Africa Travel Tips

Visas: If you plan on staying in the country for the time of the Global Descents expedition only or 14 days or less, your visa fee will be waived. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fee for a 3 month or longer entry visa upon entering the country at the Livingstone International Airport. These visas are valid for three months. All that is required is a valid passport and please be sure that your passport will not expire for at least six months after your planned departure date from Zambia.
Upon leaving the Victoria Falls Airport, each person will be required to pay a departure tax of $25 USD.

Water: Unfortunately, water for consumption while traveling internationally is not always as reliable as your water at home. It is imperative that we all pay close attention to our own personal hygiene and staying healthy before and throughout the river expedition. Please be dutiful in washing your hands continuously throughout the trip, especially before and after eating and using the toilet. We cannot trust tap water and water served from unknown sources. Drink only bottled water, or bring your own water purification system or tablets. Your staff will always provide plenty of clean water throughout the river portion of the expedition.

Health Precautions: Remember, there are specific travel vaccinations you’ll want to receive before you travel to Zambia. If you haven’t already, please contact your local travel clinic, department of health, or the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.com) for a complete list of necessary vaccinations for the Victoria Falls area. This is a malaria endemic zone. A variety of are prophylactics, each with differing side effects. Please consult with your physician or with the travel clinic as to which is the best course of action for you.

Money: The national currency of Zambia is the kwatcha. In addition to a currency exchange at the airport upon arrival, there are a variety of banks in Livingstone where you’ll be able to change money; and ATM’s are available, as well. Please note that you will always receive a better rate for cash than for traveler’s checks and sometimes bills with small tears or rips in them may be rejected. You will need kwatcha for any craft goods, beverages, or for food bought in or around Livingstone. Service charges are included in most circumstances, and therefore, tipping is not usually practiced.

Shopping: This trip offers spectacular shopping opportunities, mostly in the form of outdoor markets full of individual vendors with small booths. The jewelry, textiles, and wood and stone carvings are amazing! Bargaining is part of the culture practiced in virtually all markets so be prepared. Plan on your bags weighing in a bit more on your return home!

Beverages: Hydration is always of the utmost importance for us on all river expeditions. Especially due to the high temperatures and physical exertion necessary throughout the trip. In addition to water, we provide a modest amount of cocktails, wine and juice mix. If you plan on consuming a larger amount of alcoholic beverages, specific sodas or juices, please let your trip leader know in order to find everything you need before the trip. If there are specific brands you are looking for its best to find them in Duty free on your way to the destination.