Lusaka, Zambia’s cosmopolitan capital, is a typical modern African city. Set on open plains at the heart of the country, the city serves as Zambia’s rapidly developing economic and transport hub with new buildings popping up everywhere and many chain stores and shopping malls springing up all over the sprawling suburbs. Lusaka’s wide, tree-lined boulevards feature a range of tourist facilities including hotels, guest houses, coffee shops, fast food outlets, nightclubs and pubs. Visitor attractions include the Henry Tayali Gallery, showcasing local artworks; The National Museum, covering Zambia's colonial history, village life, and witchcraft; Lilayi Elephant Orphanage; and a number of colourful markets. Don’t miss the popular Munda Wanga Environmental Park where you will find a Wildlife Park and Sanctuary, Botanical Gardens and an Environmental Education Centre
Kasanka National Park is one of the most picturesque parks in Zambia and is open all year round. It contains a rich diversity of animal, bird and plant life including several rare species including sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross’s Lourie and Blue Monkeys. Kasanka is also host to a unique congregation of several million straw-coloured fruitbats every November and December. Witness this spectacle of these bats at dusk and dawn, filling the skies as far as the eye can see. Kasanka also offers a variety of activities including cycling, canoeing, guided walks, game drives, bat experiences and more. Various outings to the surrounding areas can be arranged and visits to interesting sites such as the David Livingstone Memorial, Nsalu Caves decorated by ancient rock paintings and the tumbling Kundalila Falls.
Bangweulu - which translates to "where the water meets the sky" in the local Bemba language - is a lush wetland consisting of floodplains, seasonally flooded grasslands, miombo woodlands, and swamps fed by a host of rivers and drained by the Luapula, one of the tributaries of the Congo. Wildlife enthusiasts fortunate enough to visit can look out for the sitatunga, the shoebill, serval, puku, impala, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck and the iconic black lechwe. The grey-blue waters of Lake Bangweulu are home to abundant fish, the main catch being Cichlids (bream, tigerfish, yellow belly) and catfish. Sunrise over the Bangweulu wetlands guarantees the most stunning start to the day, and it is a place which will resonate with you long after you leave.
This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenalin pumping adventure sports, a variety of fascinating cultural activities, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks.
Spend your evenings enjoying the spectacular site of the world’s largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, while sipping on sundowners after an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River.
If that sounds a little too adventurous for your taste, take a houseboat cruise along the exquisite Lake Kariba while watching wild elephants drink at the riverbank as you try your hand at catching the elusive tiger fish.
However you choose to spend your time in this unique country, you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon to this exceptionally beautiful Southern African country.
Situated on the Ngona River in Luapula Province, Zambia, the Ntumbachushi Falls run over the edge of the northern Zambian plateau into the Luapula River Valley. The falls consists of several water pools and rapids leading to the main falls with a 30-metre drop. This very picturesque waterfall was believed to be a sanctuary of spirits and the waters of the Ng’ona River are seen as sacred. The waterfall serves as an important shrine for the Lunda and Chishinga people of Luapula Province. Visitors can look forward to spotting an array of birdlife and wildlife, camping under the African night sky, and discovering the natural landscapes surrounding the magnificent Ntumbachushi Falls.
The longest arm of Africa’s second-longest river, the Congo, is Lake Mweru, an enthralling freshwater lake dividing Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its soft, sandy beaches, pretty vegetation, abundant wildlife and traditional fishing villages on its shores, the lake beckons to travellers seeking a beautiful natural location and a cultural experience. Take ferry rides to the pretty islands, or simply paddle out to see the vast expanse and watch the sun go down. The lake is ideal for fishing, with its large schools swimming in from the Luapula and Kalungwishi Rivers. See herds of buffalo and camp along the shore in the Mweru Wantipa National Park, or see wildebeest, impala, zebra and elephant at the Lusenga Plain National Park.
Situated in the Northern Province, the Lumangwe and Kabwelume waterfalls are set on the Kalungwishi River, which borders the Luapula Province. The Kabwelume Waterfalls are located just 6 kilometres downstream from the magnificent Lumangwe Falls on the western plains of Lusenga Plains National Park. Both waterfalls are said to look like a smaller version of the world-famous Victoria Falls, with the Kabwelume Waterfalls measuring just 35 metres high and 100 metres across, and the Lumangwe Falls measuring between 30-40 metres high and 160 metres across. Nature lovers can look forward to overnight camping under the stars, spotting an array of wildlife and exploring the walking trails traversing the scenic surrounding rainforest.
Lake Tanganyika's warm waters lap its Zambian banks, offering a world of activities, scenery and attractions on the longest freshwater lake and the second-deepest lake in the world. This vast inland sea is filled with colourful tropical fish, a fantastic location for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, tubing, a sunset cruise, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Lodges provide a range of services, facilities and lessons for these activities. Nsumbu National Park on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika encompasses some 100 kilometres of the lake's most pristine shoreline and boasts a scenic landscape of a verdant valley, swamps, a hidden waterfall, various wildlife and lodges eager to cater to the adventurous.
Surrounding the Lake Shiwa Ngandu, Ishiba Ng'Andu Nature Reserve offers a landscape of hills, lush tropical vegetation and ancient archaeological sites. Relax in the warm bubbles of the Kapishya natural hot spring, picnic on its white sands or watch where it becomes the glorious Chusa Falls, plummeting down into rapids which provide a perfect spot for rafting. Hikers can take the three-hour climb up Nachipala Bareback Hill to see unrivalled vistas of Lake Shiwa Ngandu, where later they can enjoy a range of boat tours for some excellent birdwatching and fishing. Visit an iron age archaeological site, visit the local farms, explore the area on horseback, or go searching for a glimpse of the rare Sitatunga antelope and tiny Blue Duiker.
Mutinondo Wilderness is an area of breathtaking vast green plains and rocky hills located in the Muchinga Province, on a plateau 30 kilometres west of the Luangwa Valley. The landscape is decorated with gorgeous wildflowers and the miombo woodland and is home to an abundance of animal species. This important conservation area boasts around 1600 documented plant species, a diversity of birdlife, and wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventure. Climb the dramatic granite inselbergs; explore the area on horseback; hike, run, or cycle up to 70 kilometres of beautiful trails; take a guided mushroom picking tour or swim and canoe in the numerous crystal-clear rivers and pools. Animal lovers will delight in the chance to see the elusive and majestic Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Bordering the Luangwa River, the northern and southern Luangwa National Parks contain some of the most breathtaking and untouched wilderness in Africa. As a result of this and the parks’ successful anti-poaching campaigns, the area has developed into a world-renowned wildlife haven. The South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safari, which allows visitors to view elephant, hippo and even lion close-up under the supervision of professional and knowledgeable armed guides.
