Magnificent Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, is truly awe-inspiring. It is the result of the mighty Zambezi River tumbling to a depth of more than 350 feet and stretching over 1 mile wide. Known by the local people as Mosi-oa-tunya – “The smoke that thunders” – its spray can be seen 18 miles away! The Falls is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, and visitors can easily cross over to experience the view, and partake in activities, on both sides.
Kafue is Zambia’s largest national park, comprising two distinct sections, of which the northern section is the biggest and shelters the highest concentrations of game. Resident species include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and antelope, while hippos and waterbirds thrive in the wetlands of the Busanga Plains. This marshy wilderness extends across approximately 750 square kilometres which, during the rainy season, becomes a veritable deluge. Once the rains cease and the waters subside, a blanket of lush, grassy vegetation if left behind, attracting vast numbers of antelope and other grazers. Several camps are situated in Northern Kafue, offering a variety of accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury.
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.
The Lower Zambezi National Park has a magnificent location, nestled between the mighty Zambezi River and a dramatic escarpment that keeps the wildlife on the plains and woodlands below. With the Mana Pools Reserve on the opposite side of the river (Zimbabwe), the entire area is one enormous wildlife sanctuary, home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, prides of lion, leopards, hyenas, jackals, hippos, crocodile, zebra, and over 400 species of birds. Although not as diverse as many of Zambia’s other parks, what makes experiences here so special is the river that runs through it. With little permanent water, wildlife is concentrated around the Zambezi, offering visitors spectacular opportunities to get close to animals by exploring its many channels, lagoons, islands, and floodplains. Safaris by boat and canoe provide a glimpse of animals grazing and drinking on the riverbanks, or a thrilling chance to approach pods of hippos in their water world, observing them from an entirely different point of view.
