Lake Tanganyika Biodiversity Project
P. O. Box 55
Mpulungu, ZAMBIA
Tel: +260 4 45045
Fax: +260 4 45045

The project office is now located in the Dept. of Fisheries compound. More info is available.

What is the time difference in Mpulungu?

GMT +2 hrs

Will people be able to send me email via the project?

The project's email account in Mpulungu is: ltbp@zamnet.zm

This is the best mode of communication between Mpulungu and the outside world. You can use the project's email account for project and private emails. Private emails are charged at the rate of 1000 Kw per email sent or received. Emails are submitted to SLO's office on disk and are typically queued and sent twice a day. Email replies are printed and distributed daily. We don't encourage people to send large attachments via email as the phone lines tend to choke on them.
,br> Should I bring my computer or will I have access to one in Mpulungu?

The project office has 3 Hewlett Packard Vectra VE 200Mhz computers with 15" monitors and 0ne Dell 75Mhz computer with a 14" screen. There are also 4 Hewlett Packard deskjet colour printers. As well, the station has an Iomega Zip drive and software for reading Macintosh diskettes/Zip's. However, there is considerable demand on this equipment and breakdowns are not infrequent. If you plan on doing considerable word-processing, you should bring your own laptop computer.

What is the power situation like in Mpulungu?

Power in all of Zambia is very good. The power is consistent, but not very stable. The power situation at the LTBP project office has been adequate for the past few months. We have several Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) units and voltage stabilizers installed. We have telephone line surge protectors installed as well. Plugs are British-style 3 prong. So bring plug adapters if your technical equipment and laptops aren't hard wired for the British system.

Voltage is 220v 50 Hz. We don't have any step-down transformers here yet so avoid bringing 110v equipment if possible. Check your AC adapter, many American computers are rated for both 220/110v and 50/60 Hz simultaneously.

Will I have access to vehicles while in Mpulungu?

The project currently has one four-wheel drive vehicles in Mpulungu; a Toyota Hilux dual cab pickup. Obviously, every attempt is made to accommodate the need for transport. However, there is considerable demand on the vehicles and the project cannot always accommodate everyone's needs simultaneously. Compliance with current vehicle sign-up procedures will be requested.

Will I have access to boats while in Mpulungu?

LTBP - Mpulungu Station currently has one 3 metre Zodiac and a 22ft working boat has been ordered. The station has 1 - 40Hp and 2- 15Hp outboard motors. We also have use of the Dept of Fisheries-owned R/V Silver Shoal. All boats are under considerable demand, so we ask you to sign up for them in advance.

Will I have access to dive gear?

We currently have 6 sets of dive gear and 9 dive bottles, all of it being used for special studies field work. We also have one dive compressor, one Marinox Oxygen Therapy Unit, and one hand-held sonar. It is advisable to bring as much of your personal gear (minus cylinders) as possible in order to avoid any downtime.

What should I know about monetary matters?

It is not possible to get cash off of credit cards in Mpulungu. The Mpulungu imprest account should normally have sufficient funds to cover or reimburse your routine project-related expenses. If you anticipate major project-related expenses while in Mpulungu, please notify the Admin. Asst. in advance so that he/she can arrange funds. Please fill out the Regional Needs Form and email it to the MPU Station before you travel. Money transfers from Dar to Mpulungu take about 4 weeks (assuming the Dar imprest has sufficient funds). The best option is to arrive with a travel advance to cover your subsistence and incidental expenses for your stay in Mpulungu.

Will I be able to travel freely between the riparian countries?

Currently, the project has no 'free pass' visa system between all four countries. The project advises you to obtain all the necessary visas before you arrive in Zambia.

Is Malaria common in Mpulungu and should I take a malaria prophylaxis?

Malaria is very prevalent in Mpulungu and, unfortunately, the local variety is the cerebral kind which can cause death in as little as 3 days if not treated. The project recommends that you take a prophylaxis and bring a sufficient quantity out with you. Either Larium (for the brave) or a combination of Paludrin and Chloroquine seem to be the favourites of project personnel. Bring a decent supply of quality bug repellent. You will need it. Additionally, the local mosquitoes are attracted to dark, especially black, clothing. It is advisable not to wear dark clothes after sunset. Contracting malaria is a common event, even if only here for a short time (and will ruin your trip)

Any other medical concerns I should know about?

The local hospitals can handle most medical needs including malaria tests.

The water supply is not 'drinkable', so to prevent illness, you should boil drinking water for 20 min. It might be a good idea to bring a portable camping-style water filter just to be safe. Giardia is common and we advise you bring a prescription of Ciprofloxacin or equivalent for traveller's diarrhoea and/or Giardia. Many project consultants have contracted Giardia in the last few months.

We recommend that before visiting the region you have full vaccinations for Hepatitis A &B, Yellow Fever, Tiphoid, Polio, Diptheria/Tetanus, Meningococcal, and even Rabies. Followup vaccinations can be obtained in Bujumbura, Kigoma, Lusaka, and Dar es Salaam.