Zambia Travel Security

Zambia is an increasingly popular tourist destination, but poverty and corruption have led to incidents of civil unrest; recurring political and labor demonstrations and strikes all heighten tension. In August 2008 the death of the president added to fears of political instability. Monitor events through the local media and avoid all political activity.

Violent crime is also a problem, and attacks sometimes have targeted travelers, which further contributes to the country's risk rating of 6.

High-risk Areas

The Northern Luapula Province (including the Lake Mweru area) is hazardous. Other risky areas include regions bordering Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cross-border raids have been reported.

Despite the return of multiparty rule in 1991 and a sweeping liberalization program, Zambia remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The 1991 constitution, amended in 1996, provides for a multiparty system, a president whose tenure is limited to two terms of five years, and a national assembly of 158 members--150 elected and eight nominated by the president. There is also a 27-member House of Chiefs, an advisory body. A new constitution is under debate but is unlikely to be agreed upon in 2008.

President Levy Mwanawasa won a second term in September 2006, having campaigned on his economic record. He took 43% of the vote, compared to 29% for his main rival, Michael Sata, who alleged that he had been cheated of victory. Some unrest followed the vote.

Mwanawasa's health, however, had been an issue. He was involved in a near-fatal road accident in 1992 that left him with slurred speech, and in April 2006, he suffered a minor stroke. In late June 2008 he suffered another stroke while attending a conference in Egypt and despite treatment in a Paris hospital, he died in August 2008. The current vice-president Rupiah Banda was selected as the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election slated for 30 October 2008. He is reportedly likely to face a strong challenge from opposition leader Michael Sata.

Western donors have praised Mwanawasa for attracting foreign investment and for his antigraft campaign. Zambia experienced a real growth rate of 6% in 2007, the ninth consecutive year of positive economic growth. Because of fiscal and monetary discipline and the growth of the domestic food supply, the rate of inflation dropped from 30% in 2000 to 8.9% by December 2007.

Nevertheless, Zambia ranks low in the U.N.'s Human Development Index, at 165 out of 177 countries. It is also one of sub-Saharan Africa's most highly urbanized countries. About half of the country's population is concentrated in a few urban zones strung out along the major transportation corridors, and rural areas are underpopulated.

Despite the government's success, landlocked Zambia continues to face major economic problems. The economy historically has been based on copper mining, but that industry has been in decline since its heyday in the early 1970s. In July 2008 Zambia's oil marketing companies had to start importing refined petroleum products after the country's sole oil refinery ran out of crude oil and had to shut down.

Zambia also has been affected by economic woes in neighboring Zimbabwe and the social effects of 17% prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the adult population. However, there are many positive macroeconomic signs. Zambia's floating exchange rate and open capital markets have provided useful discipline on the government while allowing continued diversification of the export sector, growth in the tourist industry and procurement of inputs for growing businesses.

Border and regional issues

There are risks in regions bordering DR Congo and Angola, where lingering effects of long civil wars occasionally have an impact. Land mines have been reported in some areas, and gunmen have been known to cross the border and attack vehicles. Zambia is home to thousands of refugees from conflicts in DR Congo and Angola, which has raised tensions in some areas.

Civil unrest

Strikes and protests are frequent. Student riots related to low government funding levels of the two state-run universities have become increasingly common--in May 2008 police opened fire on demonstrators injuring several students; in July 2008, the University of Zambia was closed for three weeks in an effort to calm the situation.

In July 2007, thousands protested outside the parliament demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the constitution. During the same month, riot police fired tear gas and arrested dozens of university students at several demonstrations related to campus issues.

Other flashpoints have occurred in recent years when the government stood firm in the face of strikes by civil servants and other public-sector workers, who were demanding higher salaries and allowances. Severe shortages of fuel have also contributed to public discontent.

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Institutional corruption

Although initially seen by some as a handpicked puppet of his predecessor, Frederick Chiluba, President Mwanawasa was quick to remove Chiluba's aides from the government. He has made the fight against corruption a centerpiece of his presidency, giving a green light to investigations into alleged graft during the Chiluba era.

Chiluba has become the first former president to be stripped of immunity by the parliament; he was charged with several counts of abuse of authority and theft of public funds. The climate of opposition to corruption has encouraged judges to order custodial sentences for those convicted.

Human-rights abuses

According to diplomatic sources, although never particularly bad by regional standards, human rights have further improved in Zambia. President Mwanawasa has commuted the death sentences given to 1997 coup plotters and indicated his opposition to judicial execution.

Nevertheless, in its May 2008 report, Amnesty International said that freedom of expression has continued to be restricted--journalists have been arrested under public security legislation.

There is concern within Zambian society about the prevalence of sexual abuse of young girls.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance

There have been reports of land mines in areas bordering Angola, DR Congo and Mozambique. The Gwembe Valley near Sinazongwe, at the southwest end of Lake Kariba on the Livingstone-to-Siavonga road, reportedly is contaminated with mines.

In destinations with areas that have been contaminated with land mines or unexploded ordnance, never pick up any unidentified metal or plastic object. Report any finds to local authorities. Exercise caution around construction areas, as mines or ordnance could be uncovered during excavation. Travelers should be accompanied or briefed by guides familiar with mined areas. To the extent possible, remain on well-traveled roads, tracks and paths. Under no circumstances should you enter an area marked as mined.

Additional information

Adventure sports--such as abseiling, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, river boarding and white-water rafting--offered in the Victoria Falls area carry inherent risks. Serious accidents and deaths occasionally occur. The medical care available in such emergencies varies greatly in quality. Follow operators' safety instructions closely and make sure your insurance policy covers the sports you may undertake.

Crime is an increasingly serious problem in Zambia. Armed carjackings, muggings and petty theft are common in major cities--including Lusaka and in the Copperbelt--especially in downtown commercial districts, housing compounds, and bus and railway stations. Don't walk on city streets at night.

There have been reports of thieves cutting locks and stealing cash from baggage arriving on airline flights from Johannesburg.

Violent crime

Armed robberies in the Cairo Road area of Lusaka, including the Chachacha, Freedom Way and Lumumba Road districts, have led to fatalities.

Carjacking is common, and thieves trying to grab vehicles frequently are armed. Victims usually aren't harmed unless they offer resistance but may be seriously hurt if they do resist.

Carjackers target all sorts of vehicles. They'll take an older, less expensive model to use in other crimes, as well as newer vehicles to sell. However, because of the thriving market for their parts, Toyota Corollas are particularly targeted. Thieves also target public-transport vehicles stopped in traffic. Travel at night is particularly risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside the city. Congolese gangs on the Mufulira-to-Ndola road reportedly have engaged in a number of carjackings.

Thieves also may stage a carjacking at a stoplight in order to steal items from vehicles. In these incidents, one individual will try to pull the driver from the vehicle while another opens the passenger door and steals any items of value. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.

One method of carjacking involves spraying glue on a moving vehicle's windshield. When the driver instinctively turns on the windshield wipers, the glue spreads and makes it impossible to see through the glass. At that point the driver has to stop, and the vehicle can be seized. If someone sprays a liquid on the windshield, don't use the wipers. Instead, try to see around or through the mess and continue driving to a police station or your embassy.

Gangs of armed criminals from poorer neighborhoods in Lusaka commit robberies and house invasions at night. Vigilantism is increasing, as the police are outnumbered and outgunned to an extent that they rarely solve such crimes.

Twelve people were killed as a crowd rushed to the exits to leave a stadium after a soccer game in June 2007. Rowdy soccer fans--known as hooligans--can be a problem before and after local and international soccer matches. Brawling, stone throwing and vandalism are potential dangers; police intervention may affect bystanders. Take care at major soccer games, particularly championship games with rival nations.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Rowdy, violent soccer fans--sometimes called hooligans--can be a problem before, during and after local and international soccer matches. Often, hooligans follow one particular soccer club and engage in disruptive behavior at matches. Hooligans usually seek out other hooligans to brawl with, but sometimes innocent fans can fall victim.

Brawling, stone throwing and vandalism are potential dangers, and police intervention, using tear gas and other control measures, may affect bystanders. In recent years, hooligans have appeared at other sporting events, as well. Take care when planning to attend major competitive games, particularly championship games with rival nations. Avoid any kind of confrontation, verbal or otherwise, with rival fans that may be present.

Police effectiveness

The critically under funded and ill-equipped police have a poor rate of investigative closure and prosecution for crimes.

There are reports of widespread corruption among the police, who are also underpaid and poorly trained. If detained by the police, ask to have your embassy informed immediately.

Wild animals can pose a threat to humans.

Flooding

The rainy season is December-April, when flooding is likely to occur. In January 2008, severe flooding in Zambia and neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique led to dozens of deaths; thousands were left homelss and farmlands were devastated.

Animals

Crocodiles and hippopotamuses occasionally have attacked canoeists on the Zambezi River. Exercise caution when near or on the river.

Don't swim or wade alone, and check the area carefully before getting in the water. Alligators and crocodiles often float with just the top of their heads showing, often resembling small floating logs. Also look for "slides" along the bank--cleared spots in the vegetation where the animals rest and then slide down into the water. Don't let your limbs dangle from a boat or dock. If you see an alligator or crocodile, leave it alone, even if it's very young--mature animals will respond aggressively to a youngster's distress call. Don't disturb eggs or nests. Never feed alligators or crocodiles, and avoid areas where others may have fed them.

The provision of health care in Zambia is limited.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and communications are poor, especially in rural areas. Government hospitals and clinics often are understaffed and lack supplies. Doctors and other medical staff are prone to strike in demands for better salaries and work conditions. Private medical clinics in major cities can provide reasonable care in many cases.

Emergency care

In the event of a serious accident, emergency services are limited, so carry a good first-aid kit. Major medical emergencies usually require evacuation to South Africa. Medical insurance covering such evacuation is essential.

Diseases

Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is widespread. In January 2008, the World Health Organization warned that countries in Southern Africa, including Zambia, faced a heightened risk of malaria. The WHO said the climate phenomenon La Nina has caused unusually wet conditions in the region, which could raise infection levels. Take precautions against mosquito bites and before departure seek medical advice about malaria preventives.

Cholera and dysentery are endemic, and outbreaks are frequent, particularly during the rainy season. Drinking water should be filtered and boiled or bought in brand bottles with unbroken seals. You should eat only food that has been thoroughly cooked and for which basic hygiene precautions have been taken. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards.

There is a very high prevalence of tuberculosis, and some 16% of the population is said to be infected with HIV/AIDS. Be alert to the dangers of unprotected sex.

In October 2008 the WHO identified a rodent borne arenaviridae or Lassa fever type virus as being responsible for several mysterious deaths in Zambia and South Africa.

Health authorities reported an outbreak of plague in February 2007. The outbreak was first reported in and around Sinda, in eastern Zambia.

In June 2007, a measles outbreak was reported in the districts of Kaputa, Chinsali, Chibombo, Mbala and Mazabuka. Ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Zambia. Also, consult a doctor about other relevant vaccines for this area, including rabies.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Because of poor road and traffic conditions, low driving standards, and the possibility of robbery or hijacking, travel in Zambia demands caution.

Fuel shortages sometimes have disrupted transport.

Road conditions

Road accidents have increased in the past few years. Zambian roads do not have shoulders or sidewalks, and pedestrians and livestock use the roadways day and night. Although the main roads in Lusaka are maintained, many secondary roads are in poor repair. Local drivers place a few branches behind a broken-down car to mark its location, but these markers are hard to see at night. Hence, driving at dusk or after dark is not recommended.

Traffic accidents are common on the Great East Road in Lusaka.

Roadside emergency services are not available. Take a cell or satellite phone along when undertaking a trip outside of town (but note that some areas don't yet have cell service). During the rainy season, four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed on rural roads. The stretch between Lusaka and Livingstone is more difficult during that time of year, as are the Great East Road and roads in the eastern and northern parts of the country. The road from Lusaka to the Copperbelt cities of Ndola and Kitwe is generally in good shape year-round.

Public transportation

Avoid public transportation, which is neither safe nor reliable. Minibuses used as the primary means of intercity travel in Zambia also should not be used. Fatal accidents are a frequent occurrence.

In areas where crime on buses, subways or trains is a problem, stay alert at all times. Use only well-lighted, busy bus and subway stops. Try to sit near the driver or conductor, or in a car that contains several other passengers. Keep a good grip on your bag or purse. If you're carrying a cellular phone, keep it secure. Watch to see who gets off at the same time you do--if it's someone you feel is suspicious, go at once to the nearest public place and ask for help.

Additional information

Local authorities have reported that the famous Victoria Falls Bridge needs reinforcement and could be dangerous. The bridge carries a railway, a road and a footpath. It is a popular tourist destination, as well as one of the world's highest bungee jumps. Experts are examining the bridge to determine how it can be reinforced or reconstructed.

Outside of major cities and tourist attractions such as game parks, travel facilities are not well-developed. Cash and traveler's checks in U.S. dollars, British pounds or South African rand are accepted. Visa credit cards are accepted only in major cities, but transactions are paper, not electronic. Don't allow your card to be swiped more than once for each transaction, and make sure all carbons are destroyed. ATMs are available in Lusaka and some major towns.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.