Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on your interests. We are open all year round which offers guests the chance to experience different seasons, depending on your preferences. The best time to visit for fishing and birding is in the warmer months, and game viewing is good all year round.

The Zambia Immigration website contains visa guidelines. Only cash is accepted as payment for visa fees.

Before travelling to Zambia, please ensure that you have the following:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival.
  • At least two blank pages in your passport for the entry visa.
  • If flying into Zambia, you must be able to produce a Return Ticket.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, particularly if arriving by land/boat.

The official currency of Zambia is the Kwacha. US dollars and Kwacha are accepted in Camp, however Zambian banks will not accept US dollar Bank Notes older than 2009 or any notes which are torn, stained or ripped, so please travel with newer notes where possible. Most major currencies can be exchanged at Lusaka airport.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs at the airport.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring in, provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form.

You can pay for your bill at the lodge using cash or credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD) – please note however that there is a 5% surcharge added for payments made by card.

  • Lightweight, breathable, and neutral-coloured clothing to blend in with the surroundings.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against sunburn and insects.
  • A lightweight, waterproof jacket for cooler evenings and unexpected rain.
  • A wide-brimmed hat or safari hat to shield yourself from the sun.
  • Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Sandals or flip-flops for relaxation at the campsite.

Don’t Forget:

  • Binoculars.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Spare prescription glasses if possible in case of breakage.
  • Flashlight.
  • A personal First Aid kit with plasters, headache pills, rehydration salts and antihistamine is always useful. Your guide and the lodge will also carry First Aid supplies.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • A high factor sunscreen is highly recommended – recommended sunscreen is SPF 50, preferably not an oil-base.
  • Lip balm.

Yes, the water is safe to drink. The water we provide for guests to drink during mealtimes, as well as ice for consumption, is purified using a process called reverse osmosis. We ask that you don’t drink the water directly from the tap or the shower as that is only filtered water. The fruit and vegetables are all washed in safe, clean water. In the bar fridge in your room is a 2-litre container that is filled with the same clean water. Your housekeeper will refill the container in the morning when they reset your room, as well as in the evenings when they do turndown.

Each suite has a safe where you can lock up your valuables. The safes provided have a digital keypad.

Tipping is discretionary based on your perception of the service received. Individual staff tipping is not encouraged, but it is completely at the guest’s own discretion. At the end of your stay, you will be handed two envelopes. One envelope is for your guide(s) and the other one for general staff. You can place your gratuity in the provided envelopes and post in the tip box by the bar area.

 

Yes, it is safe to self-drive, and our reservations team will provide a map and detailed directions to the lodge. Please be aware that the gravel road is very bumpy and is therefore accessible by 2 x 4 (high rise) & 4 x 4 vehicles. The road is only accessible by 4 x 4 vehicles during the rainy season.

Please consult your personal doctor or Travel Clinic prior to travel.

Our reservations team will be able to assist you with local flights.

Zambian electrical standards specify the use of UK square 3-prong plugs. The camp produces its own power via silenced generators*. Voltage: 220/240. All rooms offer sockets for UK 3-prong plugs and one EU 2-prong European shaver socket in the bathrooms.

The main lodge area offers electrical wall sockets, each offering the option to use UK 3-prong, EU 2-prong, SA 3-prong plugs.

Solar Power

We are thrilled to announce that Baines’ River Camp is taking a giant leap towards sustainability by installing a state-of-the-art solar power system. This environmentally friendly initiative not only reduces our carbon footprint but also ensures that our guests enjoy uninterrupted power supply while soaking up the beauty of the Zambezi River. It’s our commitment to responsible tourism, and we’re excited to share this journey with you. 

Wildlife still roams freely and often visit the Lodge. We ask you to be careful when walking around the property. Always be aware of your surroundings.

At night (18:00 – 06:00) security staff or guides will escort you to and from your suite. Torches are available in your rooms. Please carry them with you. The security guards patrol the lodge at night and if you want assistance, please call one of the guards. They will assist you or call a member of the management.

Yes we do. We will request this information prior to arrival and ask that you be as specific as possible.

No children under the age of 6. We do have a Family Cottage which consists of 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms.

Yes, there is Wi-Fi internet access in the main area of the Lodge, and we are pleased to announce that there is now Wi-Fi in all the guest rooms and the main building.

There is no signal, but you can make WhatsApp calls and contact family members using our Wi-Fi.

Bookings & Enquiries

Contact details

Contact Linda Fisher:

Tel: +27 (0)33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074

Send an email

Dates & Seasons

Lodge is open:

1 March – 30 November

Green Season:

1 Mar – 30 June & 1 – 30 November

High Season:

1 July – 31 October

Secret Season Long Stay Special

November 2023, Stay 3 Nights, Pay for 2, USD1480-00 per person per package on a fully inclusive basis. Email reservations@bainesrivercamp.com for more information.