Zambia is known for the production of copper. However, the country isn’t economically developed. You may use poor roads within Lusaka, the city. Zambia has 70 tribes, and most citizens live below the poverty line. Here are some important information you may need to know about Zambia.
Currency: Kwacha and divided into 100 Ngwee
Emergency Number: 999
Language: English is the national language, Bemba and Nyanja are also spoken and the latter is more dominant in Lusaka
Shopping
Lusaka has many malls and you can find many clothes depending with your preference. You can also find fruits and vegetables in some markets. It’s advisable to walk with someone if you’re new in the town.
Socializing
We recommend that on Saturday afternoon you join Hash House Harriers where you can make friends as you participate in the social walk and run.
Refreshment and Entertainment
Lusaka may not have many pubs as other cities, but near the malls, you will get some. You can also visit game reserves within the city. Additional, there are places for social gatherings such as the churches. There are places to hold parties and celebrations such as Kalahari, Areces and Vegas in North Mead just to mention a few. The youths are likely to hold parties and dances in Xenon Nightclub in North Mead.
Caution
Ensure that you don’t walk with your valuables aimlessly since the rates of unemployment is high in Lusaka; therefore, there are petty crimes. However, violent crimes are not experienced so much.
Game viewing
Zambia is located in the subtropical region, therefore, most often you’ll stay outdoor. Just 15 minutes drive from Lusaka you can visit Lilayi Elephant Nursery to view orphaned elephants.
Food and Restaurants
If you need to eat the local meals especially (nshima), ground corn that’s boiled to make mash, it’s recommended you visit market stalls. For global delicacies, you can visit Pizzaz or Rhodes Park or our preferred option called Eviva
Travelling to and in Zambia
It’s recommended if you’re a foreign tourist use a flight. After landing, you should be aware that the roads are poorly maintained so use a four-wheel drive car or better models that can’t stick on muddy roads. You can also use public buses or taxis but ensure you negotiate with them.
Education and Healthcare
Zambia has public schools and universities, but the standard of education may not match the western standard. There are western schools also in Zambia but expensive so it’s advisable that your employer cater the fee for you.
The healthcare system is not properly maintained, and the life expectancy of citizens is 46. Besides, 14% of inhabitants are HIV positive. There are private clinics but only in major towns and the clinics offer basic health diagnosis and treatment
Accommodation
You can get nice space for accommodation in Estate Lodge, Leopards’ Hill and Roma. You can also find courts where expats occupy, but it’s better to see the room is vacant yourself before signing the contract. Occasionally, you will experience power blackout but just bear with them, ensure your electronics are fully charged when there’s power. Break-ins may occur so ensure where you live is secured.
Law, order & Etiquette
Time is never a problem in Africa so you a meeting scheduled for a particular time might begin an hour later, the people are not strict on time observance. Moreover, the buses don’t follow time for arrival and departure rather you have to wait for it to be full. The women in Zambia are more conservative, so you will get them wearing skirts below the knees.
