Zambia, a landlinked country nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, beckons with its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Named after the mighty Zambezi River that flows through it, Zambia offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. The tourism industry is a major and growing sector in the country, with Zambia boasting more than 2500 lions, numerous national parks, majestic waterfalls, serene lakes, historic monuments, and the iconic Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls
The Majestic Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls is one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World’ and a must-see highlight for most trips to Zambia. Known by locals as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, this magnificent waterfall straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe at 108 metres in height (almost double the height of Niagara Falls).
The Zambian side of the Falls offers thrilling activities for adrenaline junkies including swimming in the Devil’s Pool (those devil-may-care photos on the edge of the falls are extremely popular with Instagrammers) and guided tours of Livingstone Island.
Visit Livingstone, the tourist capital of Zambia, to frolic in the Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya as it’s known locally. It's one of the largest waterfalls in the world. During the dry months of July and August, take a dip in Devil's Pool - a natural infinity pool that forms at the edge of the falls.
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Other adrenaline-inducing activities include white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, taking a 30-minute micro-flight over the falls, bungee jumping or walking the knife edge bridge to see the permanent rainbow.
For a luxury experience, enjoy a five-course meal aboard the Royal Livingstone express train which passes through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with a pit stop at the Victoria Falls bridge.
Local tip: While in Livingstone, book a workshop in painting, drawing or ceramics with locally based artists Agness and Lawrence Yombwe who run Wayi Wayi gallery. Also pop into the Livingstone Art Gallery for an exhibition, or shop for leather Made in Zambia goods.
Explore Zambia's Rich Wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, visitors to Zambia are spoiled for choice, with 20 national parks and 34 game management areas in the country. Spot species unique to the park, such as the thornicroft giraffe and the blue wildebeest.
Zambia has focused on low volume, positive impact ecotourism to protect its pristine natural resources and uplift local communities across the country. It is a great destination year-round, but if you are looking to do a walking safari it is best to stick to the dry season, from June to November, when temperatures are cooler, the bush is less dense and more suitable for exploration on foot.
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South Luangwa is probably Zambia’s most iconic wildlife haven, known for its high concentration of animals with excellent chances of seeing Africa’s big cats such as leopards. Visitors can also enjoy guided game drives by day, night drives to spot nocturnal animals - and exquisite birdwatching, with over 400 species.
Make your safari sustainable and “silent” by visiting Kafue National Park’s Green Safaris lodges (Chisa Busanga and Ila) where the vehicles run on solar power. Hot air balloon safaris can also be arranged in the park though Wilderness.
While South Luangwa, Kasanka, Kafue and Liuwa parks are the most well-known, there are smaller and less popular parks that deserve a visit.
These include Lavushi Manda, which is a hikers paradise due to its high elevation; Luambe in the Eastern Province of Zambia whose elephant population is rising steadily; and North Luangwa where wild dogs, black rhinos and elephants can be seen.
Planning tip: The most popular time to go on safari in Zambia is July to October which makes for easier sightings of wildlife due to the dry season forcing animals to congregate around water sources.
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Birdlife enthusiasts should visit during the emerald season (November to March), which is also an opportune time to see newborn mammals. It is also the most affordable time to go on safari, although accommodation options are limited because a few areas of parks close because of the rains that make some roads inaccessible.
Wildebeests in Liuwa Plain National Park
Every year, two of Zambia’s national parks host some of the largest mammal migrations in Africa. In late November, thousands of wildebeests appear in the Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia as they adapt to the changing seasons by migrating. This is the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, after Kenya’s. The remote park is never crowded, making this a great alternative to the East African experience in Kenya.
Between October and December, about 10 million fruit bats turn the skies of Kasanka National Park black as they take part in the largest mammal migration in the world.
Planning tip: Combine a safari to Kasanka with other attractions in the area such as the Kundalila Falls and the Nsalu Cave, which features rock paintings dating back 20,000 years. Both sights afford expansive views of the Muchinga escarpment.
Zambia has more than 2500 lions along with several National parks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and historic monuments.
Rivers and Lakes: Water-Based Activities
Africa’s fourth longest river, the Zambezi, offers a unique experience with its combination of land and water-based activities. Here, you can enjoy white-river rafting, gentle river cruises and canoeing, or even try your hand at catch-and release fishing for the famous tiger fish.
Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes at 225 km long and in places up to 40 km wide, offering a relaxing and scenic retreat in what feels more like an ocean.
Located in northern Zambia, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s largest freshwater lake and home to over 350 species of fish. Angling is a popular activity, with a dedicated festival - the Tanganyika Angling Challenge - that takes place every March.
The warm, crystal-clear water makes the lake a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Both activities take place through bookings with Ndole Bay Lodge, the only fully registered dive facility in Zambia.
Planning tip: While in the area, take the Nsumbu island sunset dhow cruise, which passes through the Nsumbu National Park: expect sightings of elephants, zebra and antelopes.
Immerse Yourself in Zambian Culture
Zambia has a population of about 18 million people, who belong to one or more of the country's 73 ethnic groups. Each has an annual traditional festival. Some of the most vibrant include the Kuomboka of the Lozi people, which involves their leader traveling over the Zambezi River on an intricately decorated boat; the Likumbi Lya Mize of the Luvale, which features masked dancers; or the Kulamba festival of the Chewa, which features dancers defying gravity.
Planning tip: Most traditional festivals in Zambia take place from July to October, with the exception of Kuomboka which is at the end of the rainy season in March or April.
Kamwala outdoor market in Lusaka, Zambia's capital
Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, is usually overlooked and used mainly as a transit hub for visitors en route to Victoria Falls or going on a safari. But the town has lots of activities to offer.
Art lovers can support local artists by visiting galleries such as Chena, The Start Foundation and Lechwe Trust. For an in depth view of Zambian history and politics, visit The Lusaka National Museum and Chilenje House 394 - the former home of the country’s first president.
Lusaka National Park is home to an elephant orphanage where guests can drop in during feeding time. This includes performances by local artists of Zambian songs and covers of popular American music.
Discover Zambia’s delicious cuisine by visiting local restaurants or markets. Expect to eat nshima, the staple meal made from corn that can be described as a thicker version of grits. It’s traditionally served with a protein stew and vegetables.
Other must-try items include goat meat stew, ifisashi (green vegetables cooked with a peanut sauce), ifinkubala (deep fried caterpillars) and chikanda (a vegetarian meal made from tubers). Wash it all down with munkoyo, a fermented beverage made from roots and corn.
For the best foodie experience in Lusaka, head to a spot known as Matebeto in the Thornpark area, which is a street lined with outdoor restaurants serving Zambian cuisine. There are also sit-down restaurants such as Twapandula and Mpoto Yathu.
Other Attractions
As one of the largest national parks in Africa, Kafue is a vast wilderness area with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Busanga Plains are known for its large herds of buffaloes and antelope and are an ideal habitat for cheetahs, ensuring great sightings.
Located in the far west region of Zambia, Liuwa is one of the oldest conservancies in the world, dating back to the late 19th century.
TOP 10 BEST PLACE IN ZAMBIA 🇨🇭 Swiss Entertainment 72 🇨🇭
The result of a long-held dream and ambition by its founder, English-born Sir Stuart Gore Browne, Shiwa House is an English manor in Muchinga Province. Browne's descendants still live in the house, but it is available for tours and has an impressive library. A natural hot spring, Kapishya, is nearby on the estate, as well as an old post office.
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