Zambia is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding destinations, offering dramatic waterfalls, wildlife-rich national parks, rivers, markets and unique natural spectacles. From the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River to walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, there are many unforgettable things to do in Zambia. This guide highlights six experiences to consider when planning your journey.
Zambia is an amazing country in Central to Southern Africa, bordering on Zimbabwe along the mighty Zambezi River this country boasts host to a variety of diverse and interesting sights and a multitude of animals and plants. There are many amazing experiences to be had in Zambia this list hopes to narrow your choices down to a manageable list and to give you a few ideas for your travel plans.
It is, as always, important to mention at the beginning of this article that Zambia does fall into a malaria area and it is therefore vital that you consult your doctor before booking your trip.
Visit Victoria Falls
The first destination on my list has got to be the Victoria Falls. No trip to Zambia is complete without seeing this massively majestic natural waterfall. Whether you see it from a boat or the bridge this waterfall is an absolute must see for anyone who is visiting this country. The Victoria Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River forms part of the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. There are so many different ways to experience the Victoria Falls and the surrounding areas, the most popular of which is by helicopter flight over the falls ( Flight of Angels ). There are also a few more extreme activities for the adrenaline junkies among us, such as bungee jumping.
Explore the Saturday Dutch Market
Held on the last Saturday of each month this arts and crafts market is a highly popular tourist attraction. This market allows tourists to join the people and is a great experience for people of all ages. It is the largest arts and crafts market in Zambia and is well attended so we recommend that you arrive early to avoid disappointment. This market is the perfect place to hunt for gifts to take back with you as many of the crafts sold at the market are handmade, often with recycled material.
Experience the Zambezi River
The lower Zambezi River is a majestic and serene sight that is a must see for any nature loving and adventure seeking traveller. There are many things to do along the Zambezi River including white water rafting and animal spotting boat trips. There are several lodges not far from the convergence of the Kafue and Zambezi rivers. The Zambezi River is also a popular fishing destination.
Discover South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is the southernmost national park along the Luangwa River and is home to a wealth of wildlife. Famed for its walking safaris the South Luangwa National Park has a diverse range of animals and is an ideal place for bird watching. Founded as a game reserve in 1938, the South Luangwa National Park became a national park in 1972 and now covers 9,050 kilometres squared. This wildlife park is a must see for all animal and bird enthusiasts.
Witness the Kasanka Bat Migration
This annual migration of the 10 million straw coloured fruit bats is an incredible sight to see. While not typically at the top of the traditional safari traveller’s list, this spectacle and the ecological implications of the arrival of up to 3’500 tons of flying mammals over an 8 week period to a tiny patch of forest is something that every nature lover will be enthralled with. This magical migration happens between October and December. The migration causes the sunset to become partially blocked out by the bats taking flight and is a sight that is unique to this area.
Visit Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world at over 223 kilometres long and up to 40 kilometres wide, and is an amazing place to watch for birds and wildlife. Lake Kariba falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is a wildlife park on the Zimbabwe side with large game.
Plan Your Zambia Adventure
When traveling it is always important to remember and accept that you will never be able to do everything in one trip. There will always be things that you can’t cross off your travel list because you ran out of time or because of some unforeseen circumstance. There is nothing wrong with not sticking to your pre-planned itinerary, often the most amazing experiences are things that never even crossed your mind while you were planning your trip.
The best way to experience Zambia is, as with any country, to interact with the people who live there. Don’t be afraid to try something that falls out side of your normal comfort zone.
Zambia offers far more than can be experienced in a single trip. Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries, local encounters and spontaneous stops along the way.
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