Travel : Zambia - Best spots to visit & other details of this naturally gifted country of Africa

 

Zambia, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the "Real Africa," Zambia offers a truly authentic and unspoiled travel experience. The country is home to one of the world's most famous natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and boasts a vast network of national parks teeming with wildlife. Zambia is an ideal destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to explore Africa's hidden gems.

Best Spots to Visit in Zambia

1. **Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)**

   - **Description:** One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, located on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

   - **Highlights:** Known locally as "The Smoke That Thunders," Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Zambia. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of the falls from various viewpoints within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Activities include walking along the Knife-Edge Bridge for a close-up view, taking a helicopter flight for a bird's-eye perspective, or swimming in the Devil's Pool at the edge of the falls.

2. **South Luangwa National Park**

   - **Description:** One of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, located in eastern Zambia.

   - **Highlights:** South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and excellent game viewing opportunities. The park is famous for its walking safaris, which allow visitors to experience wildlife up close in a natural setting. The Luangwa River, which runs through the park, attracts a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos. Night safaris offer the chance to see nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.

3. **Lower Zambezi National Park**

   - **Description:** A pristine wilderness area located along the Zambezi River in southeastern Zambia.

   - **Highlights:** Lower Zambezi National Park offers a unique safari experience, with opportunities for canoeing, boating, and fishing on the Zambezi River. The park is known for its large populations of elephants, buffalo, and hippos, as well as its stunning landscapes of floodplains, woodlands, and escarpments. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris, often encountering wildlife at close range.

4. **Kafue National Park**

   - **Description:** Zambia's largest and oldest national park, covering an area of over 22,000 square kilometers in western Zambia.

   - **Highlights:** Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest protected areas, offering diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to miombo woodlands. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the rare African wild dog. The Busanga Plains in the northern part of the park are particularly famous for their lion populations and seasonal flooding, which attracts large numbers of birds and herbivores.

5. **Lake Kariba**

   - **Description:** One of the largest man-made lakes in the world, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

   - **Highlights:** Lake Kariba offers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Zambezi Valley. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and sunset cruises on the lake. The area is also known for its houseboats, which provide a unique way to explore the lake's vast waters and spot wildlife along the shores. The nearby Kariba Dam is an engineering marvel worth visiting.

6. **Livingstone**

   - **Description:** A historic town near Victoria Falls, named after the famous explorer David Livingstone.

   - **Highlights:** Livingstone serves as the gateway to Victoria Falls and offers a variety of cultural and adventure activities. Visitors can explore the Livingstone Museum, which houses exhibits on the history, culture, and archaeology of Zambia. The town is also a hub for adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, and zip-lining across the Batoka Gorge.

7. **Nsumbu National Park**

   - **Description:** A remote and lesser-known national park located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia.

   - **Highlights:** Nsumbu National Park offers a mix of lake, river, and land-based activities. The park's location on Lake Tanganyika, the world's second-deepest freshwater lake, provides opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, and boat cruises. Wildlife in the park includes elephants, crocodiles, and hippos, as well as a variety of bird species. The park's remoteness and lack of crowds make it a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path destination.

Best Seasons to Visit

- **Dry Season (May to October):** The dry season is the best time to visit Zambia for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather is cooler and drier, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This period is ideal for safaris, visiting Victoria Falls (when water levels are lower and the view is clearer), and exploring national parks.

- **Wet Season (November to April):** The wet season, also known as the "Emerald Season," brings lush green landscapes and abundant birdlife. Although some areas may be difficult to access due to heavy rains, this is the best time for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals. Victoria Falls is at its most powerful during this time, creating a dramatic and misty spectacle.

Best Cuisines

Zambian cuisine is hearty and diverse, with influences from local traditions and neighboring countries. Some traditional dishes to try include:

- **Nshima:** A staple food made from maize meal, similar to polenta, served with various relishes such as vegetables, beans, meat, or fish. Nshima is a central part of Zambian meals and is usually eaten with the hands.

- **Ifisashi:** A popular dish made with vegetables such as spinach or pumpkin leaves, cooked in a rich peanut sauce. It is often served with nshima.

- **Chikanda:** Known as "African polony" or "vegetarian meat," chikanda is a unique dish made from wild orchid tubers, peanuts, and spices. It has a texture similar to meat and is usually served as a snack or side dish.

- **Kapenta:** A type of small dried fish, often served fried or cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. Kapenta is commonly eaten with nshima or as a snack.

- **Munkoyo:** A traditional Zambian beverage made from fermented maize meal and munkoyo roots, known for its slightly sour taste and refreshing properties.

- **Tumbuwa:** Fried vegetable fritters made from ingredients such as pumpkin leaves, sweet potatoes, or cassava. They are a popular snack or side dish.

Airlines Connectivity

Zambia is well connected to international and regional destinations through its main airport:

- **Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)** in Lusaka: The primary international gateway to Zambia, serving flights to and from major cities in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Several major airlines operate flights to Zambia, including:

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Offers flights between Lusaka and Addis Ababa, with connections to destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

- **Emirates:** Provides flights between Lusaka and Dubai, with onward connections to the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

- **Qatar Airways:** Operates flights from Lusaka to Doha, connecting Zambia to the Middle East and beyond.

- **South African Airways:** Offers flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg, providing connections to other African destinations and international flights.

- **Kenya Airways:** Operates flights from Lusaka to Nairobi, with connections to East Africa and international destinations.

In addition to international flights, Proflight Zambia and other regional carriers offer domestic flights connecting Lusaka with other major cities and tourist destinations within Zambia, such as Livingstone, Ndola, and Mfuwe.