Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For as long as the seemingly endless civil strife continues in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (Zaïre), avoid any areas along the Zambia-Congo border, especially around
Lake Mweru. Foreign embassies in Zambia warn of landmines (left over from the
Rhodesian civil war) in the Sinazongwe area on the shores of Lake Kariba. Avoid trekking
off the beaten track in this area.
The possession, use and trade of recreational drugs is illegal in Zambia and penalties
are harsh.
Shopping
For intrepid shoppers, Zambia offers a wide range of curios and souvenirs, with different
parts of the country producing distinctive localised crafts. For example, the Lozi people of
western Zambia are famed for their basketry, while the Leya of Livingstone make excel-
lent wooden carvings. The best places to buy your souvenirs are roadside stalls or curio
stalls in markets. Prices here will not be fixed, and you have to bargain.
The wooden carvings are mostly representational animals and figures, or ornaments
such as bowls, stools and chess-sets; quality varies immensely. As well as the convention-
al souvenirs, some craft-workers produce abstract or contemporary carvings; the smooth
and rounded Zimbabwe-style soapstone figures are especially good.
You can buy traditional items such as gourd containers decorated with beads and cowrie
shells, which originate from the Western Province. In sharp contrast are the model bikes,
buses and aeroplanes made from wire - called 'jouets' in the Copperbelt (a francophone
Congolese import). Simple models made by children are cheap and fun, but you can also
find very intricate works, complete with opening doors and moving engine parts.
If purchasing something made from banana leaf, grass or wood such as basketry, it's
best to ensure that there are no wood boring beetles living inside. One sign of infestation
is if dust falls out after tapping on it several times. Freezing the item overnight should kill
any bugs.
At the other end of the price market, collectors of modern art can find pieces by some
of Zambia's best-known artists in galleries in Lusaka.
In shops and markets all over Zambia you can buy
chitenjes
(sheets of brightly col-
oured cloth that local women use as wraps, cloaks, scarves and baby carriers). They make
nice souvenirs and are useful items for female travellers, especially if heading for conser-
vative rural areas.
