You don’t want to miss out on Zambia, an amazing African nation that has Kafue National Park, the South Luangwa region, and other incredible safari sites. Its walking safaris are world-renowned, so you can count on them being excellent. Some people even believe that Zambia is Africa’s bestkept secret, with its numerous undeveloped wild areas!
Zambia is a landlocked country with flat terrain and valleys, hills, and mountains. The Zambezi River runs through the nation, as it does with many other countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana Zimbabwe Mozambique Malawi and Tanzania.
Northern Zambia boasts three lovely natural lakes, including Bangweulu and Mweru (shared with the DR Congo), which are each around 400 miles long. Lake Tanganyika’s southern section is one of the world’s deepest natural lakes, measuring 400 miles in length. The magnificent Victoria Falls greet you further down the road.
As one of the last remaining areas of true wilderness in Africa, Zambia is home to abundant wildlife and friendly people. The country’s miombo woodlands, large lakes, and vast floodplains are truly a sight to behold.
Climate
Zambia has three very different seasons, each one with its own weather and activities.
The best months to visit the area are from December through April, when temperatures range between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. From May to August, it’s dry and chilly; however, prepare for cooler conditions as the season draws to a close. September through November is usually hot and dry, although expect even more scorching days as we approach winter’s end.
The average temperature in Zambia during the summer season is 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius). However, the heat can be more intense in some areas, such as valleys. The winter season’s average temperature is 43-75 degrees Fahrenheit (6-24 Celsius) across most of the country.
The dry season is the best time to spot animals in their natural environment, since there is less vegetation and more chances for sightings. Keep in mind that even though it may seem like it’s cold all year, nights are chilly all year round.
History
Zambia has been inhabited for 3 million years, according to archaeological evidence. The centuries-long Stone Age ended when northern African immigrants arrived between 300 BC and 400 AD.
Significant changes arrived when European traders landed in the 15th century, slavery became prevalent, and the early 19th century brought Zulu migrants from Southern Africa.
English explorers also began expeditions into the interior from Southern Africa, starting yet another new era. This time period culminated in British colonial rule for Northern Rhodesia—as the country was known then.
After copper was discovered in the late 1920s, this part of the world became famous. It wasn’t until 1964 that independence and membership of the Commonwealth came about.
Population
Zambia is home to more than 70 tribes and a population of 10 million people. The majority of people live in urban areas.
The people of Zambia are some of the friendliest around, and they’re always happy to discuss other cultures as well as talk about their own country. If you find yourself in a bind on the side of the road, many villagers near major roads will help you out for a reasonable price – especially if it’s raining!
Culture
More often than not, people who dwell in cities are the first to have progressive ideas and start new trends. On the other hand, out in rural areas among different tribes, tradition is still king.
However, today’s customs are uncommon to see, yet they should not be overlooked; the ceremonies are colorful and meaningful, making a photographer’s paradise!
The Zambians love music and there are several types of musical instruments in use today, many of which are used for ceremonial or community communication. The hand piano, silima (xylophone), and a wide range of drums are examples of traditional musical instruments still utilized in Zambia. Traditional dancing is also an important aspect of Zambian culture.
The people of Zambia are creatively inclined, with some beautiful basketry produced in the west regions. Traditional pottery shaping and firing is still done by many individuals. Even in big cities, you’ll discover inventive talent using modern materials to turn regular objects into something fresh and useful.
Touring Zambia
TRAVEL BY AIR: By air, distances are enormous, and most visitors take advantage of scheduled and charter flights. Because departure taxes are not collected on international or domestic airline tickets purchased in the United States or abroad, passengers will be required to pay US dollars at domestic and international airports if they do not have foreign currency with them.
ROAD TRAVEL: The left side of the road is reserved for driving. On national highways and secondary roads, drivers must maintain a speed of 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour), unless otherwise indicated. In cities, the maximum speed limit is 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).
When it rains, many rural roads are impassable, but some may be traveled on with ordinary vehicles. An off-road vehicle is required to visit the more attractive locations, however. Spares, water, and other essentials such as rope and a spotlight should all be included on road excursions.
Please note that road conditions are ever-changing and not always perfect. Although we continuously make repairs, it is still best to use caution while driving. Possible obstacles on the roads include potholes, wildlife crossings, pedestrians, vehicles without headlights, broken-down cars, and poor driving habits.
Petrol is easy to come by in most towns, but prices will go up the further away you get from the railway line. It’s always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand just in case. Make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork with you, including an International drivers license or a SADC licence. Keep it safe and easily accessible.
In Lusaka,To avoid car theft, follow these preventative measures: never leave your vehicle unsupervised and make sure that nothing visible is left inside the car at any time.
BUS SERVICES: There are frequent local, clean bus services from Lusaka to all major towns. Minibuses and taxis (all blue) can be chartered as needed, and visitors may also negotiate a private hire with the driver. International services depart for Harare and Johannesburg.
TRAIN SERVICES: Between Livingstone and Lusaka, Lusaka to the Copperbelt (Kitwe) and Kapiri Mposhi are the main train routes. Visitors should reserve a family compartment in First Class for overnight trips and bring their own foodstuffs (water for drinking and cleaning as well as food). The trains are rather scruffy and unkempt, but the linen is clean.
Adventure Sports in Zambia
The Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and Batoka Gorge offer a wide range of heart pumping adventure activities. In this magnificent region, visitors will discover everything they could want and more.
Travellers may white water raft over 1323 angry rapids in a single day, followed by bungi jumping. There are extended river trips in Zambia for the adrenaline junkies, including complete spectrum rafting and camping under the stars to prepare for another day of action.
Activities at the resort include river boarding, abseiling, and gorge swinging. There are regular kayak and canoe trips, horseback trails, and Microlight, helicopter, and fixed wing flights over Victoria Falls and the Batoka Gorge. Quadbiking is also offered.
If you’re a scuba diving lover who wants to improve your skills and explore the world, come on down to Lake Tanganyika. It’s the biggest freshwater lake in the world, and we offer plenty of courses on the Zambian side where you can swim among stunning fish.
