Practical information
About Zambia
Zambia is a land-locked country. Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are its
neighbours to the South, Malawi and Mozambique to the East, Tanzania to
the North and Angola and the Republic of Congo to the West. (Map)
Lying between the 10 and 20 degrees latitude Zambia belongs to the tropics. However, the majority of the country lies 1300m above sea level, a fact responsible for Zambia’ s welcoming climate.
The country is further bordered by three massive lakes (Lake Bangweulu, Lake Kariba, and Lake Tanganyika) and is fed by several rivers, the Zambezi being the most famous and the biggest. Two thirds of this majestic African river runs through Zambian territory.
The Zambian government has created 19 National Parks which cover 8% of
the country’ s land surface. 
Lusaka, the capital, is the centre of this upcoming country. From here major roads lead to the North, South, East and West. The road network covers approximately 38,700 km of tarred road, 8,600 km of gravel road and 2,200 km of dirt track strictly for 4x4 users only.
In comparison to the bordering countries Zambia is not as densely populated. The majority of its inhabitants (approx. 10 million people) live in big cities - approximately 2 million in Lusaka.
The population includes more than 70 ethnically diverse groups. And almost as much diversity can be found in the local languages. Around Luangwa Wilderness Lodge people speak Nyanja.
Zambia has been a democracy since it has gained its independence in 1964.
In the past the country has had to overcome exploitation, a high credit
debt and a socialistic government. But Zambia has always had free elections
and a peaceful change of government. The country currently represents one
of the most stable and economically promising countries in the region.
The country is peaceful and friendly when it comes to the people, a country of exciting contemporary culture, but wild and untamed in respect of wildlife and adventure.
Zambia’s time zone is GMT +2 / MEZ +1. The international phone code is 00260.
When to come
Zambia has three seasons, the wet rainy season from December till March/April, a short cool dry season from May till July and the hot dry season from August to October. While during day time temperatures may reach 20 to 25° C temperatures can drop even below 10 °C especially at night during the cooler months.
The most appropriate time to visit Luangwa Wilderness Lodge is during
the African winter months of June to October. For those who enjoy a rich
bird life, May is a very good month with its lush greenery and water-filled
lagoons. During the rainy season the lodge is inaccessible and therefore
closed. We reopen each year from June till the end of October.
Travel information
Luambe National Park and the lodge are approximately 140 km from Mfuwe and 260 km from Chipata in north-east Zambia. The closest airport is at Mfuwe with scheduled connections to Lusaka International airport or from Lilongwe, Malawi. There is an airstrip – Waka-Waka - close to the camp for light charter planes. Transfer by road may be arranged from Mfuwe airport.
As prices may vary due to fuel costs please contact us for any updated price quotations
Lusaka and Lilongwe can be reached from Europe by direct flight from London on British Airways. Air Ethiopia flies regularly direct to Lusaka via Addis Abbeba. Alternatives are Lufthansa, South African Airlines, Emirates or Qatar via Jo'burg or KLM in cooperation with Kenia Airways via Nairobi.
Visas
Luangwa Wilderness Lodge does not take any responsibility if clients are asked to pay for a visa at the border although they present a waiver.
International visitors may need a visa. Please enquiry at your local Zambian embassy or high commission. Any bona fide tourist will be issued a free visa at any port of entry to Zambia, when travelling with a visa wiaver. Such a waiver can only be issued for a single travel period of max. 14 days. Luangwa Wildernss Lodge can issue a visa waiver upon request.
Visitors staying longer or without a waiver can pay visa fees at immigration e.g. Lusaka airport. Different fees apply according to nationality.
Visitors may reach the camp with their own 4x4 vehicle. A small map with a road description from Mfuwe to Luambe based on GPS data is available to download.
Health
All reasonable precautions are made to minimise the occupancy of mosquitoes in the camp area, with mosquito nets being provided in each tent. All drinking water is boiled and filtered for utmost safety. All clients are advised to take precautions for malaria, as it is a common precaution for the whole Luangwa valley.
Please consult your doctor or travel clinic with regard to other vaccination reccommendations for travel to Zambia.
Being in an untamed wilderness far away from health services we strongly advise clients to obtain health insurance that covers emergency evacuation to the closest suitable hospital - often in South Africa. Although a British doctor in Mfuwe can be consulted for minor problems, in general the healthcare in Zambia is still very basic and does not correspond to international standards.
Water & Electricity
Due to the remoteness of the camp we are not connected to public electricity or water supply. In order to run our fridges and deep-freezers as well as the communication systems we have installed 3 electrical circuits run by solar power. Razors, camera batteries etc. can be charged on request.
The lodge is connected with the outside world through wireless radio. A satellite phone is provided for a certain fee.
Our water is collected from a deep well and all drinking water filtered through a porcelain filter. The water is provided in tents in a flask has been filtered and boiled and is safe for drinking.
What to bring
Although every effort is taken to keep the lodge free of mosquitoes, we strongly advice malaria prophylaxis as Zambian falls under the malaria risk regions. As mosquitoes tend to bite more at sunset we recommend long-sleeve shirts and long trousers for the afternoon as well as the use of insect repellent on exposed unprotected skin.
Wildlife reacts to bright reflecting colours. Clothing should therefore be of natural colours and natural materials such as cotton are more comfortable and advisable.
Try not to wear blue as tsetse flies are attracted by this colour. Tea tree oil and taking Vitamin B 12 tablets are also recommended for keeping tsetse fly at bay.
Your packing list should further include binoculars, enough camera equipment, films, necessary medication, batteries, a good torch, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protecting sunglasses. For game walks we recommend tight angle-high shoes/ boots.