Country guides
Africa
Things to do in Zambia
Zambia introduces foreigners to some of the best natural attractions and adventurous activities the continent has to offer. Tourism is concentrated around a few major sights, such as Lake Kariba, which is a hub for fishing, boating, wildlife safaris and watersports, and Livingstone, the gateway to the wonders of Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River. Zambia also has some excellent wildlife reserves.
The country's poor roads make accessing certain areas difficult, though Livingstone and the capital city, Lusaka, are both fairly well developed. Lusaka is not a popular tourist destination in itself, but many travellers pass through the sprawling city and it is quite an experience. The markets and nightlife can be exciting and fun, and there are a number of small museums to visit. Zambia is accessible to both budget travellers and those in search of luxury, with Livingstone in particular boasting both great backpacker hostels and incredible luxury hotels.
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in Africa, spanning a diverse 8,650 square miles (22,400 sq km), which makes it roughly the size of Wales. Vast swathes of…
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in Africa, spanning a diverse 8,650 square miles (22,400 sq km), which makes it roughly the size of Wales. Vast swathes of Kafue have yet to be explored and developed, so it's a wonderful destination for those who want a real African adventure. Although the headquarters of the park are in the south, the southern region is actually less visited and more rundown; the real gem of the park is the flooded grasslands ecoregion in the north, which includes the Busanga Swamp. These rich lands support large herds of herbivores and their natural predators and the area is also noted for its birdlife.
Website www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/national-parks/kafue-national-park
Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial city on the southern border of Zambia. Also known as Maramba, the town was incorporated as part of Northern Rhodesia under British mining magnate…
Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial city on the southern border of Zambia. Also known as Maramba, the town was incorporated as part of Northern Rhodesia under British mining magnate and politician, Cecil John Rhodes, and gained prominence in the 19th century as a trading hub for passage across the Zambezi River. As trade and industry in the region have declined, the town has embraced the tourist trade that comes naturally to it. Located just six miles (10km) from the Zambezi River, Livingstone is a popular gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls and has benefitted from the hordes of tourists that flock there every year. Its colonial past means the city has a number of historical buildings, and several decent museums.
Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, and a very popular tourist destination in Zambia (and Zimbabwe). A number of game and safari parks ring the lake on both th…
Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, and a very popular tourist destination in Zambia (and Zimbabwe). A number of game and safari parks ring the lake on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, and tour operators offer a number of water activities, such as boat and pontoon cruises. The best way to experience the vast body of water is to hire a houseboat, though there are a variety of accommodation options for those who prefer to sleep on land, including campsites, luxury lodges and self-catering chalets. All budgets will find something on offer. Lake Kariba is an excellent place to see wildlife, but foreigners should be wary of hippo and crocodiles when swimming in Kariba, and on the banks.
Website www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/lakes/lake-kariba
Victoria Falls
The majestic Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), are located on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explorer David Livingstone named th…
Victoria Falls
The majestic Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), are located on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explorer David Livingstone named the falls for Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the falls have been attracting travellers and adventure seekers for decades; its pounding waters creating a mist that can be seen for miles and the sound of the falls, especially in the rainy season (November to April), make it difficult to hear anything else. There is a trail that runs along the cliff adjacent to the waterfall, which visitors can use to reach the scenic viewpoints, and a helicopter tour is a phenomenal way to see the falls from above.