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Formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, Zambia gained independence from Britain in 1964.

Situated within the tropics in south-central Africa, the country is blessed with a number of rivers emanating from the rain forest catchments further to the north, resulting on fertile agricultural areas and wooded wildlife zones.

The country is also endowed with great mineral wealth, with the copper industry in particular being a pillar of the economy.

After independence, most of the town and city names changed but the town of Livingstone remained in honour of the great African explorer David Livingstone who ‘discovered’ and named the Victoria Falls, fought for the abolishment of slavery and who died and had his heart buried in Zambia.

After a rocky recent past the country is now prospering again and tourism has become a major foreign revenue earner as the vast and often untouched wilderness areas surprise jaded travelers in search of ‘uncommercialised’ Africa.

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Attractions in Zambia

Wildlife

Poaching unfortunately had a devastating affect on Zambia’s wildlife during the 70s, 80s and early 90s but concerted efforts by Government have seen populations recolonising and stabilising in even the worst-hit areas. Elephants and black rhinos were most affected but reintroduction programs in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (white rhino) and North Luangwa National Park (black rhino) have put the country back on the map as a ‘big-game’ destination.

The Kafue National Park in the west has a number of rare antelope species and healthy populations of the big cats while the South Luangwa National Park – considered by many to be the country’s premier wildlife area – is one of the continents last remaining pristine wilderness areas and is renowned for its leopard, lion, crocodile, hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings.

The Luangwa River is one of the last major rivers on the continent that is totally unmanaged from source to mouth with no man-made impoundments / dams and no off-take for irrigation or industry.

The Zambezi River itself supports incredible biodiversity throughout its length along the southern border of the country with tigerfish, the rare pel’s fishing-owl, ancient baobab trees and a myriad other mammal and bird species keeping visitors spell-bound.

Considered to be the home of the ‘walking safari’, one of the highlights of a visit to the country is to walk among big game in the various parks.

Cultural

There are 70+ tribal groups in Zambia but although 65% of the population is confined to rural areas such as those visited by wildlife tourists, all the people have generally been influenced by modern civilisation and one rarely finds people in authentic traditional dress.

The rural villages are however rich in tradition and worth a visit. It is best to do this with a guide. Another truly traditional cultural experience takes place in western Zambia when the Barotse King moves seasonally from his high water to his low water palace / home.

Scenic

Most of the country is situated on a vast inland plateau and there are consequently few mountains of any note. Most of the wildlife areas do have escarpment backdrops with smaller ranges of hills and these can be quite picturesque, especially when wildlife or rivers make up the composition.

The famous Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World – is without a doubt Zambia’s premier scenic destination as is the mighty Zambezi River (Africa’s 4th longest) on which it is found. When in peak flood it is a mile (1.6km) wide with more water flowing over every second than any other waterfall in the world….. a must-see!!!!

What we consider to be HIGHLIGHTS of a visit to Zambia

• Game viewing and walks in South Luangwa National Park
• A boat trip along the river in the Lower Zambezi National Park
• The Livingstone Museum in Livingstone
• Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls and along the Batoka Gorge
• Walking tour at the Victoria Falls (February – July ONLY)
• Various adventure activities at the Victoria Falls
• Northern floodplains of the Kafue National Park

Best Seasons to Travel to Zambia

Zambia has a relatively long wet season from November to April and the swollen rivers in the wildlife areas burst their banks and make the predominantly clay soils impassable during that period. Malaria is also prevalent during the rains and the nett result is that the premier game areas are closed during the rains, making the winter months the best time to visit and see wildlife.

Victoria Falls is however at it’s most thunderous and spectacular late in the rains.

OUR FAVOURITE MONTHS
Victoria Falls: February – August
Bush destinations: May – October

Safari Areas in Zambia

• South Luangwa National Park
  Selected Lodges / Camps
  Shumba Camp, Kapinga Camp, Busanga Bush Camp

• Kafue National Park
  Selected Lodges / Camps
  Ongava Lodge and Little Ongava

• Lower Zambezi National Park
  Selected Lodges / Camps
  Chongwe House, Chiawa

• Victoria Falls / Livingstone
  Selected Hotels
  Toka Leya, Sussi & Chuma, Royal Livingstone

• Lusaka
  Selected Hotels
  Taj, InterContinental

Fast Facts about Zambia

• Capital:  Lusaka
• Population:  11 million
• Government:  Multi-party democracy
• Head of State:  President Rupiah Banda
• Length of term: 5 years
• Maximum terms: 2
• Currency:  Zambian Kwacha
• Exchange rate: USD 1 : ZK 4785
• Dominant religion: Christianity
• Major Industries: Mining (copper), agriculture, cut flowers
• Literacy:  71%
• Urbanisation:  35%