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Zambia is an interesting country; landlocked in the middle of Africa, its high – mostly plateau, dissected by river valleys, but with some mountains rising from the flat heights The Zambezi River in the south forms a magnificent spectacle at Victoria Falls, which form the border with Zimbabwe. – the river here is about 1.6 km wide, and flows over a 100 metre drop before running into Lake Kariba in the south-west corner of the country. The Zambezi rift valley is deep and wide, and runs along the southern border..
The natural environment of the western side is flat, with huge flood plains, and the lives of the inhabitants is dominated by the huge body of water which rises here during the wet season, The greater diversity of the eastern side makes for a more interesting landscape with a rising plateau, plus hills and mountains to the north.
The country is home to around 70 tribes, speaking 20 different languages, but unlike many nations they co-exist peacefully, making it a more attractive place to visit than some African destinations. It’s easy for travellers to move from one area to another, and people are keen to explain and share their customs and traditions, and welcome tourists to their festivals.
Much of the nation is desperately poor - many live on subsistence agriculture, with some copper mining. Tourism is growing and adding valuable income to the economy.
Zambians are a friendly people on the whole, very hospitable, but also curious about those with a different lifestyle. Tourists may find themselves objects of great scrutiny, but it will always be very respectful. Zambia is a very patriarchal society, with older people being treated with the greatest respect, and men ranking higher in society than women. In a throwback to colonial times the Zambians are still extra courteous to white people, offering hospitality wherever they can. It may take a bit of getting used to the overt friendliness but its just a childlike curiosity about how other people live, and can be very welcoming when you get used to it. The people expect courtesy in return though, they like polite greetings rather than abrupt questions, and they prefer women to dress modestly and not provocatively.
Weatherwise, Zambia has distinct seasons as it is so high, in spite of being in the tropics. The hot season runs from September to November with temperatures up to 38-42°C and clouds of swirling dust. If you can cope with the heat this is a good time for a safari as the wildlife seeks out the few remaining watering holes. Followed by the wet season, up till April, temperatures cool a little, down to around 32°C, and torrential rain falls, often for days on end. Unsealed roads become impassable with thick mud, and many safari lodges close. The coolest and the most comfortable time of year is the dry season, when temperatures fall to around 24-28°C, dropping to 7°C at night. This is probably the best time to see the country, bird-watching is at its best, and at the beginning of the season the Victoria Falls are at their most stunning with maximum water flow.
Essentials
Money
Zambia’s currency is the kwacha. Inflation is high in Zambia and because of this many prices are quoted in US dollars as well as the kwacha. In the larger towns, you can change cash and travellers cheques at some banks, and larger branches have ATMs that accept Visa. Its also fairly easy to find Bureau de Change in most towns.
Most hotels and some shops and restaurants accept debit or credit cards, but be prepared to pay surcharges. Cash is by far the most common means of payment, and bartering is common – many shopkeepers advertise prices and stick to them, but there is also a strong culture which includes street salesmen and taxi drivers who tend to haggle on their prices. As prices go, Zambia is fairly expensive when compared to its neighbours, but the country does offer deals at both extremes, and if you are holidaying on a budget good bargains can be found, just as luxury options are offered to those with more money to spare.
Dangers & annoyances
Zambia is fairly safe, though in the cities and tourist areas there is a chance of being targeted by muggers or con-artists. As always, you can reduce the risk considerably by being sensible. The Zambian people are a friendly race on the whole, but be careful about walking or driving after dark, when there is an increased risk of mugging or car-jacking. Streetlighting is poor at best, so staying in groups is recommended if you do need to venture out after dark.
Another thing to watch out for is hygiene, as it is easy to pick up tropical germs if you are careless. Proper toilet and washing facilities are unlikely outside of the major cities, as is running water. Do not drink the tap water! Bottled water is widely available in cities, but not necessarily in rural areas, so if travelling take some with you.
Malaria is common in Zambia, so make sure you keep exposed skin covered with clothing or insect repellent, especially at dusk
To contact the Emergency Services, dial 999 or 112. Emergency response vehicles are rare though, and almost unknown outside of the cities.
Visas
Due to the recent boom in tourism in Zambia, the country now generally expects cash at the border in return for a visa being issued. Most Western visitors obtain visas this way; some are able to enter visa-free. For confirmation of your own visa needs, check the immigration department’s website, which will also tell you where visas can be obtained before arrival.
Language
English is one of Zambia's eight official languages, and is the one spoken most often by public services. There are over 70 different Bantu languages spoken here as well .Many town-dwelling Zambians will speak some level of English, but is rarer as you move towards rural areas. The most important thing to remember is the politeness of the first exchange – greeting them civilly gets things off to a good start, so remember to ask "How are you?" ("Muli Bwanji?" or "Muli Shani?") .
Where to stay
Like so many other parts of your experience in Zambia, you’re likely to find accommodation ranges from the cheapest end of the market – budget backpacker hostels – to the luxury hotels and game lodges for those who don’t have to count the pennies. Most luxury hotels are in the city areas, and the upmarket game lodges are usually part of organised safari tours, If searching for accommodation outside of the cities options are far more basic, with even electricity and running water being luxuries. If you are looking for a truly unique experiences you can’t do much better than the Castle Hotel in Lundazi, in the eastern province of Zambia – shaped like a Norman castle, its not what visitors expect to find in the African bush. Built by a small lagoon where visitors may see the occasional hippo, the hotel offers a variety of rooms at a reasonable price, including some in the castle’s turret.
Getting Here
Zambia’s main international airport is in Lusaka, and there are smaller ones at Livingstone – best for Victoria Falls - and Mfuwe – easiest for South Luangwa National Park.
Arriving by train is far cheaper and an excellent way to see the beautiful countryside, but it obviously requires a far greater time commitment. TAZARA line trains run between Zambia, and Tanzania twice a week.
Although Zambia is landlocked, It borders on Lake Tanganyika, and ferries operate across the water a few times a week. The M/V Liemba will carry you across the lake for a reasonable price, its not a quick option, although the charm of travelling in this way more than makes up for that. .
There are numerous route to enter by road. Crossing the border by car incurs an extra tax, but gives you the option of flexibility, whilst catching an international bus into Zambia allows you to relax during the trip, but slows you down significantly while everyone is processed through immigration at the border.
Getting Around
Travelling around independently rather than on an organised tour can be a challenge, but adds to the spice of the trip. Distances between major towns and attractions are large, and getting around by car or public transport takes time and patience. Flying is the most comfortable and fastest way of getting around but it is very expensive, and the majority of planes are small ones rather than airliners. However if you have the money to spend then chartering a plane is a fantastic way to see the country. Most rail services are fairly slow too – which at least allows time to enjoy the outstanding scenery.
Many of the roads are in very poor condition. Potholes often take up the entire road, and during the rainy season large sections of the roads wash away. As you move away from city centres, you will probably encounter dirt roads which although they might look solid are often loose gravel, and the chances of an accident are huge. The potholes also make life interesting if travelling on one of the many buses or minibuses which criss-cross the country. Buses serve all the main routes and are cheap but slow. Some routes operate express buses but you pay for the extra comfort and speed. A large number of more remote places are served by minibuses which only run when full – and full means squeezing in as many people and their luggage as possible. Anyone looking for a truly authentic trip through Zambia should try this eventful method of travel.
The main cities offer car rentals; most insist on the driver being 23 or over and having a driving licence written in English. Rental costs are made higher by the likelihood of damage occurring to the vehicle while negotiating the potholed roads. 4WD vehicles are recommended, especially in the wet season, and packing enough supplies to be self-sufficient in an emergency is important.
Hitchhiking is a popular way of getting around in Zambia for those travelling on a budget – beware though, locals usually expect cash in return for a ride.
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Attractions
The main attraction of Zambia is its beauty and its wildness. Offering some of the world’s best safari experiences, in a still unspoilt country where tourists can glimpse the “real” Africa, this is a land to appeal to everyone who loves nature, and adores the sight of wildlife roaming free in their home environment. The welcoming spirit of the people makes you feel instantly comfortable and safe here, and the peace of the surrounding landscape is only disturbed by the songs of the hundreds of varieties of birds that make Zambia their home.
Some of the best game reserves in the world are found here, and can be accessed by joining one of the many tours which offer you accommodation in the midst of the wilderness, For those seeking the sights of the natural world as well as the wildlife, there are tours that traverse remote areas en route to the many waterfalls scattered across the country. Many large and impressive rivers run here, including the Zambezi and the Kalambo, which feeds along the border with Tanzania into Lake Tanganyika, and around17 magnificent waterfalls can be seen, including the Kalambo Falls, and of course the Victoria Falls, or “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and a World Heritage Site. Victoria Falls are around twice as tall as Niagara, and several times longer. While visiting, a trip to Livingstone Island is unmissable – situated in the Zambezi, close to the top of the Falls, trips offer the chance to stand close to the edge of the Falls themselves, and you can swim in the Devil’s Pool, a current-free oasis only feet from the massive drop. Tourists can visit the island on trips from Livingstone. The town sits about 6 miles from the Falls and offers many tours, as well as taxis for those wishing to make their own way there.. There are several lodges along the river fairly near the Falls for those who would like to wake to a fantastic view. Stanley Safari Lodge for one also offers viewing of a waterhole close by, frequented by an elephant herd.
Safari
The main activity here is of course the safari. Among the best offered in Africa, Zambia’s safaris give an opportunity for top quality viewing with some excellent guides. The national parks of Zambia are not too as commercialised yet, so the experience is rugged and close to the wild. The adventures and experiences you will have in the pristine wilderness will make you want to stay longer and experience more of the reserves as they are all very different in character. The thrill of seeing the magnificent animals running untamed in their natural environment will stay with you forever. There is a large variety of safaris to choose from, these are only a few examples.
South Luangwa is one of the most stunning, renowned as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, it covers 9,050 square km and centres around the Luangwa River. Home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife, you will find hippos and crocodiles in the river, elephants and waterbucks on the banks, and herds of buffalo sweeping majestically across the plains. Giraffes, zebras and antelopes abound, and leopards are very common here, running in packs. A birdwatchers paradise, over 400 species have been recorded in the park. Largely a dry woodland park, with the Luangwa River meandering through it, and many small lakes, this safari park is relatively inaccessible so retains the charm of isolation. Night safaris take place here too, which are fairly rare.
The Lower Zambezi National Park offers fishing and canoeing as well as big game watching. Lions, leopards and cheetahs prowl around, and elephants and hippos are much in evidence too. A very remote park, this is best visited on organised safari trips. There are several lodges, offering accommodation and amazing food, throughout the park and pick-ups can be arranged from Lusaka or Chirundu, Again a myriad of birds fill the skies, and a few days and nights here would be a truly amazing experience.
Kafue National Park covers 22,400 square km and ranges from flood plains in the north to desert in the south. Numerous different plants and flowers grow here, forming the perfect backdrop for the wide range of wildlife found here – everything from monkeys to monitor lizards, buffaloes to bush babies can be seen here. Many boat trips are offered here, and there are some brilliant lodges where the staff will wine and dine you after a wonderful day either driving or floating through the park. The north is often impassable in the wet season, so time your visit here carefully.
Most parks offering camping in designated sites, as well as lodges. Most safari packages are based around lodge accommodation though, and offer fully guided tours with drives, walks, and canoe trips through the parks, culminating in evenings sitting around the swimming pools and bars provided by the lodge hosts
Other Activities
A wide range of other activities can be enjoyed here including world class River Rafting on the tumultuous waters below Victoria Falls, and Bungi jumping into the deep gorge, Canoeing and river surfing are also popular, and some say it’s an angler’s dream here as fishermen come from across the world to try their luck on the mighty Zambezi River, hoping to land a tigerfish or a giant vundu. If your preference is for something more relaxing, enjoy the amazing scenery and breath-taking sunsets from a Zambezi Booze Cruise, now offered by several companies at various points on the river.
Microlighting is a great way to see the country from the air, and helicopter rides are available at Victoria Falls. Horse riding can offer an excellent alternative to walking.
For those who like to shop, Lusaka and Livingstone both offer numerous curio shops, and markets selling locally made trinkets. Don’t be afraid to haggle – its natural here, and tourists are expected to join in!
Entertainment
Zambian culture is a mix of indigenous Bantu culture mixed with the influence of the west. The original African culture exists almost unspoilt in the rural areas, whilst the cities have more of a European flavour. Entertainment styles mirror this and the rural districts revel in their festivals and ceremonies. Africans love colourful festivals, and the Zambians display their culture through many festivals and ceremonies. Visiting any festival will be a day to remember, and probably a long hot and tiring day into the bargain, but the experiences gained at traditional festivals like these is one unique to the country. One of the oldest festivals is the Kazanga in the west of the country, which has been celebrated for around 500 years, with dancing, music and ancient ritual ceremonies. The Kuomboka, held in the Western Province is accompanied by a lot of pageantry as it charts the ceremonial migration of the king from his dry season home to that he uses in the wet.. A string of barges floating down the river signify the journey, and are accompanied by music , while everyone partakes of a feast at the end of the trip. Another popular festival is the Day of Mize, where the people of the Zambez Boma area celebrate their cultural heritage. Alongside traditional music and singing, local people display their handicrafts, and dancers recreate events from local myths. More up-to-date, the Livingstone Cultural & Arts Festival brings together the traditional rulers from all the provinces, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of musicians, artists and dramatists. .
Restaurants and Eating
Traditional food in Zambia revolves around maize, served as a kind of porridge called nsima, rolled into balls and dipped into various stew mixtures, which can be vegetarian, or contain chicken, beef or fish, according to taste and affordability. The same mix is often eaten for breakfast in a sweetened form of soup. This cheap meal can be bought in many restaurants, and is ideal if you are travelling on a tight budget.
Western food is growing in popularity here as the tourist trade grows, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone where burgers, pizzas and fried chicken are easily found.. Bakeries are also a common sight in towns nowadays. The restaurant market is opening up in the cities as a result of a growing number of expats living here. Western Sunday brunch at some hotels and Indian restaurants serving excellent curries are examples of the kind of food now available to visitors. If you are at the top end of the market, staying in the game parks which cater for luxury safaris, then excellent high-quality western-style meals await, as this kind of tourism is especially valuable to the country’s economy.
As far as drinks go, you should try the local offerings, which include maheu, a yoghurt-like drink made from maize. Western-style drinks are gradually becoming available, and imported lagers are available for a price. Local brews are also worth sampling - Mosi, While Eagle and Zambezi Lager are tasty and South African Castle is bottled locally and sold widely.
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