FAQs

PREPARING

• Will I need a passport? How do I get one? Will I have to pay for it?

  You will need a passport for your trip to Zambia. If you do not have one or yours is out of date, please be sure to apply for a new one as soon as possible! Applications for a passport can be obtained from U.S. Post Office locations or online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport. Allow 6 – 8 weeks to get a passport. Obtaining your passport is your responsibility and none of the funds raised on your behalf can be applied to the cost.

  Here are a few additional details you need to know about your passport:

  • It must have two blank pages labeled ‘Visa’.
  • It must not expire within 6 months of your scheduled travel time – even if you think your dates are fine, please check this to be sure!
  • The name on your passport MUST match the name we submit for your plane ticket. So, please make sure we have your correct passport name.

• What is a visa? Do I need a visa? How much will it cost?

  A visa grants permission for you as a foreigner to legally enter the country for a specified length of time. At this time, the cost for a single entry visa is $50. If you plan to travel onto Victoria Falls, you want to purchase a double-entry visa for $80. Canadian citizens must obtain their visa before traveling to Zambia. This is not covered in your trip. These rules do change as the Zambian government wishes but we will give you updated information as soon as it becomes available.

• How much money should I bring? Can I use credit cards?

  You need exact cash to pay for your visa when you arrive, and you may want some additional money for souvenirs or extra snacks while in Zambia. A few businesses accept credit cards but you should plan to exchange money for the local currency called kwacha. The currency exchange bureaus in Zambia accepts newer bills in the denominations of $50 and $100. If you bring $20 bills, please anticipate exchanging them at a less desirable exchange rate. Also, please call your credit card company in advance to inform them of the dates you will be in Africa.

• Are vaccinations required for me to go to Zambia?

  The U.S. Department of Health does not REQUIRE any immunizations for travel to Zambia, but does RECOMMEND those listed below. We suggest that you discuss these immunizations with your health care professional to determine what you think is best for you and your family.

  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you see a health care provider who specializes in travel medicine. They also recommend that you are up to date on routine vaccinations such as MMR, tetanus and polio. Please visit the CDC website for the most up to date information.

  Hepatitis A
  If you receive a booster of Hepatitis A six months after your first immunization you will never need it again. You may also choose to get the vaccination for Hepatitis B at the same time.

  Tetanus/Diphtheria
  You need this vaccination if you haven’t received a booster in the last ten years.

  Adult Polio
  If you have not had an adult polio shot since you turned 18, we recommend you receive this vaccine. After receiving this vaccination once, you will never need it again.

• What type of clothes do I wear?

  When working with the children/students in our program, you should plan to wear jeans, pants, or longer skirts. No shorts or leggings are allowed. When arriving in Zambia or when traveling around the city, no shorts are allowed. Shorts are allowed in the evening inside your villa only. If you are in Zambia on a Sunday, then ladies may want to wear a longer skirt or nicer dress pants or jeans. The men should plan to wear a collared shirt with nice jeans or pants.

• What donation items can we bring to Zambia?

  If your team has extra luggage space for donations or extra items, please contact our office and speak to our short-term missions staff to find out if Family Legacy has important items that need to get to Zambia.

IN ZAMBIA

• What is the time difference between the US and Zambia?

  During Daylight Savings Time (March – November), Zambia is seven hours ahead of U.S. Central Standard time. At 3:00 p.m. CST, it is 10:00 p.m. in Zambia. During early November through early March, Zambia is eight hours ahead of U.S. Central Standard time. At 3:00 p.m. CST, it is 11:00 p.m. in Zambia.

• What is the weather like in Zambia?

  The weather during June and July is ideal with 70 – 75 degree temperatures and bright sunny days. Temperatures in the mornings and evenings are in the 50’s so sweatshirts, light jackets, and/or long-sleeve shirts are advised. Late June to early July is generally the coolest time of the summer. Rainy season begins in November and ends in early May with February being the month with the most precipitation. October is the warmest month of the year with average high temperature around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

HEALTH

• Is the water safe to drink in Zambia?

  The water provided at Legacy Lodge on Family Legacy grounds is triple-filtered and completely safe to drink. Family Legacy also provides water coolers where guests can fill their own personal water bottles for consumption during the day.

• Are there any restrictions on food I can eat in Zambia?

  We recommend that you not eat any raw vegetables or uncooked meat while in Zambia. Also, if you are offered food while in the community, we strongly encourage you to graciously decline as we cannot assure that this food is safe for you to eat.

• What medication do you recommend to prevent malaria?

  With respect to malaria, it is recommended to get a prescription from your doctor for “Malarone” or “Doxycycline” – anti-malarial drugs. Consult a health care provider for further recommendations. There are mosquito nets provided at Legacy Lodge for guests.

• Will I work with HIV infected children or adults?

  A small percentage of the children we work with are infected with AIDS. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and/or syringes with someone who is infected, or, less commonly, through transfusions of infected blood or blood clotting factors. Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in the transmission of HIV. The Center for Disease Control has shown no evidence of HIV transmission through biting insects such as mosquitoes.

• What other health risks should I be concerned about?

  The two health issues that need extra care in Zambia are if you are severely asthmatic or have an allergy to peanuts. For those with an extreme asthmatic condition, the dust in the city of Lusaka can aggravate this condition, so therefore we recommend that you bring the appropriate medication with you. For those with an allergy to peanuts, we recommend that you closely monitor your food intake.

• Are there American doctors in Zambia?

  Yes, Family Legacy has a U.S. Board certified medical doctor that resides in Zambia and is an employee of Family Legacy. His focus is on the children in our program that he serves daily, but if a medical emergency arises, he likely will be available to consult and/or treat.