Zambia
About Zambia
Formerly called Northern Rhodesia as an integral part of Cecil Rhodes’ Cape to Cairo vision, Zambia is in fact steeped in history dating all the way back to the African Stone Age. However, in many ways the famous Scottish missionary David Livingstone put the country on the European map as he came to the shores of Lake Tanganyika in search of the source of the Nile in the early 19th century.
Whilst Zambia is now one of Africa’s most urbanised countries, much of the country remains wild, underdeveloped and unspoilt, with a great percentage of land allocated by the government to conservation projects, national parks and game management areas. Many of these parks are home to incredible numbers of Africa’s most-feted wild mammals and extraordinary birdlife.
Zambia’s remaining open rural areas are, for the most part, rich and fertile, with Zambia’s consistently warm tropical climate made less oppressive by the altitude of many parts of the country. One of the most water rich countries in Africa, Zambia has 5 vast lakes, 3 major rivers, 17 waterfalls and various wetland areas.
Many of Zambia’s 72 ethnic groups still inhabit these rural areas, relying on subsistence farming to get by.
Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies on the African continent and tourism is crucial to the country’s on-going development. The land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness all in one friendly country.
Blessed with awe-inspiring natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, huge water bodies and vast open spaces, Zambia offers unforgettable holidays exploring the real Africa.
Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia's welcoming people live in peace and harmony. And here, in the warm heart of Africa, you will find some of the finest Safari experiences on the planet, including face to face encounters with Nature at its most wild.
Spectacular waterways provide adrenaline-thrills or a leisurely playground of activities for all ages. Seventeen magnificent waterfalls, apart from the spectacular Victoria Falls, provide 'cascade followers' an adventure into the remote undeveloped rural areas where a taste of village life can be experienced.
Spectacular daily sunsets are almost guaranteed.
Discover the wealth of stunning destinations this friendly country has to offer. Not to be missed are the spectacular views of the magnificent Victoria Falls, followed by a safari.
Zambia has some of the best Game Parks in the world. Choose from a variety of safaris to enjoy Zambia's astounding concentration and diverse array of wild animals and birds.
National Parks
Zambia’s game reserves provide pristine sanctuary to a wide variety of wildlife, and boast some of the best game viewing opportunities in the world. From the North and South Parks on the hippo and croc-infested Luangwa River, to the wide expanse of the Lower Zambezi, the vast and little-explored Kafue.
Waterfalls
While Victoria Falls, not surprisingly, tends to steal the limelight, Zambia has an array of wonderful waterfalls, cascades, rapids, cataracts and flumes on the many rich waterways that dissect the country.
Lakes
Whether it’s the history and sheer size of Lake Tanganyika (the world’s longest lake) that draws you, getting off the beaten track at Lake Mweru, or taking in the secluded beach holiday atmosphere that can be found on the banks of Lake Kariba.
Rivers
As if all the lakes and waterfalls weren’t enough, Zambia is also home to the magnificent Zambezi River as well as the Luangwa and Kafue river systems, offering great fishing opportunities, adventure activities and canoeing safaris. These are some of the most unspoilt and best-protected rivers on the continent and are home to much of Zambia’s wildlife.
Towns
In recent years the expansion of Zambia’s major towns and cities has been rapid and extensive. Lusaka, the capital city, is now one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, while the historic town of Livingstone has become the ‘adventure capital’ of the whole of Africa.
Zambia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, a trend mirrored by the ever-increasing numbers of tourists flocking to this rich and diverse Southern African nation. Long celebrated for its peaceful history, rich and fertile land and the incredible natural wonders of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, it is perhaps the sheer wealth of activities now available to tourists that has seen Zambia rise up the tourist rankings in recent years.
Zambia in fact has a fairly long heritage and well-established reputation as one of Africa’s top safari destinations, and with such lush and sparsely-populated rural landscapes and so many different parks and safari activities to enjoy, it’s not hard to see why.
On top of this, Livingstone has come to be known as one of Africa’s action activities and extreme sports capitals, rivalling Jinja in Uganda and Swakopmund in Namibia. Zambia is also one of the safest countries in Africa making it easy to get out there and experience the country in all its glory, whilst the government has worked hard to make sure that none of the allure of the wild is lost along the way. And if all that activity gets a little too much, there are many leisurely options too.
Adventure Activities
Zambia offers a range of action activities, from more pedestrian excursions such as guided lion walks to the more adventurous options including white water rafting down the raging rapids of the incredible Zambezi or bungee jumping over the majestic Victoria Falls.
Leisure Activities
When it is time to kick back and enjoy time off, Zambia doesn’t disappoint. Unwind in a luxurious spa, go for a round of 18, explore a local village or go on a sunset river cruise. While many people think that Zambia is a destination only for the adrenaline- junkie, there is a lot to do that will help you relax and de-stress during your time in this magnificent destination.
Safaris
Zambia is home to numerous fantastic national parks and a wide spectrum of Africa’s most interesting flora and fauna. And there are any number of ways to enjoy this wilder side of the country and entice both safari first timers and old hands.
Leisure Holidays
For those of you who have seen enough wildlife or had their fair share of adrenaline rushes, and prefer to take things easy, Zambia has plenty of quiet and peaceful places to enjoy a spot of fishing or a relaxing cruise on a private houseboat.
Information courtesy of Zambia Tourism.
