Destination - Zambia
About
Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. On its border with Zimbabwe is famed Victoria Falls – indigenously called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “Smoke That Thunders” – plunging a misty 108m into narrow Batoka Gorge. Spanning the Zambezi River just below the falls is Victoria Falls Bridge, a spectacular viewpoint.
Quick Facts
Capital: Lusaka
Major languages: English (official),Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba,
Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZMK)
Area: total: 752,618 sq km
Climate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)
Population: 17.09 million (2017)
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls-One of the old seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is without a doubt the most popular safari destinations in the whole of Zambia and with good reason. With not only the Falls and the Zambezi River on offer, there are countless adventure activities to be had; from River rafting to bungee jumping and helicopter flights to canoeing all the way through to elephant back riding. Victoria Falls is without doubt as popular as Cape Town, the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.
South Luangwa
South Luangwa-Undoubtedly one of the greatest wildlife centres in the world.There are very few national parks in Africa that come close to it in terms of wildlife numbers and sightings, it is truly a photographers paradise. You can find wildlife which is unique to this valley. For example Thornycroft giraffes, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra. For the birders out there, the South Luangwa offers a paradise all of its own with over 400 bird species to be found. The park itself covers 9050 square kilometres and interestingly only became a national Park in 1972.
Kafuwe National Park
Kafue National Park-Kafue is Zambia’s largest National Park, roughly the same size as Wales in the United Kingdom. For reasons more to do with marketing and less with experience, the Kafue National Park is not as popular as either the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks and which consequently offers the visitor a more exclusive experience. The Busanga Plains found in the north of the park offer fantastic wildlife and birdlife along with luxury lodges, combining to offer a truly memorable safari adventure. The Busanga Plains are famous for their lion, leopard and cheetah sightings along with large herds of buffalo and antelope. We would highly recommend adding the Kafue National Park to any Safari itinerary within Zambia.
Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba-Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man made dam and can be found along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 220 km’s long and 40 km’s wide covering a total of 5580 km², the lake needs to be seen to be believed. Certainly one of the more photographic areas within Zambia with classic African sunsets against the backdrop of water and the African bush. One of the main attractions of Lake Kariba is the fantastic game fishing on offer, especially tiger fish. Accommodation is either in lodges or houseboats on the lake itself. We would highly recommend a few nights on a houseboat.
Zambezi River
Zambezi River-Is the fourth longest river in Africa, has its source in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the eastern border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and ends up penetrating into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. The river plays host to the mighty Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba and flows past the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. Activities that she offers include canoeing, whitewater rafting, some of the finest fishing in Africa, as well as superb wildlife and birdlife. All of the above locations are highly recommended by the Uyaphi team, as all are easily accessible when on a scheduled or tailor-made Zambian safari.
