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Intro

If you’re out to experience the ‘real’ Africa, Zambia is that diamond in the rough. Zambia is packed full with smiling, friendly people, breathtaking scenery and genuinely wild National Parks. From the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika to the rushing waters of the Victoria Falls, Zambia is home to an amazing array of beautiful places and cultures. Until recently, Zambia has been overlooked by tourists, which was a pity because it has so much to offer. But not anymore: Zambia now has a reputation of being one of the greatest destinations to go to for a unique experience.

However, for independent travellers Zambia can be a challenge: distances between major towns and attractions are large, and getting around by car or public transport takes time and patience. But for many, this challenge is part of Zambia’s appeal.

To maintain the country’s incredible heritage, the issue of conservation is of primary importance to Zambia’s Tourism Boards. It is the only way the ecotourism can remain sustainable. Learn more about the juggler’s act when man decides to intervene to protect endangered species in Africa.

Weather

The climate of Zambia is tropical modified by elevation. The rainy season is between December and March, although the further north you are, the earlier the rains arrive and the later they leave. From June through to August, the temperatures at night drop but the days are warm. Temperatures in September, October and November can get very hot, although the rains may begin in November.

Language

There are over 73 dialects spoken in Zambia, with Bemba and Njanja being two of the most common. However, the official language is English. All media and business is in English and most Zambians speak it fairly well.

Tourist Attractions

• The markets of Lusaka are well worth a visit to experience the colorful and lively atmosphere. Thousands of stalls are filled and cleared every day. They consist of a myriad of second hand clothing, motor spares, restaurants, hairdressers, fishmongers and fruit sellers.
• White water rafting along the Zambezi. Batoka Gorge consists of 23 white water rapids found deep within sheer black cliffs.
• Bungee jumping over the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls. This jump is the highest commercial bridge jump in the world.
• Like nowhere else on earth, Zambia offers a fabulous assortment of  waterfalls, cascades, rapids, cateracts and flumes on its many waterways. The famous Victoria Falls are described by the Kololo tribe as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. It is a spectacular sight of the greatest known curtain of falling water. Other waterfalls can be found here.
• Lake Kariba lies along the southern border of the country and is the largest manmade lake in Africa. It is 280 km long and 40 km wide. One can hire a boat and watch wildlife on land while crocodile eyes can be seen following the boat at night.
• Zambia has a large number of game parks, including
  • The famous South Luangwa Park which is rated one of the top game reserves in the world. Herds of elephant gather to drink at the oxbow lakes, massive Nile crocs bask on sunny riverbanks, lion are often sighted, and the area is well-known for its high density of leopard
  • The North Luangwa National Park, which is one of the most spectacular surviving wilderness areas in Africa and has been called one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world today. It is not open to the public and there are no permanent lodges exist in the park.
  • Kafue, one of Africa’s largest and Zambia’s oldest parks with more than 22,400 square km. It is teeming with lots of game, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. Bird watching – especially on the rivers and the dambos is superb.
  • The Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia’s newest national park. Overlooked for many years, this is now one of Zambia’s premier parks, with a beautiful flood plain alongside the river, dotted with acacias and other large trees, and flanked by a steep escarpment on the northern side, covered with thick miombo woodland.

For more information, please visit Zambia Tourism.

Sources

http://www.zambiatourism.com/welcome.htm

http://www.go2africa.com/zambia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zambia#Climate

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/Zambia

http://www.zambia-the-african-safari.com/national-parks.html

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