Zambia home to a vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and peoples is also widely-considered to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming nations in the world. Zambia is the land of the legendary African walking safari, the mighty Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness, all in one friendly country.
Waterfalls: Victoria Falls and more
Zambia is one of the most water-rich countries in Africa and her many rivers cascade into fabulous displays of falling water as they wind over the undulating landscape. The most spectacular is of course the not-to-be-missed Victoria Falls, but there are 17 other beautiful falls dotted around the country. Waterfall Tours are becoming a popular trip providing access to these out of the way delights as well as opportunities to see rural village life in Zambia.
Victoria Falls (Musi-O-Tunya in Livingston in Southern Province)
The Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya,’ ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. It is also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
One special vantage point is across the Knife-edge Bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot, where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls Bridge, Devils Pool and the Lookout Tree, both of which command panoramic views across the Main Falls.
Devils Pool
The Devil’s Pool at the Victoria Falls made onto the Tripadvisor’s list of 14 Natural Swimming Pools. During the drier months of the year, May to October, it is possible to walk along the lip of the falls and this can only be done from the Zambian side. After thousands of years of erosion, many rock pools have formed and one of them has formed right on the very edge of the sheer drop.
National Parks in Zambia
Approximately 30 {b0a1206b37d11e7b373b7099a44aba9c9fc40537001c4d6f50c525526377d667} of Zambia’s 752,614 square kilometers is reserved for wildlife. There are 20 national parks and 34 game management areas in the country. South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi rank among the finest game parks in the world.
Luambe, and Lukusuzi Liuwa Plain, West Lunga, Sioma Ngwezi, and Nyika Plateau have substantial wildlife but are still undeveloped. Mosi-oa-Tunya, near Victoria Falls, is regarded as a Zoological park as it has a well managed population of antelope, elephants, giraffe and rhino, but does not have any predators.
Isangano, Lavushi Manda, Lusenga Plain, and Mweru Wantipa have never had management or facilities and have little wildlife but are still worth a visit by intrepid explorers and birdlovers. The newest Park to be proclaimed is Lusaka National Park, just outside the capital. It is currently being developed and will be open in 2014. (www.ZambiaTourism.com).
Click here for the complete list of National Parks in Zambia.