When it comes to your Zambian safari, packing your bag with everything you need is perhaps the biggest brain teaser of all! 

What do you take with you and what do you leave behind? An easy place to start is with your luggage and making sure it's going to be right for the job...

Bags: The ideal bag for travelling in Africa is a soft, lightweight duffel-type bag, especially if you are going to be using small charter-type planes between destinations when luggage weight is going to become an issue. 

With small planes the usual weight allowance is between 12kg and 15kg per person. That's between 26lbs and 33lbs. 

For your African  adventure we will tell you if there are any such restrictions on any of your connecting flights. If you are using standard commercial aircraft, or self-driving, then weight is not such an issue and a normal suitcase or travel bag will be fine. Check with your airline of choice on any limitations that may apply or ask us for advice.

Try and choose hardy, well-made luggage that will withstand the often rough handling that airline ground handlers dish out these days. Ensure that locks conform to airport and airline security requirements and make sure that items like scissors, nail clippers and pen knives are packed in your check-in luggage. 

Check the security requirements for cosmetics and any fluids you require for your journey. Do not pack cameras or anything valuable in your check-in luggage but rather bring valuables in your carry-on baggage. 

Choose a lightweight, back-pack type carry-on bag and check weight restrictions with your airline.

Clothes for the bush: There's an old saying that clothes maketh the man (or woman). Well, when it comes to Africa, clothes maketh the safari! It's important that you select the right clothing to bring with you on your safari so that you are both comfortable and dressed appropriately. 

The main rule of thumb for safari gear is neutral colours. That generally means any shade of khaki, beige or brown! Try and avoid bright colours and white, which although cool, can make you stand out a little too much when it's important to blend in. 

Long pants are good for walking as they protect your legs. Shorts and cut-off or "cargo" pants are also excellent choices. T-shirts, vests and long-sleeved shirts are also must-brings, as are a sweater and a fleece or wind-breaker. 

Even in summer, early morning and late-night game drives can prove chilly, so pack for all eventualities and you should be fine. 

Try and get your clothes to co-ordinate with one another to maximise the number of outfits you can put together and minimise your footwear to a good pair of hardy walking shoes, trainers and flip flops or sandals. 

There's really no need for heels in the bush! And don't forget your swimsuit and a hat - one of the absolute essentials on any safari.

When it comes to selecting your clothing think "layers" first, especially if you are travelling to Botswana in the winter months. Select items that can easily be taken off and put on to either cool down or warm up, so that you can easily adjust to the rise and fall in temperatures, particularly when on game drives...

Equipment:  You're going to need a camera! For the non-serious photographer, choose one that is going to give you zoom capabilities in the bush for those up-close-and-personal wildlife portraits and wide angles for the incredible landscapes you're going to witness. 

If you're more serious about your photography, then bring a range of lenses and a monopod or tripod, together with batteries or battery charger and lots of memory cards.

A good pair of binoculars is also desirable. For the bush, something in the region of an 8 x 40 or 10 x 50 focal range should be perfect, especially if you are a keen birder. 

It's always a good idea to bring a range of plug adapters with you - handy travel kits are widely available offering these.

Bring your cellphone, tablet and laptop with you too. Cell coverage in urban areas is generally good and Wifi is widely available, but in the bush both can be non-existent! 

The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK) which fluctuates quite regularly. 

Kwacha note denominations are K100, K50, K20, K10, and K2. Coins are in denominations of K1 and 50, 10 and 5 Ngwee

By law, payments within Zambia can only be made in Kwachas, even if the price is quoted in USD, however some establishments will still accept USD. Therefore, it’s always best to enter the country with the required amount of Kwacha for your trip, or else bring with you USD or GBP which can always be exchanged.

There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form.

Preferably use only the services of a designated Bureaux de Change and keep up-to-date with the most recent exchange rate.

At most southern African border posts, you can exchange USD at the border for local currency – but you won’t get a favourable exchange rate, and are bound to come across informal money changers. Be very aware of scam artists, fake bills, and paper fillers!

Bank operating hours:

Monday to Friday 08:15-15:30

Saturdays 08:15-11:30

Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards, and bigger banks will usually advance local currency against a credit card.

ATMs are available within Lusaka, Livingstone and other major towns in Zambia. Most banks have ATM’s which accept Visa cards for cash. Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard or American Express.

Your health: Zambia is considered a safe travel destination in Africa but its always wise to take certain precautions before travelling, especially where malaria is concerned.

Zambia is a malaria risk area. Anti-malaria medication is a must. You should start anti-malarial medication at least a week before leaving for your trip. 

Added precautions such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants for wearing in the evenings will reduce your chances of mosquito bites. 

Pack some mosquito repellent, cream or spray, for applying to your hands, face and neck. This will help prevent bites.

Do not drink tap water as a rule, but rather rely on bottled or water you know has been properly treated through a reverse osmosis system (many camps have these systems and bottle their own water). 

Your safety:  Petty theft is as common as any major city where unemployment is high. Be very awake when walking around carrying anything of value in cities like Lusaka and Livingstone, there are master pickpockets here and there. 

Never leave your vehicle unlocked and never change money on the streets. For the most part, however, Zambians are very friendly and helpful.

As far as personal safety is concerned, one could easily hitchhike alone throughout the country without a problem. 

Theft however is possible in the bigger towns and cities as it is the world over. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. 

Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.