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.
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.
Kasama, the capital city of the Northern Province of Zambia, lies at the centre of an important road network providing fast access to the other provinces. Not only a thriving commercial hub, filled with shops, restaurants, services and an airport, the town is also home to some extraordinary natural and cultural attractions. Surrounded by rugged green mountains, lush vegetation, and wide-open plains abundant in wildlife, the area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and those interested in African animals. The nearby Chishimba Falls, regarded by the Bemba people as a highly sacred place, is a spectacular sight to behold - where three successive falls merge into one magnificent display. Close to the falls, the well-preserved Mwela Rock Paintings allow visitors a peek into the thoughts of ancient cave dwellers.
Set at the periphery of the Great Rift Valley, Zambia’s northernmost town, Mbala, is known for its museum, restaurants, and as a base from which to explore the enthralling Kalambo Falls. A magnificent 221-metre-long uninterrupted jet, the waterfall is the second-highest in Africa, and offer a wonderful spot to see rare Maribou storks, which nest in the surrounds. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Mbala Surrender Monument, which marks the spot where German forces formally surrendered, ending World War I in Africa. At Itimbwe Gorge, used as a shelter over many centuries, see Stone Age artefacts including pots, stone tools and more. Other heritage sites include the Mbala Old Prison and the Pioneer Cemetary, where the first colonisers of the area are buried.
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.
