Experience Zambia's enchanting landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you seek
the thundering Victoria Falls or the serene beauty of its national parks, Zambia promises
an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.
Beach Resorts:
n/a
Spa Resorts:
Spa resorts are available in Lusaka and Livingstone,
best enjoyed year-round.
Travel Adventure Locations
Mountain Locations:
For mountain adventures, visit the Eastern Highlands.
Seaside Locations:
For seaside relaxation, explore Lake Tanganyika or Lake Kariba.
Cultural Travel Locations:
Cultural travel locations include Livingstone Museum
and local village tours.
Ethnicity and Languages:
Zambia is home to over 70 ethnic groups, with English as the
official language alongside various indigenous languages.
Average Weekly Budget for Accommodation:
Hostel: $1000 - $150 per week
Hotel: $300 - $400 per week
(Depends on season, location and category)
Average Daily Budget for Food:
Street Food: $5 - $15
Restaurant: $20 - $40
(Depends on season, location and category)
Best Season to Visit:
The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from May to
October, when wildlife congregates around water sources and
Victoria Falls is at its most impressive.
Brief Travel Information about Zambia
Drinks
Chibuku: A traditional opaque beer brewed from maize or
sorghum, known for its slightly sour taste and low alcohol content.
Munkoyo: A fermented drink made from maize or millet,
sweetened with sugar and often flavored with ginger or other
spices.
Maheu: A thick, non-alcoholic beverage made from maize meal,
water, and sugar, often served cold as a refreshing drink.
Lubisi: A sour milk drink, similar to yogurt but thinner, made from
fermented milk and often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage or used
in cooking.
Tujilijili: A popular local spirit made from sugarcane, known for its
strong alcoholic content and typically consumed in small quantities.
Shake Shake: A sweet and fruity drink made from fruit juice
(often mango or pineapple), mixed with water, sugar, and
sometimes milk, served chilled.
Chikanda Juice: A nutritious drink made from the water used to
boil chikanda (mopane worms), believed to have health benefits
and consumed traditionally.
Chibwantu: A traditional Zambian beer brewed from millet or
sorghum, often enjoyed during festive occasions or social
gatherings.
Ubwali: A drink made from the water left over after cooking
nshima, sometimes flavored with sugar or mixed with milk for added
richness.
Mazoe Orange Crush: A popular bottled soft drink in Zambia,
known for its vibrant orange flavor and refreshing taste, enjoyed by
people of all ages.
Mwaza: Made from the wild fruit of the same name, mwaza is a
traditional Zambian drink that’s sweet and slightly tangy. It’s often
enjoyed as a refreshing beverage during the hot season.
Mazoe Orange Crush: A popular bottled soft drink in Zambia,
known for its vibrant orange flavor and refreshing taste, enjoyed by
people of all ages.
Baobab Juice: Extracted from the fruit of the baobab tree, this
juice is rich in vitamins and has a unique, tangy flavor. It’s both
nutritious and delicious, enjoyed for its health benefits.
Foods
Nshima: Considered Zambia’s staple food, nshima is a thick
maize porridge, similar to Southern Africa's sadza or pap, often
served with various relishes.
Ifisashi: A popular vegetable stew made with groundnut (peanut)
sauce, typically served with nshima.
Chikanda: Also known as African polony or African sausage,
chikanda is a delicacy made from wild orchid tubers and
groundnuts.
Vinkubala: Fried caterpillars of the emperor moth, enjoyed as a
crunchy and protein-rich snack.
Kapenta: Small, salted and dried freshwater fish, often fried and
served with nshima or as a snack.
Delele: A dish made from okra, delele is cooked to create a slimy
texture that acts as a natural thickener. It’s often prepared with
tomatoes, onions, and sometimes groundnuts, and served with
nshima.
Munkoyo: A fermented drink made from maize meal and the
roots of the munkoyo tree. While technically a beverage, it’s often
included with meals and has a unique, slightly tangy taste.
Buka: Dried caterpillars, considered a delicacy in Zambia, are
often fried or boiled and served with nshima. They’re a good source
of protein and are typically seasoned to enhance their flavor.
Vitumbuwa: These are sweet, deep-fried dough balls similar to
doughnuts. They’re a popular street food and are often enjoyed as
a snack or dessert.
Chibwabwa: This dish features pumpkin leaves, which are
cooked with tomatoes, onions, and groundnuts to create a flavorful
vegetable relish. It’s a common accompaniment to nshima.
Kalembula: Sweet potato leaves cooked with tomatoes, onions,
and groundnuts. This dish is both nutritious and delicious, providing
a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with savory nshima.
Zambia Cusine and Beverages
Zambia boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse
cultures and agricultural abundance. Check some of
Zambia’s most popular foods and drinks.
Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders. Victoria Falls, or
Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders") as it is known locally,
is a mesmerizing spectacle on the Zambezi River, marking the
border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here, the mighty Zambezi
River dramatically plunges over a 100-meter-high precipice,
creating the planet's largest sheet of falling water. The ensuing
spray rises so high that it can be seen from miles away, justifying its
evocative local name. Enveloped in a perpetual mist, the
surrounding rainforest is a lush paradise, alive with exotic bird
species and agile vervet monkeys, creating an enchanting, misty
habitat for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
South Luangwa National Park: Wilderness Untamed.
Situated in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is a
testament to untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. The
Luangwa River weaves through the park, attracting impressive
gatherings of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along its verdant
banks. Renowned for its walking safaris, the park offers visitors a
unique opportunity to traverse the terrain on foot, guided by
seasoned experts. This intimate exploration allows for breathtaking
encounters with leopards and lions as they prowl through the
golden grasslands, providing a thrilling and immersive nature
experience.
Lower Zambezi National Park: A Riverside Sanctuary.
Lower Zambezi National Park, nestled along the northern banks of
the Zambezi River, directly across from Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, is
a haven for wildlife and adventure seekers. The park's stunning
landscapes of floodplains and escarpments create a picturesque
backdrop for thrilling canoe safaris. As visitors silently paddle
through the serene waters, they can witness elephants bathing and
pods of hippos wallowing in the shallows. The park is a
birdwatcher's paradise, boasting a rich diversity of avian life amidst
its tranquil and breathtaking scenery.
Kafue National Park: Wilderness on a Grand Scale. Kafue
National Park, Zambia's largest and oldest national park, spans an
impressive expanse of savannah, woodlands, and rivers. This vast
wilderness offers a serene escape, where visitors can witness
cheetahs sprinting across the plains and rare antelopes like sable
and roan grazing peacefully. The lifeblood of the park, the Kafue
River, sustains a myriad of wildlife, while the seasonal floods of the
Busanga Plains in the north provide exceptional game viewing
opportunities, drawing nature enthusiasts to its unspoiled
landscapes.
Lake Kariba: A Man-Made Marvel. Lake Kariba, one of the
world's largest man-made lakes, was created by damming the
Zambezi River in the 1950s. Stretching over 200 kilometers and
straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is a
sanctuary for water-based activities and wildlife. The lake's rich fish
populations attract numerous bird species, making it a prime fishing
and birdwatching destination. Visitors can embark on tranquil
cruises along the lake's shores, soaking in the serene beauty of the
sunset over distant hills and the expansive, tranquil waters.
Livingstone: Gateway to Adventure. Named after the famed
explorer David Livingstone, the town of Livingstone serves as
Zambia's gateway to the majestic Victoria Falls. Its tree-lined
streets, dotted with historic colonial-era buildings, reflect its past as
a key trading post. Today, Livingstone is a hotspot for adventure
activities, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences such as bungee
jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting on the
Zambezi River, and scenic flights over the breathtaking waterfall,
catering to thrill-seekers from around the globe.
Lusaka: Zambia's Vibrant Capital. Lusaka, the bustling capital
of Zambia, brims with energy and cultural diversity. Modern
skyscrapers rise alongside traditional markets, where craftsmen
offer intricately woven baskets and vibrant fabrics. The city's lively
streets are lined with cafes serving aromatic Zambian coffee and
markets bustling with fresh produce and local delicacies. Lusaka is
also a cultural hub, featuring museums that showcase Zambia's
rich history and art galleries that highlight contemporary African
artworks, providing a captivating glimpse into the nation's cultural
heritage.
Northern Province Waterfalls: Hidden Gems. Zambia's
Northern Province is a hidden gem of cascading waterfalls and
verdant landscapes. Kundalila Falls stands out as a spectacular
highlight, where water plunges over 70 meters into a turquoise pool
below, nestled within a deep canyon. The surrounding forest
echoes with the melodious calls of exotic birds, and hiking trails
offer panoramic views of the falls and the expansive valley beyond.
This untouched region promises serene and awe-inspiring natural
beauty for all who venture there.
Bangweulu Wetlands: A Biodiversity Haven. The Bangweulu
Wetlands, a vast expanse of marshes, lakes, and floodplains in
northeastern Zambia, are celebrated for their rich biodiversity and
unique ecosystems. This pristine wilderness is a birdwatcher's
dream, home to the elusive shoebill stork and thousands of
waterfowl that flock to its shimmering waters. The wetlands also
sustain large herds of lechwe antelope and the elusive sitatunga,
adapted to the seasonal floods that transform the landscape into a
mosaic of sparkling water and lush grasslands.
Kasanka National Park: The Great Bat Migration.
Kasanka National Park is renowned for hosting one of Africa's most
awe-inspiring natural phenomena: the annual bat migration. Each
year, from October to December, millions of fruit bats descend upon
the park's forests to feast on wild fruits, creating an extraordinary
spectacle as they fill the sky in vast, swirling clouds. The park also
serves as a sanctuary for elephants, puku antelope, and the rare
sitatunga, offering visitors tranquil trails and a chance to witness
Zambia's captivating wildlife in a serene setting.
Interesting Places to Visit Zambia
Zambia's Dawn of Independence: 1964. In the transformative
year of 1964, Zambia emerged from the shadows of British
colonialism, shedding its former identity as Northern Rhodesia to
embrace sovereignty. This pivotal moment marked more than just a
change in name; it ignited a profound journey of self-discovery and
national identity. Zambia embarked on a quest to carve its own
destiny beyond the echoes of its colonial past. This era heralded
not only newfound independence but also a spirited resurgence of
national pride and self-determination, shaping Zambia's narrative
as a beacon of sovereignty in the heart of Africa. The nation’s leap
into independence was a powerful statement of resilience and a
new beginning, filled with promise and potential.
Livingstone: Gateway to Victoria Falls. Enveloped by Zambia's
lush landscapes, the city of Livingstone stands as a testament to
the spirit of exploration that defined the Victorian era, named in
honor of the intrepid explorer David Livingstone. Nestled beside the
majestic Victoria Falls, Livingstone exudes a captivating allure as a
vibrant cultural and economic hub. Here, visitors from across the
globe converge to witness the thundering cascade of one of
nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles, where the mighty Zambezi
River plunges into the abyss below, enveloping the senses in a
symphony of mist and grandeur. The city serves as a portal to
adventure, offering a blend of historical richness and natural beauty.
Echoes of Ancient Civilizations: Zambia's Archaeological
Heritage. Zambia's historical tapestry is intricately woven with the
threads of ancient civilizations, evident in the myriad archaeological
sites that dot its landscape. These sites are poignant reminders of
millennia-old human habitation, bearing witness to the early
civilizations that once thrived in the region. Each artifact unearthed
tells a story of resilience and adaptation, captivating the imagination
of historians and archaeologists alike, as they unravel the mysteries
of Zambia's rich and diverse past. These archaeological treasures
offer a window into the lives of ancient peoples, enriching our
understanding of Zambia’s historical depth and cultural heritage.
Zambia’s Role in Africa’s Struggle for Freedom. Beyond its
borders, Zambia etches its legacy in the annals of Africa's struggle
against apartheid, standing steadfast as a beacon of support and
sanctuary for liberation movements in their quest for justice and
equality. This pivotal role underscores Zambia's unwavering
commitment to solidarity and human rights on the global stage,
embodying a spirit of resilience that resonates far beyond its
borders. By providing refuge and support, Zambia became a crucial
player in the continent's fight against oppression, its actions
reflecting a profound dedication to the principles of freedom and
human dignity.
The Copperbelt: Heartbeat of Zambia’s Economy. Known as
the "Copperbelt," Zambia pulsates with the rhythmic heartbeat of its
vast copper mining industry. This precious resource not only
defines Zambia's economic landscape but also echoes through the
corridors of industrial history, symbolizing both wealth and
endurance. The Copperbelt region stands as a testament to
Zambia's economic resilience, where the mining of this coveted
metal has forged pathways to prosperity while shaping the nation's
identity as a cornerstone of Africa's industrial prowess. The region's
mines are more than economic engines; they are landmarks of
Zambia’s industrial legacy and its ongoing journey towards
economic strength.
The Kariba Dam: Monument of Engineering Marvel.
Dominating the landscape with its imposing presence, the Kariba
Dam stands as a triumph of human ingenuity, a shared marvel of
engineering excellence between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Carving
through the Zambezi River, this colossal structure births one of the
world's largest artificial lakes, a breathtaking testament to
mankind's ability to harness nature's might for sustainable
progress. Beyond its sheer scale, the reservoir at Kariba serves as
a beacon of hydroelectric power, casting a radiant light on Zambia's
journey towards embracing renewable energy solutions and
fostering regional cooperation on a grand scale. The dam is a
symbol of human capability and a pillar of regional development.
The Great North Road: Zambia's Lifeline. Amidst Zambia's lush
and sprawling terrain, the Great North Road emerges as a
venerable lifeline, weaving through verdant landscapes and
connecting the vibrant pulse of Lusaka to the distant realms of
Tanzania. This historic thoroughfare, steeped in centuries of
commerce and cultural exchange, serves not merely as a route but
as a cultural artery that binds communities and fosters unity across
Zambia. A testament to the nation's enduring spirit of connectivity,
the Great North Road embodies Zambia's commitment to bridging
distances, fostering trade, and celebrating the diverse tapestry of its
people. This vital route is a corridor of culture and commerce,
integral to Zambia’s national fabric.
The Zambian Flag: Symbol of Resilience. Fluttering proudly
against the African sky, Zambia's national flag bears the majestic
eagle, a symbol of the nation's resilience and unwavering spirit in
the face of adversity. This iconic emblem reflects Zambia's
steadfast determination to soar above challenges, embodying a
resolute journey towards a prosperous future unburdened by the
shadows of its past. With each flap of its wings, the Zambian flag
symbolizes a nation united, forging ahead with strength, dignity,
and a profound sense of national pride. The flag is a vibrant
declaration of Zambia’s aspirations and collective will.
Kuomboka: Celebrating Zambia's Cultural Heritage.
Amidst Zambia's vibrant mosaic of ethnic groups, traditional
ceremonies like Kuomboka resonate deeply with echoes of ancient
customs and rich cultural heritage. These ceremonial rites, marking
rites of passage and celebrating seasonal rhythms, serve as living
tributes to Zambia's diverse cultural tapestry. They weave together
threads of history and tradition, binding communities across
generations and reaffirming the enduring vitality of Zambia's cultural
identity amidst the evolving currents of time. These ceremonies are
a celebration of cultural continuity and communal bonds,
highlighting the richness of Zambia’s heritage.
The Zambezi River: Lifeblood of Zambia. Etched in the very
essence of Zambia's identity lies the majestic Zambezi River, a
shimmering ribbon of life that courses along its western borders.
Beyond being a lifeline for flora, fauna, and communities that thrive
along its banks, the Zambezi embodies Zambia's profound
connection to its natural surroundings. As a geographical anchor
and a symbol of resilience, this iconic river shapes Zambia's destiny
and affirms its intrinsic ties to the heart of southern Africa. Just as
the Zambezi flows ceaselessly, so too does it embody Zambia's
enduring spirit, flowing forward with vitality and purpose. The river
is a symbol of life and continuity, central to Zambia’s natural and
cultural landscape.
Interesting Historical Facts about Zambia
Zambia, located in the heart of southern Africa, is renowned for
its diverse wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. It boasts
some of the continent's most spectacular landscapes and is a
haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Zambia