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ZAMBIA'S HIDDEN GEMS
Ask
us travel tourism questions about Zambia or provide
interesting facts about Zambia for this page.
E-mail africa@dowco.com Safaris: Zambia is
the birthplace of the Walking Safari and there is
no better way of getting really close to nature
than this. In the Company of armed rangers, walkers
are able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and silence
of the bush in complete harmony with their
surroundings. On some treks, participants may be
exploring areas untouched by man for many
centuries. Game Drives are
operated in open vehicles at dawn and late
afternoon each day by experienced armed rangers and
trackers who possess a canny "sixth sense" of where
to seek out the most interesting
wildlife. Night Drives enable
visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world. Photo Safaris.
Although it is possible to approach quite close to
most wildlife on foot or by car, some animals are
shy and it may be necessary to photograph them from
a distance so telephoto lenses are advised. Alight
meter is a useful accessory, since the proximity to
the Equator and differences in altitude rule or
guesswork. Canoe Safaris are
most popular in Zambia because they offer a great
alternative to land-based safaris. No real boating
skills or experience is necessary. Canoes provide
both an excellent vantage point and a silent way of
viewing the animals to avoid disturbing
them. Fishing Safaris are
generally available in Zambia throughout the year.
The best fishing period, however, is between April
and November. The southern portion of Lake
Tanganyika is the annual venue for the Zambia
National Fishing Competition at Kasaba Bay. Both
local and foreign teams are welcome to this
competition, which takes place usually in April
each year. The Nile perch, the nkupi (yellow belly)
and the tiger fish are the main catches. However,
perhaps the Zambezi River offers the best tiger
fishing grounds in Africa. Other lakes for good
fishing are Lake Kariba and Lake
Bangweulu. Highlights of Zambia:
South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks possess two
of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
Animals, which are commonly seen in these parks,
include elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, cheetah
and a large variety of more than 400 species of
birds. Altogether, there are 20 national parks and
32 game management areas in Zambia. Siavonga and Lake
Kariba: The great Zambezi River stops a while
in the massive Kariba Dam &endash; usually referred
to as a lake because of its enormous size. The
lake's vastness creates spectacular panoramas as
the sun casts its glow across the simmering waters
catching the distinctive half-submerged trees and
islands. Wildlife can be seen on the banks and
Boathouse trips are a fine way to spend a few days
relaxing in the sun while fishing and game viewing.
Siavonga is only a 2.5-hour drive from Lusaka,
through the scenic Zambezi Rift Valley. Here you'll
find accommodation from inexpensive hotels to self
catering chalets and camping. Also available are trips
into the control room and turbine hall of Dam Wall,
cultural visits to traditional villages and
Canoeing Safaris through the Zambezi Gorge below
the dam wall. Kasanka National
Park: Kasanka boasts of fish-filled rivers,
verdant marshes, reed-ringed lagoons, lush tropical
woodlands and petite plains of wind-blown grass
studded by stumpy anthills. Kasanka also provides
an ideal platform for excursions to the Bangweulu
floodplains, Shiwa Ngandu, Sumbu and North
Luangwa. Lower Zambezi National
Park: The lower Zambezi lies between the two
great Dams of the Zambezi Kariba and Cahorra Basso,
an area known as the Zambezi Valley. It is here
that the river fans out between escarpment-backed
floodplains. Acacia-chocked, reed-fringed islands
braid the river into twisting channels, often
blocked by snorting hippo and wildlife and bird
life. Bangweulu Swamps:
Where the Water meets the Sky. The sprawling
Bangweulu floodplains seemingly stretch horizons to
accommodate a greedy sky. Ten of thousands of
unique Black Lechwe antelope roam the endless
plains, blurred in swirling clouds of dust, The
Missionary/Explorer David Livinstone finally
floundered here. A National Monument celebrates his
aspirations and marks the location of his
expiry. Adventures
activities: For those seeking adventure
activity holidays, Zambia is simply brimming with
opportunities. White-Water Rafting:
The swirling rapids of the Zambezi below the
Victoria Falls offers some of the most exciting and
challenging rafting waters in the world. Regular
safaris operate between August to November,
starting at the Boiling Pot below the Victoria
Falls and winding through spectacular gorges and 23
rapids. Bungi Jumping at the
Victoria Falls Bridge offers one of the highest
bungi jumps on the planet. Jumpers leap into space
to experience the world's most spectacular bungi
jump &endash; 111m of pure adrenaline rush and a
breathtaking view. Over 50,000 people have
committed themselves to the thrill of jumping off
this bridge. Micro lighting offers
views of the Victoria Falls and the surrounding
wilderness areas. Boating and Water Sports
on Zambia's lakes: Iin particular Lake
Tanganyika and Lake Kariba, provide opportunities
for boating, sailing, and other water sports such
as water-skiing, windsurfing, houseboats as well as
fishing. Ornithology: The
diversity of bird species in Zambia is amongst the
highest in the world, with 743 species recorded to
date and several more expected as the more remote
areas are explored. Zambia's National Parks
and Bird Sanctuaries will keep avid birders
enthralled. Diversity combines with abundance
during the wet season from November to Marh as
migrants make Zambia's pristine bush and wetlands
their home again. Eco-Tourism: Zambia
is a notable eco-tourism destination. Among the
well established one are Nsobe camp, Nsendamina and
Kawaza villages. Here indigenous people have opened
up their villages and their rich culture to give
visitors a genuine chance of experiencing rural
Zambian daily life. For
more information about Zambia visit:
http://www.zambiatourism.com |
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Victoria
Falls: Located 10 km from Livingstone, or about
480 km south of Lusaka, the Victoria Falls is one
of the seven natural wonders of the world. There
are a few higher waterfalls elsewhere, but none
equal the grandeur of the waters of the Zambezi
River as they tear headlong over the one kilometer
wide expanse down into the chasm 100 metres below.
The height of the flood is from March to May, but
they are spectacular all year round. The best views
are from the Zambia side of the Falls.