According to some contemporary scientists, Zambia is the cradle of humanity. Some prehistoric discoveries indicate that man inhabited these lands at least 200,000 years ago. Zambia is a country that evokes many different feelings at the same time.
On the one hand, there are the strong and extraordinary sensations of discovering so many natural beauties, sports activities, adrenaline and mixed cultures, and on the other hand, on the contrary, the impression of inner peace invades the visitors by going through vast and empty places that stop time and offer precious moments for personal introspection and meditation.
The country is mostly arid and hot, overflowing with land uninhabited by men, but where lions and leopards, elephants, giraffes and zebras maintain their kingdom. Covered by the savannah, Zambia invites you on safari excursions, extremely rich and varied escapades: try the famous safari on foot, or by car and canoe.
Meet some very warm and welcoming locals. Zambia is a safe country in southern Africa (unlike some of its neighbours), where time flows more slowly to the rhythms of the drum. Waterfalls, swamps, countless lakes, tribes with multicoloured rituals, wild animals, preserved nature, magnificent landscapes... There is enough to fill your holidays!
Our favourites: the waterfalls (Ngambwe Rapids and Cahvuma Falls), the South Luangwa National Park, Lake Tanganyka and the plains (Liuva, and Isangavo). As far as historic monuments are concerned, there are not many. If you can, at least visit Livingstone Memorial. Victoria Falls, however, is the country's greatest beauty and there are 17 other remarkable waterfalls. The Zambezi River, which is here a real border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, then shows all its magnanimity and strength. From the plateau, it throws itself into the 1700 meters wide void, its jet sometimes reaches nearly 110 meters in height. This creates a misty universe, which is at the origin of his first name Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning "the smoke that roars" in the local language. But then the falls were given another name, as a sign of respect for Queen Victoria (United Kingdom). By visiting the site you will understand why these spectacular waters are on UNESCO's World Heritage List...
Many unusual and exotic activities are offered in Zambia. Would a bungee-jumping make you dream? Feel the moisture and strength of the water from Victoria Falls. A jump to this place will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. You can also go kayaking, rafting or canoeing in the Zambezi Gorge a little further down the river.
Apart from water sports, the country also offers countless safaris, as mentioned above, which take you into the bush in the footsteps of the savannah fauna. The capital Lusaka is perhaps the closest to Western cities. Even if it tries to preserve its traditions, its rituals and the common festivals, it begins to give a more and more important place to the big shopping centres and to modern urbanism. You can for example buy beautiful bags, unique pieces, because the city is famous as the best basketry in Africa.
The best time to get away to Zambia extends from April to the end of September when the heavy rainy season begins. Otherwise, the country enjoys a tropical climate, so you will never really be cold. This African country has a rail and road network, but their condition is not always perfect. Try to stay on the main roads. (Mini)buses and taxis are accessible in larger cities and are often blue in colour. In Zambia, you can often rent a car with a driver, who will be able to explain the particularities of the cities or their stories.
Art and Culture in Zambia
Thanks to multiple tribes scattered throughout Zambia, traditional culture is very varied and often links knots with nature. Folkloric dances and songs, accompanied by drums or silimba, are part of people's daily lives and are declined as well in nostalgic songs as in cries and energetic movements, driven by joy. However, the "Western" way of life gradually penetrates these places. So you can also go to discotheques in the largest Zambian cities. In memory of your trip to Zambia, Take an object from the local craft industry very widespread.
What to visit in Zambia
Victoria Falls, Lusaka - the capital (presidential palace, Findeco House skyscraper, Kamwala market, Zintu community museum, Lusaka National Museum, Holy Cross Cathedral, park), La Copperbelt area, other cities - Livingstone, Kabwe, Ndola, Mkushi, Kasumbalesa, Kitwe, Isoka, Kapiri Mposhi, Mansa, Chipata, Mpika, Kasama, Nchelenje, Serenje, national parks (Kafue), Chimfunshi (chimpanzees), the longest river in the country - Zambezi, lakes (Tanganyika, Bangweulu, Kariba, Mweru), Shiwa Ngandu, museums - Copperbelt, Livingstone, Moto Moto, Nayuma ; numerous safaris, waterfalls Cahvuma Falls, Ngambwe Rapids, Kasanga Falls, Wonder Gorge. Caves with Nsalu and Nachikufu paintings, Fort Monze.
Gastronomic specialities in Zambia
Zambia is not a country for lovers of fine dining or luxury restaurants. However, local cuisine can be very tasty. It includes many products, such as meat (especially chicken and beef), vegetables (impwa, cabbage, okra, onion, avocado...), fish (breams, mpasa and others). Potatoes and maize are processed in many ways and regularly accompany Zambian dishes (e.g. nsima). Dare the finkubala, the mopane worms, a great specialty of the country. To refresh yourself, do not hesitate to savour the fruits of the season, sweet, ripe and succulent: oranges, watermelons, mangoes, bananas, pineapples...