Land of spectacular waterfalls, fascinating nature reserves, and indigenous cultures, Zambia, if anything, is a jump deep into the spirit of real Africa, the wildest of the wild. Although less visited than some more famous African destinations, Zambia is home of the stunning Victoria Falls and some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
Nature reserves in Zambia include the South Luangwa National Park with its gateway town Mfuwe that are popular travel destinations in Zambia. This 9000 km 2 wide game park consisting of wilderness nature around Luangwa River is said to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With all the leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants around, this is not difficult to believe. Not to mention the giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles adding to the attractiveness of this wooded river delta area. Other interesting safari destinations in Zambia include Kafue and Blue Lagoon National Parks near the Zambian capital Lusaka.
African city life. Zambia is familiar also with African city culture which can best be explored in the capital city Lusaka. With its one million inhabitants this central Zambian city is the center of most things in Zambia, including international air traffic. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and a home of the best museums in Zambia. Lusaka is also a city worth traveling to if you want to test the nightlife of Zambia, or to try the best shopping possibilities in Zambia.
Native cultures. Geographically wide and diverse, Zambia is a land of great cultural variations and a home of more than 70 local cultures carrying their own values, beliefs, and traditions. The people of modern Zambia are clearly divided into city people who follow western behavior and to rural people who are much more familiar with traditional tribal customs and ceremonies.
Spectacular waterfalls and wild nature: Attractions of Zambia
The most popular sight in Zambia are the Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the two kilometers wide Zambezi River rushes down its gorges, forming one of the world's most astonishing waterfalls. Together with the small town of Livingstone, which is surrounded by fascinating nature parks and filled with adventure sport facilities, the Victoria Falls form a destination that simply cannot be missed when traveling to Zambia.Nature reserves in Zambia include the South Luangwa National Park with its gateway town Mfuwe that are popular travel destinations in Zambia. This 9000 km 2 wide game park consisting of wilderness nature around Luangwa River is said to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With all the leopards, lions, buffaloes, and elephants around, this is not difficult to believe. Not to mention the giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles adding to the attractiveness of this wooded river delta area. Other interesting safari destinations in Zambia include Kafue and Blue Lagoon National Parks near the Zambian capital Lusaka.
African city life. Zambia is familiar also with African city culture which can best be explored in the capital city Lusaka. With its one million inhabitants this central Zambian city is the center of most things in Zambia, including international air traffic. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Africa and a home of the best museums in Zambia. Lusaka is also a city worth traveling to if you want to test the nightlife of Zambia, or to try the best shopping possibilities in Zambia.
Native cultures. Geographically wide and diverse, Zambia is a land of great cultural variations and a home of more than 70 local cultures carrying their own values, beliefs, and traditions. The people of modern Zambia are clearly divided into city people who follow western behavior and to rural people who are much more familiar with traditional tribal customs and ceremonies.
Practical information for your trip to Zambia
Most of Zambia enjoys tropical or subtropical climate with 25-30 °C temperatures available all year round. Rainy season in Zambia is normally between November and April. Dry season is separated into colder (April to August) and hotter (September to November) seasons. During the colder dry season temperatures drop at night as they stay up most of the time during the hotter dry season. The best time for seeing wild animals is from September to November, when vegetation is not as lush as usual. Otherwise the best time to travel to Zambia is between April and November.
Photo: Flame of Africa, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Traveling to Zambia is easiest through its main airport located in Lusaka. Livingstone and Mfuwe also have small international airports which, however, receive flights from very limited locations only. Domestic flights are the most efficient way for traveling in Zambia. If you want to be more adventurous, also trains and buses between major cities are available. If you prefer independent traveling, rental cars are also available in Zambia. Note that most roads outside the main cities are not paved and in very bad condition especially during the rainy season.
Safety. Northern and western borders of Zambia are considered dangerous due to recent conflicts in the neighboring Angola and D.R. of the Congo, which is why traveling to these areas is not advisable. Other areas in Zambia are quite safe, especially if you follow normal safety procedures and avoid the most suspicious surroundings within cities like Lusaka. Talking of safety and Africa, there are of course also many health risks provided by tropical nature that you should take into account.
