Zambia is a country that is slightly off the tourist radar but it won’t be for long. This country will really surprise you and there are so many spectacular tourist sites that are really popular with international visitors.
Zambia is a former British colony and most people in the country do speak English which makes travelling here easier.
The country itself is landlocked with much of the territory being a high plain, with several large rivers flowing through the country, making for some stunning landscapes.
The natural resources in Zambia have been used to help drive the country’s political stability over recent years, with copper exports helping to develop the growth in the country’s economy.
Now don’t leave Zambia without visiting these locations.
1. Visit Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls is probably the most iconic image of Zambia that visitors will be familiar with even before they visit the country, and this is a particularly popular place to visit during the rainy season when the falls thunder in full force.
The falls themselves are considered to be the largest in the world, with the water falling over a hundred meters over the cliffs that are over a mile wide, making for a truly remarkable sight. In the rainy season the water pouring over the waterfalls produces clouds of spray that can be seen over thirty miles away, and is a stunning sight.
The ‘Devil’s Pool’ is an interesting phenomenon at the top of the falls, with a rock face and low currents making it possible for visitors to swim in this natural pool at the top of the falls only a few feet away from the edge. The falls are also a popular visitor attraction on clear nights, where the spray is caught in the moonlight, making a ‘moonbow’.
2. White Water Rafting
If you are looking for adventure, be sure to book a Zambezi rafting trip. The Zambezi River located below Victoria Falls is considered to be the best white water rafting destination on the planet!
3. Take A Safari In South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park is in the east of Zambia, and is one of the best safari destinations in Africa due to the variety of animal species that are resident in the area.
As with many safari trips, seeing big game animals is one of the main attractions, and with a population of hippos, lions, elephants and buffalo, it offers a great spectacle, especially with the pods of hippos and large herds of buffalo providing a particularly majestic spectacle.
The Mfuwe Lodge is a very interesting place to stay, as its proximity to a wild mango tree brings a herd of elephants to the site to enjoy the mangoes.
4. Ride The Royal Livingstone Express
As a former British colony Zambia has a railway network which can be used for passenger trains, although the majority of the traffic on the lines is freight. The Royal Livingstone Express is one of the most impressive trains in Africa, offering a luxury dining experience while carrying visitors through some beautiful surroundings behind one of the line’s steam engines. One of the best trips offered in these immaculately restored trains is a trip up to the Victoria Falls bridge, which offers a remarkable view of the falls from the old fashioned luxury of the carriages.
5. Go Shopping In Lusaka
Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia and the economic driving force in the country, and it is also a great place to go shopping for just about anything you would want. While there are two western style malls available, it is in the markets of the city where you will find the most interesting goods. The Soweto Market and the Lusaka City Market are largely for the locals rather than visitors, selling everyday essential, while the Dutch Reformed Church Market and the Kabwata Cultural Village are great places for those looking for souvenirs or African art.
Hopefully we have inspired you to consider Zambia are your next destination. This country gets a fraction of the tourists of South Africa, but book a trip and you will really fall in love with Zambia! Be sure to learn some Swahili phrases before departing too.
