F.A.Q

Location & Visit

Zambia is located in the Northern part of the region referred to as Southern Africa and is comparatively large in size –

750,000sq.km. Zambia has many National Parks and Game management areas that make up almost 50% of its total area.

 

The population of Zambia is roughly 10 million and about 10% of the people live in the country’s capital Lusaka. The official

language in Zambia is English, the other main languages spoken are Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Bemba, Kaonde and

Nyanja. The Zambian people are extremely friendly and treat visitors with warmth and hospitality.

Zambia has three distinct seasons:



December to April: warm and wet; May to August (winter): cool and dry; September to November: hot and dry;

Average temperatures in summer range from 25° C to 38° C and in winter from 6° C to 24° C. The best time is mid season

from June to September. Fishing is at its best in September / October.

This is Zambia’s newest Park and covers about 4092 square km in area with 120 kms of Zambezi River frontage. Its

distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and

floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. The opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi

channels are spectacular.

The official currency is the Kwacha. It is fully tradable and there are no currency restrictions. Since the exchange rate varies

so much, the US $ is used extensively in trade and most Government levies are also quoted in US $. Do not expect to be able

to use credit cards extensively. Mvuu is able to accept certain credit cards at the camp.

Travel & Luggage

It is best for you to check with your local Zambian Embassy to obtain the most current visa information. Most foreign

nationals are required to purchase a visa, preferably prior to arrival in Zambia. However if you are traveling on a pre-arranged

trip, visa fees are waived – your tour operator can arrange this exemption.

A departure tax is required to be paid in US dollar cash at the time of departure from all main airports. Prices are subject to change.


– Comfortable casual clothing is best and suitable throughout the year.

– Khaki, brown, green and beige colors are very practical for the bush environment.

– Cool, light clothing for the hot summer months and don’t forget your swimwear to cool off in the pool.

– Wind-proof, warm jacket for mornings & evening game drives.

– Sweater or fleece for cool evenings in the camp.

– Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.

– Comfortable walking shoes / boots as well as shoes suitable for boating are essential.

– Shirts with longs sleeves even in summer will protect you from the sun and from the mosquitoes.

– Light, compact raincoat during the rainy months.

– Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera & extra film, batteries & charging devices & adaptor (three pin square British style plugs are used in Zambia).

– Insect repellent (with high DEET concentration)

– Personal first aid and medication kit (its good idea to pack something for constipation, heartburn, and sunburn.

 

You can stay as long as you wish but to take full advantage of everything on offer we do recommend a minimum of 4-5 nights.

 

– Passport, money, tickets & yourself.

– A good backup is a photocopy of your passport photo page (in case of loss)

– $1 dollar bills for miscellaneous tipping

– Accident, medical, baggage and cancellation insurance

 

Medication and Personal Well-being

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South

African Department of Health has subsequently issued a statement that all travellers from South Africa to Zambia and

travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required. All

in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow

fever vaccination. There seems to be some discrepancy on the date of inception of the above recommendations and we

therefore encourage you advise your clients with immediate effect.

Visitors should carry an adequate supply of personal medicines and first aid accessories with them, chemists are few and far between.

The Zambezi valley is a malaria area. Visitors are strongly advised to bring prophylactic medicines.

It is recommended to take malaria prophylactics before and after your visit to the Valley.

Visitors from or passing through a yellow fever and cholera zone (most of tropical Africa and South America) must be able to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Air travelers who only pass through the airports of such a zone are exempt from the requirement.

There is minimal cell phone coverage in the Valley, but Mvuu has a cell phone booster and you can get good reception at the lodge.

The Little Things

Don’t pack too much – laundry is available in the camp – and there is a strict 15kg limit for baggage on light planes It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing in a soft bag rather than a suitcase. Soft bags are also essential on light planes.

We have 220 – 240 volt and 12 volt charging facilities at the lodge.

Tipping your safari guide or camp staff is completely at your own discretion.