Country guides
Africa
Things to do in Zambia
Zambia offers some of southern Africa's most impressive natural attractions and adventure experiences. Tourism is focused on key destinations such as Lake Kariba, known for fishing, boating, safaris and houseboat cruises, and Livingstone, the main access point to Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Popular activities include bungee jumping, white-water rafting, scenic flights and wildlife boat tours. Zambia is also home to renowned wildlife areas such as Kafue, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kasanka.
While rural roads can be difficult to navigate, the main travel routes, including the one between Lusaka and Livingstone, are generally in fair to good condition. Most major destinations are reasonably accessible by car or tour operator.
Livingstone and Lusaka are the country's most developed hubs. Lusaka is not typically a major tourist draw, but it has its own appeal. Visitors can explore street and craft markets, the Lusaka National Museum, galleries and a growing nightlife and food scene. There are also nearby wildlife attractions such as Lusaka National Park, Munda Wanga, Kalimba Reptile Park and Chaminuka Game Reserve.
Museums in both Lusaka and Livingstone are worth visiting. The Livingstone Museum is the oldest and largest in the country, while Lusaka's National Museum has exhibits on history, culture and art.
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest protected areas, covering about 8,650 square miles (22,400 square kilometres), which is roughly the size of Wales. Much of it remains…
Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of Africa's largest protected areas, covering about 8,650 square miles (22,400 square kilometres), which is roughly the size of Wales. Much of it remains wild and lightly explored, offering an authentic African wilderness experience. Although the park's headquarters are in the south (at Ngoma), that southern region is far less visited and generally more remote. The real highlight is the northern flooded grasslands, including the famed Busanga Plains and Swamp. During the dry season, these wetlands attract vast herds of antelope and buffalo, alongside lions, leopards, cheetahs and a staggering bird population (nearly 500 species). It's a highly prized wildlife destination for adventurous travellers.
Website www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/national-parks/kafue-national-park/
Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial city on the southern border of Zambia. Also known as Maramba, the town was incorporated as part of Northern Rhodesia under British mining magnate…
Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial city on the southern border of Zambia. Also known as Maramba, the town was incorporated as part of Northern Rhodesia under British mining magnate and politician, Cecil John Rhodes, and gained prominence in the 19th century as a trading hub for passage across the Zambezi River. As trade and industry in the region have declined, the town has embraced the tourist trade that comes naturally to it. Located just six miles (10km) from the Zambezi River, Livingstone is a popular gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls and has benefitted from the hordes of tourists that flock there every year. Its colonial past means the city has a number of historical buildings, and several decent museums.
Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, and a very popular tourist destination in Zambia (and Zimbabwe). A number of game and safari parks ring the lake on both th…
Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, and a very popular tourist destination in Zambia (and Zimbabwe). A number of game and safari parks ring the lake on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, and tour operators offer a number of water activities, such as boat and pontoon cruises. The best way to experience the vast body of water is to hire a houseboat, though there are a variety of accommodation options for those who prefer to sleep on land, including campsites, luxury lodges and self-catering chalets. All budgets will find something on offer. Lake Kariba is an excellent place to see wildlife, but foreigners should be wary of hippo and crocodiles when swimming in Kariba, and on the banks.
Website www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/lakes/lake-kariba/
Victoria Falls
The majestic Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), are located on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explorer David Livingstone named th…
Victoria Falls
The majestic Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), are located on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explorer David Livingstone named the falls for Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the falls have been attracting travellers and adventure seekers for decades; its pounding waters creating a mist that can be seen for miles and the sound of the falls, especially in the rainy season (November to April), make it difficult to hear anything else. There's a trail that runs along the cliff adjacent to the waterfall, which visitors can use to reach the scenic viewpoints, and a helicopter tour is a phenomenal way to see the falls from above.