CultureGenerally, traditional ceremonies and cultural practices have been maintained in the rural areas amongst the many tribes, with western ideas and aspirations predominating in the urban areas.
Opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies are not commonplace, but should be taken to fully embrace the Zambian experience; the ceremonies are colourful and full of meaning, a photographers delight!
For photography, permission should always be sought from the local people first, in all instances and greetings exchanged at the start of conversation - this applies to ANY interaction with the Zambian people (it is considered impolite to start a conversation without conducting greetings first).
Many traditional musical instruments are still used today, these include the hand piano, the silima (type of xylophone) and of course a variety of drums which are all important for any kind of ceremony and community communication. Traditional dance is also an integral part of the Zambian culture.
Zambia has a diverse population and with it a wide range of artistic skills, including magnificent basketry in which the people of the western provinces are especially skilled. The design and firing of traditional pottery is also still practiced. Crafters in the cities have started using modern materials and make a variety of useful wares from everyday items.
The most common cuisine in Zambia is a dish called nshima, made from ground maize and resembling sweetened cooked porridge early in the day, usually breakfast, becoming thicker, much like mashed potatoes for savoury dishes at lunch and dinner, it is often served with chicken, meat or fish. Although Zambia lodges, hotels and camps serve international cuisine of high standard, this dish can often be prepared in safari camps if visitors request it. CitiesLUSAKA is the capital city which lies at the junction of the main highways to all directions. It attracts a large section of the population, drawn by the cosmopolitan lifestyle and possible employment.
LIVINGSTONE, known as the adventure capital is only 10km (6 miles) from Victoria Falls. Many adventure companies operate from here for activities such as bungi jumping and white water rafting.
The COPPERBELT incorporates the mining towns of Ndola, Kitwe, Chingola and Luanshya.
Other towns include:
- CHIPATA A busy town that was once an important trading post. Its the gateway to the Luangwa Valley and Malawi.
- CHOMA Halfway between Lusaka and Livingstone with a museum and craft centre.
- ISOKA Just off the Great North Road with basic amenities and a set of waterfalls nearby.
- KABWE Discovery site of the prehistoric Broken Hill Man, also has other attractions like The Big Tree and a mine.
- KAPIRI
- MPOSHI A small railway town and a good place to fill up with petrol for onward journeys.
- KASAMA Quite a big town with most amenities.
- KAZEMBE A small town on one of the best roads in the country, best known for an annual ceremony held in late July.
- MANSA Centre of the Luapula province close to the Copperbelt.
- MBALA Now a quiet town but with a history of importance during the First World War, there is also an interesting museum nearby.
- MKUSHI A small farming town off the Great North Road with basic amenities.
- MONGO A busy town overlooking the Zambezi River floodplain. Traditional culture is well represented here with an annual ceremony and traditional crafts, there is also a museum.
- MPIKA One the bigger towns in this area on the Great North Road with good amenities and hot springs.
- NCHELENGE AND KASHIKISHI 2 quaint villages on Lake Mweru with basic amenities.
- SERENJE A small town on the Great North Road with simple amenities and a restaurant.
- SIAVONGA On the north shore of Lake Kariba with good amenities, its great see and walk on the massive Kariba Dam wall.
CurrencyThe national currency is The Kwacha with various denominations ranging from 50 up to 50 000 kwacha notes. The value of the currency changes often and is best checked regularly. Currency exchange is best at the bank or Bureaux de Change in the main cities of Zambia; visitors can also carry small denominations of US Dollars although Kwacha will be needed for rural areas.
Bank operational hours are 8.15am to 2.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8.15am to 10.30am on the 1st and last Saturdays of the month. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, travel agencies and larger shops. | 
