed bumps to kids playing on the road and vehicles being re-built right in the traffic lane. Drive defensively at all times.
−
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 122: Line 142:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
−
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Camping is common in Zambia, with many campgrounds or resorts offering it. There are plenty of dedicated campgrounds that are cheap and beautiful. <br />
−
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Wild camping is possible in remote areas, and should be no problem. People are extremely friendly and welcoming, just ask permission if you are near a village.
−
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 130: Line 149:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
−
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.
−
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
−
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
−
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
−
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
−
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
−
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* The road that splits North and South Luangwa National Parks is a great wilderness adventure, with some 4x4 and a tiny ferry to cross.
 +
* [https://www.chimfunshi.de/en/ Chimfunshi] is a Chimp rescue centre where you can carry and play with Chimpanzees, a simply stunning experience.
 +
* North and South Luangwa National Parks are among the best on the continent.
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 13:11, 4 April 2019


Currency to display:

Visiting Zambia[edit]

Zambia is a stunning and friendly country, with a lot of wilderness to explore. North and South Luangwa National Parks are highlights on the entire continent.

Entering Zambia with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: May 2018

Travel Visa for Zambia[edit]

Virtually all nationalities can get the visa on arrival at any border crossing. It you must pay in USD cash, usually there are guys around to exchange money. Price is $50USD cash per person.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

  • Buy a visa and get yourself stamped in at Immigration.
  • Pay road fund and carbon tax.
  • Go to Customs to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out an import form, valid for one month.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the import form.

Cost of entry[edit]

  • The Temporary Import Permit or the Carnet entry are both free.
  • Road fund costs $30.00 USD and makes all toll booths free - just shows the form.
  • Carbon tax costs $20.00 USD

Permitted length of stay[edit]

The standard temp import permit, carbon tax and road fund is for one month.

Extension of stay[edit]

Easy to extend at any government office - make sure you do so before your current permit expires.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Uncertain, though it seems if you came back before the temp import expired nobody would be the wiser.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Get your Carnet de Passage stamped out if you have one, or cancel your temporary import permit at Customs

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Zambia[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Zambia[edit]

Lonely Planet Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Zambia, Mozambique & Malawi (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet
From $26.99 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
The Three Rivers Of Zambia: Footprint Reading Library ...
The Three Rivers Of Zambia: Footprint Reading Library ...
by Rob Waring
From $15.83 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Zambia[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

You must have local Zambian insurance, or COMESA. Likely you will not be permitted to drive into the country without it

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

  • Local Zambian insurance is $27.00 USD for 6 months for a 4x4.
  • COMESA can be added to that for an additional $55.00 USD for six months for the 4x4.

Note: You must buy the local insurance and then add the COMESA on top - it's the only way to do it.

See more on the COMESA Insurance page.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

At the border there will be an office / shack selling the insurance, maybe you have to go into a town to finalize or to get COMESA the next day.

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Left.
LHD vehicles are allowed temporarily without problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to have them to avoid bribery.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Roads vary greatly in Zambia. There are many paved highways in excellent condition, especially the major North-South Highway. There are also old broken-up roads with potholes. Gravel roads can be excellent condition, or horrible mud in the rainy season - possibly impassable.

Road signs[edit]

Road signs do exist and usually show the distances to the next few upcoming towns. These are improving quickly.

Toll roads[edit]

On the paved roads there are Toll booths that cost $2.00 USD per booth. Show the officer your road tax form from the border and they are all free.

Bribery in Zambia[edit]

Bribery is less common, though it does still happen. Remain calm, polite and friendly, and don't pay any money without a receipt or official ticket. Ask to go to the nearest station if you must.

See the bribery tips page for more advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are checkpoints and random stops where Police, Military and Customs will check your paperwork. Don't pay at any of these. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points, don't get rude or impatient. There is no reason to pay money.

Traveling with pets[edit]

Unknown, though it can and has been done as recently as 2017.

Gas price in Zambia and Diesel price in Zambia[edit]

Last updated: May 2018

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded $1.14 USD per Liter
Diesel $0.99 USD per Liter
Diesel (low sulphur, 500ppm) - RARE only at large Total stations $1.18 USD per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Stations are common and always have both diesel and gasoline. Shortages are not common, though you probably want to fill up whenever you are at half a tank to be sure.
Ask around and you will find stations where you can pay with a credit card.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Quality seems OK. Sulphur content it probably high in diesel.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to road hazards. Watch out for cars without lights, animals, people and everything else you can imagine on the roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones

Special driving considerations[edit]

Expect the unexpected at all times. Literally anything is possible from potholes and speed bumps to kids playing on the road and vehicles being re-built right in the traffic lane. Drive defensively at all times.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Zambia[edit]

Camping is common in Zambia, with many campgrounds or resorts offering it. There are plenty of dedicated campgrounds that are cheap and beautiful.
Wild camping is possible in remote areas, and should be no problem. People are extremely friendly and welcoming, just ask permission if you are near a village.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Zambia

Zambia Travel Map 2017 (english, Spanish, French, Germ...
Zambia Travel Map 2017 (english, Spanish, French, Germ...
by Reise Know-How Verlag Peter Rump GmbH
From $9.93 on Amazon
History Of Zambia For Kids: A History Series - Childre...
History Of Zambia For Kids: A History Series - Childre...
by Baby Professor
From $9.42 on Amazon
Zambia Travel Map 2017 (english, Spanish, French, Germ...
Zambia Travel Map 2017 (english, Spanish, French, Germ...
by Reise Know-How Verlag Peter Rump GmbH
From $9.93 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Trekking In East Africa
Lonely Planet Trekking In East Africa
by David Else
From $38.82 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Zambia[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Zambia[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • The road that splits North and South Luangwa National Parks is a great wilderness adventure, with some 4x4 and a tiny ferry to cross.
  • Chimfunshi is a Chimp rescue centre where you can carry and play with Chimpanzees, a simply stunning experience.
  • North and South Luangwa National Parks are among the best on the continent.

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Zambia[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.

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