Safety in Zambia

Crime: Zambia is one of the most peaceful countries in the region and there is no general sense of disorder. That said, watch for pickpockets in Lusaka's markets and avoid unlit side streets after dark.

Health: Malaria is the main threat everywhere in the country, especially in the rainy season. Take prophylaxis seriously and use repellent from dusk until morning without exceptions.

Wildlife: Never walk close to the water's edge on river banks because of crocodiles. Hippos are equally lethal, surprisingly fast on land and often aggressive around dusk when they come out to graze.

Water and hygiene: Drink only sealed bottled water. Swimming in still water is off limits because of bilharzia, so keep your washing to showers and hotel pools.

Night driving: Do not travel between towns after sunset. Poor lighting, deep potholes and animals stepping onto the tarmac combine into a very real accident risk.

Police and rules: Officers treat visitors correctly, but carry your passport with its entry stamp. Photographing government buildings, bridges and military personnel is prohibited and will cause you trouble. Check your own government's travel advisory before booking.

Zambia is a calm country with friendly people and moderate street crime in the cities.

Lusaka. Pickpockets at the Soweto and Katalambulwa markets, and theft from cars. Nobody walks at night.

Livingstone and Victoria Falls. The country's main tourist point. Souvenir sellers and "guides" work there, persistently but without aggression. Haggling is compulsory and the opening price is triple.

Currency exchange. Use banks and licensed bureaux. Street changers at the Zimbabwean border short-change.

Taxis. No meters; agree the price. Ulendo and other apps operate in Lusaka.

Excursions. Zambezi rafting, flights over the falls and the Devil's Pool — there are many operators of varying quality. Check licence and insurance, rafting especially: the rapids there are serious.

Car hire. Zambian roads are in poor condition with serious potholes. Check insurance for suspension and tyre damage.

Wildlife. South Luangwa and Kafue are outstanding parks. Leaving the vehicle outside permitted areas is prohibited, and walking safaris go only with an armed ranger — no formality.

Exports. Ivory, hides, horns and shells are prohibited. Malachite and emeralds — Zambia is a major producer — may only leave with a receipt from a licensed seller.

Photography. Military installations, police, airports, government buildings and bridges — including the Zambezi bridge at the falls — must not be photographed. A frequent source of trouble.

Drones. Permission is required; they are confiscated at customs without paperwork.

Same-sex relations are criminalised with severe penalties.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Driving on the left. Do not drive between towns at night: potholes, no lighting, animals and lorries without lights.

The border. Crossing into Zimbabwe at the falls is simple, but the KAZA visa (valid for both Zambia and Zimbabwe) saves time and money. It is issued at the border.

Malaria. High risk nationwide year-round, Livingstone and Lusaka included. Prophylaxis is essential, as are repellent and a net.

Yellow fever. A certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and cholera for longer stays.

Water. Bottled only.

Schistosomiasis. In Lake Kariba, the Zambezi and other fresh water. Do not swim. The Devil's Pool at the lip of the falls is an exception visited on organised terms, though parasite risk there is debated too.

Crocodiles and hippos. A real danger in the Zambezi. Do not approach the water outside organised sites.

Healthcare. Lusaka has acceptable private clinics. The regions have little. Anything serious means evacuation to Johannesburg. Insurance with air evacuation is essential.

Rainy season. From November to April park roads wash out and some lodges close.

Emergency numbers: 999 police, 991 ambulance.

Zambia sits mid-table in Africa on corruption, and low-level extortion occurs, though less often with tourists.

Traffic police. Highway checkpoints are numerous, checking documents, insurance and vehicle condition. Attention is possible; calmly ask for a receipt.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates issued. English is official.

Livingstone. A tourist zone with a police presence working correctly.

Lusaka at night. Travel by car. Kabwata and the market areas are not for evening walks.

Parks. Rangers work professionally and safari organisation is of a high standard.

What actually matters. Zambia's main risks are malaria, roads and water. People are friendly, and the tourism infrastructure around the falls and in the parks works reliably.

Emergency number is 999.