In a throwback to colonial times the Zambians are still extra courteous to white people, offering hospitality wherever they can. It may take a bit of getting used to the overt friendliness but its just a childlike curiosity about how other people live, and can be very welcoming when you get used to it. The people expect courtesy in return though, they like polite greetings rather than abrupt questions, and they prefer women to dress modestly and not provocatively.
Weatherwise, Zambia has distinct seasons as it is so high, in spite of being in the tropics. The hot season runs from September to November with temperatures up to 38-42°C and clouds of swirling dust. If you can cope with the heat this is a good time for a safari as the wildlife seeks out the few remaining watering holes. Followed by the wet season, up till April, temperatures cool a little, down to around 32°C, and torrential rain falls, often for days on end.
Unsealed roads become impassable with thick mud, and many safari lodges close. The coolest and the most comfortable time of year is the dry season, when temperatures fall to around 24-28°C, dropping to 7°C at night. This is probably the best time to see the country, bird-watching is at its best, and at the beginning of the season the Victoria Falls are at their most stunning with maximum water flow.
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