Frequently asked questions.....

Will I need a Visa to enter Zambia?

Please check with the Zambian High Commission web site where you are able to download the visa application and all up to date information regarding your entry into the country. The Zambian High Commission is situation in all major cities. In London it is situated in Palace Gate. Visa application forms can be downloaded from www.zhcl.org.uk
Many of our short term visitors choose to purchase their tourist visa on landing in Zambia as the easiest option.

Is the water safe to drink? 
Do not drink the water from the tap. Drinking water at the farm is collected from a spring. It is then boiled and filtered. All salads etc are washed in boiled water and are safe to eat.

Is there a laundry? 
Laundry can be done for you at the farm at your own risk. This is charged at £5 per laundry bag and includes ironing. Dry cleaning is available in Ndola at a very reasonable price. You may also do your own laundry and for this you will only be charged a minimal fee.

Are there e-mail & internet facilities? 
There is internet access at the farm but as with all developing countries it is not always a reliable connection. The phone system however is reliable.

Do you have a smoking policy? 
Guests are asked not to smoke within the farm buildings and to be extremely careful about the disposal of lighted material. It is essential to remember that fires in the dry climate of Africa are not easily contained.

What travel vaccinations will I need? 
All information on vaccines is available from the medical centre you attend.

Will I need anti-malarial medication?
We would advise that you take anti-malarial medication. Please seek medical advice about the best medication for your needs. All sleeping accommodation at the farm has mosquito netting. We recommend that that you use a strong DEET mosquito spray at night.

Are there bugs, snakes & spiders? 
Africa has an abundance of insects most of which will avoid humans. The staff of the farm keep a close eye for anything that could be harmful & will happily remove bugs for guests. You rarely see snakes but our advice is not to walk through long grass & to avoid walking far from the farm buildings at night. The 24 hour clinic holds anti-venom serum in the unlikely event of a bite.

What opportunities are there to see wildlife? 
We are a 45-min drive from the local game park called Nsobie Game Camp. You can see the Big 5 at the Kariba Dam, fly or drive into Livingstone to see game as well as the stunning Victoria Falls. The Luangwa national Park in the south-east region is one of the best in the world. Chimfunshi Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in the northern copperbelt district.

Will I need health insurance? 
We would recommend that all visitors take out medical insurance to ensure that they have prompt & efficient care. There are local doctors & a hospital is situated approx 8kms from the farm however medical insurance will ensure that you can be flown to a well-equipped hospital that will be able to deal with any medical emergency.

Is there disabled access? 
Lifespring Farm is able to offer access to most of our facilities but Zambia as a whole has not addressed the problems of access for people who need to use a wheelchair

Is the farm safe?
As with most developing nations where people struggle to survive on a meagre income there will always be those who will steal to feed themselves & their family. Lifespring Farm employ guards to patrol the farm grounds & this ensures we remain safe from opportunist thieves. We advise guests not to leave valuables lying around & to be alert when away from the farm.

What is the time difference? 
Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Time & seven hours ahead of Eastern USA time, ten hours ahead of Western USA time.

What is the religion? 
There is freedom of worship in Zambia with over 15 different churches. Christianity is followed by over 60% of the population.

What are the transport facilities? 
Car hire is available but can be expensive. Local transport is by mini-bus or small coach. Coaches go frequently between major towns. Ndola has an international airport with domestic & international flights. Zambia also has a number of charter flights available to hire.

What are the road conditions? 
Zambian roads are notorious for potholes & road signs are few. Avoid driving at night as there are few road markings & animals venture onto the road. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Left hand drive. The speed limit is up to 100km/h.

Will my drivers licence be valid? 
Visiting drivers must hold an International Drivers Licence. Drivers licences from other countries are not valid except SADC countries. New residents are required to pass a driving test.

Is there a departure tax? 
Departure Tax at airports is UD$20 (International) & $5 (domestic) payable in hard currency. Traveller’s Cheques are not acceptable.

What are the duty-free rules? 
The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; one bottle of spirits & wine & 2.5 litres of beer; 1oz bottle of perfume. Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or durable items are subject to export permits.

What is the electric current? 
Local current is 220v, 50 cycle AC

What is the currency? 
The Zambian Currency is the Kwacha which fluctuates quite frequently. It is best to arrive with either US Dollars or UK Sterling that can be exchanged at any of the Bureau de Change in the main towns. Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in the Zambian capital Lusaka

What are the banking facilities? 
Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30—14h30 Monday to Friday with some also open on a Saturday.

Are there any currency regulations? 
There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a Currency Declaration Form.

Can I use credit cards? 
Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies & the larger stores will take credit cards. Most of the larger banks will advance local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks have ATM’s that accept Visa cards for cash withdrawal.

Can I get medication? 
Travellers should carry an adequate supply of their prescribed medication with them although the pharmacies in the major centres now carry a wide range of medicines and first aid accessories.

Do you cater for special diets? 
Lifespring Farm is able to provide for special dietary needs by prior arrangement. There are full time chefs overseen by Josie who has many years catering experience offering a variety of dishes inspired from all over the world. Continental & Full English Breakfast & 3 course Evening Meals are served by arrangement. Packed lunches can be provided.

What is the dress code?
Zambia is westernized in its dress however the people are very conservative and high cut shorts & bare midriffs are frowned on. It is essential to bring light weight clothing for the daytime all year round with a jumper or wrap for the winter evenings. The dress code on the farm is casual.

Is the farm licensed to serve alcohol? 
Lifespring Farm is fully licensed to serve alcohol and there is a bar for guests.

Should I tip staff at Lifespring Farm? 
Please do not give money to individual staff at the farm. If you would like to leave a gratuity we would appreciate that advise is sought from the management so that this can be fairly distributed.

What language is spoken at the farm?
English is the predominant language spoken in Zambia. There are 73 Zambian tribal dialects. The majority of the Zambian staff at the farm speak English, Bemba & Lunda.