Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO 2 , the main cause of human-induced cli-
mate change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than
most cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO 2 ) and
particles also contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow
people to estimate the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to offset the
impact of the greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout
the world. Lonely Planet offsets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Botswana
Zambia and Botswana share what is probably the world's shortest international boundary:
750m across the Zambezi River at Kazungula. The pontoon ferry (ZMW40 for foot pas-
sengers, ZMW30/40 for an ordinary/large Zambian-registered vehicle) across the Zambezi
is 65km west of Livingstone and 11km south of the main road between Livingstone and
Sesheke. There are one or two buses (ZMW20, 35 minutes) here daily from Livingstone,
departing from Nakatindi Rd in the morning.
US dollars and other currencies are not accepted at the Botswanan border crossing.
A quicker and more comfortable (but more expensive) way to reach Botswana from
Zambia is to cross from Livingstone to Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe), from where shuttle
buses head to Kasane.
Buses to Gaborone, via Kasane and Francistown, leave several days a week from Lu-
saka.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, Zaïre)
This border is not for the faint hearted. DRC visas are only available to Zambian residents
and this rule is strictly enforced unless you can get a letter of invitation from the Con-
golese government. The most convenient border to use connects Chingola in the Copper-
belt with Lubumbashi in Katanga Province, via the border towns of Chililabombwe (Zam-
bia) and Kasumbalesa (DRC). Charter taxis cost about ZMW100 from Chingola to the
border. Crossing into the DRC can take a lot of time or money, so it is wise to hook up
with some mining consultants or UN workers rather than venturing alone. Avoid local
touts who probably want to scam you, but it is hard to avoid the official scams if the im-
migration officials take an interest in you. From the border to Lubumbashi a taxi is about
