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INSURANCE : It's essential for all guests to have comprehensive medical, accident and cancellation insurance. If you want to do adventure sports check with your insurance company that you are covered. When you arrive at Waterberry you will be asked to sign an indemnity form, which will include confirmation that you are holding a valid travel insurance policy.
HEALTH : Malaria prevention is extremely important. Your anti malaria medication will need to be prescribed by your doctor so that you can start taking it before your trip. Vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis are also important precautions. As soon as you decide to travel to Zambia ask your doctor what vaccinations are recommended because some may need to be given a while in advance. If you're heading out on safari we suggest you bring a basic first aid kit. NOTE: From October 2011 South Africa has required that anyone returning to, or travelling through (even transit at the airport only) South Africa from Zambia MUST have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate or letter of exemption.
TRANSPORT : Waterberry vehicles will fetch and carry you as arranged as will other operators' depending on your scheduled activity. Transfer charges will apply if they are not included in your prebooked holiday package or your activity and will be charged at the end of your stay.
CURRENCY : Local Zambian currency is the kwacha - you can only obtain kwacha in Zambia. You can change dollars, sterling, euros and rand for kwacha in Livingstone. US dollars are widely used around Zambia and are the general currency quoted in lodges and by activity operators. Exchange rates vary and can be checked at www.xe.com. Cash machines for kwacha are available in Livingstone.
PAYMENT : Payment for accommodation at Waterberry must be made in advance of your stay. 50% payment is required on confirmation of booking to guarantee the reservation and the balance is due 4 weeks before arrival. For additional charges payable at the lodge (transfers, bar bills and activities) Waterberry is happy to accept payment in US dollars, sterling, euros and rand. We accept credit cards for payments made at the lodge but please be aware that we pass on the 3% credit card surcharge charged to us by the credit card companies. Unfortunately we cannot take payment by credit cards at a distance at present.
CANCELLATION CHARGES : Cancellation 8-28 days before arrival date = 50% charge, 1-7 days before arrival = 100% charge.
WEATHER : In winter (May - September) days are hot and dry and nights are cold enough to need a warm jacket, warm trousers, scarf and gloves. During the summer months (October - April) humidity is high because of rain. The level of rainfall varies but is usually highest from November to March. October is particularly hot.
ELECTRICITY : Voltage 220V. UK square 3-pin sockets (we have one or two round SA-type 3 pin sockets for recharging if necessary). Power cuts are relatively frequent and whilst we have a back up generator we do recommend that you bring a torch and extra batteries, just in case.
VISAS : Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia and rates vary with nationality - the highest should be $50 for a single entry visa and $80 for a double, but check with your local Zambia High Commission before travel. Visas can be purchased at the point of entry into Zambia at Livingstone and Lusaka Airports, Victoria Falls border post with Zimbabwe, the Kazungula border post with Botswana and coming in at Katima Mulilo from Namibia. If you plan to leave Zambia to visit Botswana or Zimbabwe or Namibia and return into Zambia again you will need to ask for a Double Entry Visa (if you don't get one you will be charged a full visa on re-entry into Zambia). If you plan more than one visit out of Zambia you can obtain a Multiple Entry Visa before you travel at your local Zambia High Commission. If you wish to Visit Zimbabwe (to see the other side of the Falls, for example, you will be able to buy an entry visa into Zimbabwe at the border post. Current cost for this visa is $55. Day visas are not available. Entry into Botswana does not require a visa payment.
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