Living In Zambia

BACKGROUND, GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Zambia lies north of the Zambezi River in south central Africa. It is entirely landlocked and borders Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Most of Zambia consists of high plateau varying between 1000 and 1600 meters above sea-level. There are three seasons: winter, from May to August (cool and dry) with temperatures ranging from 6 to 26 Celsius; during September and October, when it is hot and humid though dry and rainy season from November to April, temperatures range from 26 to 35 Celsius. Zambia is a typical savanna country with some of the most beautiful Mopane woodland. The main rivers that run through the country are Zambezi to the south and west, the Kafue in Central and Copperbelt, the Luapula in the north and the Laungwa in the east

English is the official language; the principal African languages are Nyanja, Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale and Kaonde. Christians make up 80% of the population with the rest Moslem, Hindu or traditional African beliefs. The administration of the country is divided into 9 Administrative Provinces; Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, Northern, North-Western; Eastern, Western, Southern and Luapula.

HOUSING

Availability of suitable expatriate accommodation is good in most urban areas. Standard accommodation is a 3-bedroomed, mostly unfurnished detached house standing in its own plot, often with a swimming pool and full security provisions. Full range of furniture is available from local suppliers and it is also possible to have it made to order from quality Zambian wood at reasonable cost. Furnished properties can be found including opportunity to rent a flat. New arrivals are recommended to contact reputable Estate Agents/Realtors, who are listed in Yellow Pages as well as in a monthly publication called the Lowdown or in Daily Newspapers.

TRAVEL AND VEHICLES

Zambia has no national airline but is served by a number of airlines that connect to international routes via Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, and Dar-Es-Salaam. Zambian airways  awaair of is  a privately run airline with direct international routes to London, as well as regional flights to Johanesburg, Harare and Lubumbashi, and local flights to various destinations within the country. Moreover, there is a thrice-weekly British Airways flight from the Lusaka International Airport to London via Cape Town/ Johanesburg. Other international airlines operating in Zambia include South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Nationwide. The Lusaka International Airport is approximately 20kms from the town centre.

All personal effects imported within 6 months of arrival are free of Zambian import duty. Air freighting is recommended. On arrival register with your High Commission /Embassy. Bring certified copies of your marriage and birth certificates as well as good supply of passport photographs.

A motor vehicle is essential. Driving is on the left, so a right- hand drive vehicle is required. For game viewing and going into the bush, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is ideal. There are local agents for Honda, Peugeot, Toyota, Land Rover, Nissan and Mitsubishi. There are several local companies who will arrange for purchase of a vehicle from Botswana or South Africa either new or second-hand. For vehicles purchased new overseas for dispatch to Zambia, a certified invoice-available from Zambian High Commission/Embassy- must be completed by the vendor and sent with the shipping documents. All expatriates must obtain a Zambian driving license and can only drive on an international license for first 3 months. Efforts should be made to obtain a local SADC drivers license as soon as possible.

HEALTH

The high plateau is a fairly healthy place to live. People going to Lusaka (4200 feet above sea level) may feel tired during their first few weeks because of altitude. Malaria is endemic and you will be advised as to what prophylactic measures should be taken. It is most numerous in the rainy season. Bug spray and treated mosquito nets are helpful in reducing the spread of malaria.  Aggressive HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns have resulted in the decline in the spread of the disease in recent years. However caution is strongly advised on the part of each individual to either abstain, be faithful to your partner, or practice safe sex in order to avoid the spread of HIV/AIDS. 

Swimming and paddling in all watercourses, dams and lakes should be avoided. Pets should be inoculated against rabies. Hepatitis is not uncommon. Drinking water should be boiled or treated with chlorine, which is readily available in most retail outlets.

There are many good privately run clinics and hospitals in Lusaka and the Copperbelt. Insurance cover for emergency evacuation scheme should be taken out. There are several good dentists in Lusaka.

EDUCATION

The State educational system is Zambian oriented and therefore, in practice expatriate parents must look for private schooling for their children. There is satisfactory private infant, primary and secondary schooling in Lusaka. The schools commonly used at present by the international community are:

• The International School of Lusaka (ISL)

The school takes children through all stages through reception, primary and secondary education through IGCSE to International Baccalaureate (IB).

• Baobab College

This school runs on the South African schedule and has expanded to include secondary pupils up to GCSE level. The school is situated in Lusaka and has provisions for day scholars and boarders.

• The American International School (AIS)

The school draws on several sources for curriculum standards, including U S, U K and International Baccalaureate (IB).

• The Lusaka International Community School (LICS)

Prepare children for their respective national school systems.

• The French School

Located at the Alliance Francaise of Lusaka premises in Lusaka.

Other schools include Chengelo Secondary School in Mkushi, Simba International School in Ndola, and Musikili Primary School in Mazabuka, which all have provisions for day scholars and boarders. Reputable tuition/ coaching centers provide intensive classes for pupils. These centers prepare students and organize London/ Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A' Level exam sittings. 

There are two state run universities in Zambia, one in Lusaka and another in the Copperbelt town of Kitwe. In addition, there are various other tertiary level institutions including the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountancy Studies (ZICAS) in Lusaka as well as a number of private universities. Moreover, there are many nursery schools for children between 2½ to 6 years, which are mostly privately run and have a good reputation.

CLOTHING

For business/office formal attire is the norm-ties and/or jackets or suits. For the rest European summer clothing is ideal. It can get very cold in the evenings around June and July, so bring warm clothing. Tracksuits are very useful when temperatures fall in the evening with shorts and tee shirts worn during the day. Temperatures can vary considerably during the rainy season. At formal functions dress tends to be casual although Evening Dress and Lounge Suit are often the norm. Women should be cautioned against wearing very short shorts. There are good tailors available who can make clothes for ladies at very reasonable cost.

Lusaka and the main urban centers are well provided with shops selling clothing, shoes of all standards and quality though it might be advisable to bring plenty of everything especially baby clothing and sports clothes and good walking shoes for trips in the bush. During rainy season raincoats and umbrellas are quite useful.

SHOPPING

The cost of living in Zambia is lower than most developed countries and though some imported goods, such as electrical or spare parts can be more expensive but are readily available in urban areas. There are a good variety of foodstuffs available from well-stocked supermarkets and mini-markets. Meat, chicken and eggs are of excellent quality, plentiful and reasonably priced. A wide variety of both local and imported fresh fruits as well as fresh vegetables are plentiful. Beers, wines and spirits are easily available. Chemists, stationers and bookshops are well stocked. In addition, there are excellent bakeries and patisseries.

Two shopping complexes were recently constructed in Lusaka, namely Manda Hill and Arcades.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Activities such as keep-fit, aerobic, weight training, golf, tennis, swimming training, indoor/ outdoor bowling, squash, rugby, horse riding and polo are available in Zambia. It might be necessary to bring your gear. There is an Ornithological Society (bring your own binoculars), a Wildlife Society and a Music Society (need to bring your own instrument).

Social life tends to revolve around the various clubs and private entertaining. Lusaka has a very good selection of restaurants, cafes and cinemas. Educational, and cultural services are also provided by the Alliance Francaise of Lusaka (L' Alliance Français de Lusaka).

Zambia has ample opportunity for camping and the scenery is beautiful. Also there are great opportunities for fishing. Weekend breaks are possible at safari lodges outside Lusaka or Kafue National Park or Lake Kariba.

The world famous Victoria Falls in Livingstone and the connecting gorges provide the best white-water rafting in the world as well as access to highest commercial bungi-jump in the world. Zambia also has a unique distinction to provide excellent walking safaris.

MONEY AND BANKS

The currency is the Zambian Kwacha. The highest denomination bank note is K50, 000. Major credit cards are accepted in urban areas. Meanwhile, ATM facilities are provided by larger commercial banks. Travellers Cheques and hard currency bank notes can be cashed at banks, large hotels or bureau de change (proof of purchase of TCs is prerequisite to cashing at these outlets).

The Zambia National Commercial Bank is a state-owned bank. International banks operating in Zambia are; Barclays Bank Zambia Limited; Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Limited; Stanbic Bank Limited; African Banking Corporation; Citibank Zambia Limited as well as indigenous banks such as Finance Bank Zambia Limited and Indo-Zambia Bank Limited.

RE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All resident expatriates must obtain Re-Entry Permit prior to going out of Zambia. The said permit can be obtained from the immigration office on Cairo Road and will be valid for 90 days.

GENERAL

The main electricity supply in Zambia is 220 volts AC50 cycles. There are voltage fluctuations and occasional power cuts. Power surge or spike protectors are recommended to prevent damage. Most properties are fitted with square pin 13 amp sockets. 

Zambia TV runs on PAL B/G on channels 10 and 20 VHF; there are only two channels. However, multi-channel satellite TV is available on monthly subscription basis, which is quite expensive. There are video rental outlets and the British Council provides a video film rental service. Nearly all cater for VHS video machines. It is worthwhile to bring a good short-wave radio.

Domestic staff and gardeners are plentiful and the cooks are scarce. Zambia is 2 hours ahead of GMT. International telephone calls to and from Zambia are reliable with direct dialing (on request with special deposit) available. The international code for Zambia is +260 and the major city codes include: Lusaka +1; Ndola and Kitwe +2; Livingstone +3.