The journey starts in Lusaka
The capital of Zambia, Lusaka, is a rapidly developing center with about 3 million residents. Most tourists arrive at Lusaka International Airport and stop in town for a couple of days before proceeding to the country’s natural attractions.
The city offers good shopping. There are local shops in the malls, but also some international brands. Crafts and art should be bought at the markets, where you can enjoy an authentic Zambian atmosphere at the same time. When moving in Lusaka, it is good to remember to take care of your valuables, as pickpocketing is common.
Zambian culture and history can be explored at the National Museum. The most interesting in the museum is the extensive collection of contemporary Zambian art.
Lusaka’s restaurant offer is varied. The stomach can be filled with both local as well as Chinese or Indian food. Steakhouses and Western food can be found mainly in the context of large hotels. There are nightclubs in the town, but the best parties are at a street party frequented by locals.
A little outside of the Lusaka for about half an hour’s drive away lies a few natural site. Crocodiles and snakes can be explored at Kalimba Reptile Park. Munda Wangan Environmental Park has a large botanical garden and wildlife. At the elephant orphanage in Lilay you can visit the little elephants every day.
Lusaka’s accommodation offer is one of the most diverse in the country. Alternatives can be found from hostels favored by backpackers to international five-star hotels.
Historic Livingstone attracts with its recreational opportunities
Livingstone is the tourist center of Zambia. Several tourists use the historic city, named after Dr. David Livingstone, as their base when traveling to Victoria Falls.
The city is especially popular with adrenaline-hungry people. Everything from rafting to bungee jumping and small plane flights to horse riding trips are available. Fishing trips on the Sambesi River are also popular. Livingstone also has a full-service golf course.
Those looking for a quieter trip can visit the city’s museums and take a steam train ride. There are shopping opportunities from small boutiques to local markets.
The city’s accommodation and restaurant services are varied and plentiful. The distances are short, so everything is within walking distance of each other.
Victoria Falls enchant with its beauty
Named after Queen Victoria, the 1.7-kilometer-wide waterfalls are located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The locals call the falls descriptive name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means a roaring fog. Victoria Falls is the only Zambia site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
These 108 meter high waterfalls offer the traveler a different experience depending on the time of travel. The best time to travel to the waterfalls is from June to September, when there is still plenty of water in the waterfalls, but the water mist does not completely obscure the visibility. During the flood season in March-April, visibility is good only from the air. In November-December, there is no water at all in the waterfalls. It is safe to go to the foot of the waterfalls by boat only during the dry season.
In addition to watching the scenery, there is a lot of activity in the area of the waterfalls. There are various walking trails with lions, cheetahs and elephants. Those looking for a faster pace can jump on a bungee, go down a rapids or take a swim trip to the nearby water pools.
The easiest way to get to the waterfalls is to take a day trip or rent a car. You can also stay in the vicinity of the waterfalls.
Spend warm days on Lake Karibajärvi
According to countryaah, Lake Karibajärvi is the largest artificial lake in Africa. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the lake is about 220 kilometers long and in some places up to 40 kilometers wide. Its power plant produces electricity for both states. There are also many fishermen in the area.
On the shores of the lake you can spend relaxing sunny days camping or camping. Houseboats are also available for rent to sail on the lake. These are especially popular during the full moon.
Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes. In addition, the lake also offers a variety of water sports such as surfing and kayaking.
Hike in Zambia’s oldest national park, Kafue
Short for ZWB by abbreviationfinder, Zambia’s oldest national park, Kafue, is also the largest in the country. It is less than a three-hour drive west of Lusaka. The park is huge, over 20,000 square miles in size and part of it is yet to be fully explored.
The park has several campsites where you can stay from luxury cottages to tents. During the rainy season, the park becomes difficult to navigate and some of the campsites close. It is also good to book accommodation in advance during the dry season. When booking accommodation, you should check what is included, as some prices include excursions to the park area.
The park is home to nearly 500 species of birds and a wide variety of antelopes. Kafue is one of the best places in Africa to see a leopard. On the Kafue River, you can go on a boat safari to fish and spot hippos. You can also explore the park from the air with small plane flights or hot air ballooning.
Hike in South Luangwa National Park
There are three nature parks along the Luangwa River, the southernmost of which is especially known for its walking safaris. In the park you can see more than 60 different species of animals, such as giraffes, elephants and buffalo. The park is also the dream of a bird bongar, with over 400 different species of birds living there.
The best time to travel to the park depends on what you want to see. During the dry season, April to October is the best time to observe wildlife. The vegetation is then low and the animals gather to drink by the pools. Just before the rainy season in November and immediately afterwards in March is the best time to watch birds.
In the park, accommodation takes place in cottages or tents. Some campsites are open all year round.
THE BEST OF ZAMBIA
Experience these in Zambia
- Excursion to Victoria Falls
- Bird watching in South Luangwa National Park
- A night on a houseboat in Lake Karibjärvi
- Shopping in Lusaka’s markets
- Extreme sports in Livingstone
The disadvantages of Zambia
- No direct flights from Finland
- Roads in very poor condition in places
- Pocket thefts are common
- The risk of malaria is high