What should I pack?

When choosing clothing, earthy tones suit bush activities best, with loose fitting clothes and natural fabrics being the most comfortable. Soft baggage is required for light aircraft flights (maximum 15 kg). We have a full daily laundry service, so there is no need to over pack! While you may want to change out of your “bush” colours for dinner, note that many insects are attracted to white (not ideal when you’re trying to eat dinner!), so it’s best to go for darker colours! 

A recommended list of items to pack is detailed below: 

• Long and/or short sleeved shirts (day/night)

• T- shirts

• Long trousers/pants (day/night)

• Shorts

• Hat (preferably broad brimmed to protect your ears and neck as well!)

• Warm windproof jacket for early morning and night drives (mid-May to mid-August)

• Warm jumper/jersey for dining at night (June to August)

• Casual footwear (Tevas or sandals)

• Good quality walking shoes/boots (make sure they’re worn in!)

• Swimming suits

• Underwear and socks!

• Pyjamas (especially for June to August when it gets COLD overnight!)

• Toiletries

• Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, after sun lotion, insect repellent with DEET

• Torch

• Power Adaptor (Three pin square British style plug is used in Zambia – Kanyemba also has 2 pin European sockets)

• Personal first aid and medication kit

• Camera/video camera, extra batteries, extra memory cards, and charging devices

Should I tip?

While tips are certainly appreciated by our staff as a gesture of thanks for great service, they are NOT EXPECTED. If you feel you have had good quality service throughout your stay with us, a rough guide is $5-10 per person per night for the general camp staff tip pool and a further $5-10 per person per night for your safari guide if you are happy with the effort and service provided.

What about money?

The Zambian Kwacha is the local currency. The US Dollar is the most commonly accepted foreign currency within Zambia and along with Euro and GBP are the best currencies to bring for exchange. 

VISA cards (both credit/debit) are readily accepted within Lusaka and Livingstone. MasterCard is still more limited in its acceptance. Amex card are rarely accepted. Outside the main centres it is best to use cash. 

Note that when using US Dollars, it is best to obtain brand new notes, or notes that are in the best possible condition. Also ensure they are post 2013. Old notes or damaged notes will either not be accepted, or may be accepted at a much lower rate of exchange. 

Kanyemba Lodge accepts payment in most major currencies, and also accepts payment by VISA. Please note that credit card payments attract a small commission (3-5%).

Do I need a visa?

For up to date information, please contact your travel agent, or refer to https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/for-visitors/

What about health?

Zambia is regarded as a malarial area and therefore proper prevention, by way of malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Please consult your doctor for the right prophylactic (anti-malarial) medication. 

We recommend that you undertake traveller’s medical and travel insurance beforehand. All guides and management at Kanyemba have undergone extensive first aid training, and all vehicles and boats are linked to base by an extensive radio network - however the best option is always to be covered should the need arise. 

One of the best staffed and equipped mission hospitals in Zambia is just 25 minutes away from Kanyemba Lodge, in Chirundu. 

We also ask you to notify us before travel and upon filling your registration form at the Lodge should you have any dietary requirement, allergy, or health issue that we should be aware of.

All our senior guides and Senior Staff have undergone first aid training and are conversed in CPR and first response.