ZAMBIA
Republic of Zambia
Capital – Lusaka
Official languages – English
Religion – Protestantism (75.3%), Catholicism (20.2%), Other Christians (2.7%)
Government – Unitary presidential constitutional republic
Area – 752 618 km2 (290 587 sq mi)
Population – 17 351 708
Inter. Tel. prefix – +260
Currency – Zambian Kwacha
Time Zone – UTC +2 (CAT)
Zambia, like a rough diamond in a series of perfectly cut diamonds, is a real, rough, wild, animal Africa. Here are not only some of the best national parks on the entire continent – unique wildlife reserves, but also the main attractions of this region: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Park. In addition, this country is the dream of every angler: every year thousands of anglers from all over the world flock to the mighty Zambezi River to try their luck in search of the big-toothed African tiger fish or the rare giant wundu catfish. Energetic bird lovers also head to Zambia to catch an incredible variety of birds in the camera’s sight, the most coveted prey is the African beard.
Lusaka (because you will arrive there in 99% of cases) and Livingston – real Africa, so rare among the increasingly developing and Western-oriented tourists from other countries of the continent, can be called a must-see destination.
MOST VISITED AREAS
The best thing for which they go to Zambia is, of course, the legendary Victoria Falls: huge, frightening, noisy, 120 m high and almost 2 km wide. The waterfall is located near the border with Zimbabwe, so you can enjoy the views of the falling water equally from both countries. The best place for falls watching is Knife Edge Point, which can be reached via a thin but safe footbridge. In addition, helicopter rides, paragliding, rafting, canoeing and even bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge (111 m high) are popular here.
There is another noteworthy waterfall in Zambia, which for some reason everyone forgets, despite the assurances of the experienced that the views there are not worse. These are the Ngone waterfalls located 300 km downstream of the Zambezi River. Nearby is Sioma Ngwezi National Park.
It is worth visiting the popular resort of Siavonga, which is located on Lake Kariba (100 km from the capital). In addition, when arriving in Lusaka, it is a sin not to go to the amazing Chirundu forest of fossils located under your nose (40 km to the north). Here you can see the rarest prints of 150 million years old trees.
A few words about the capital. Lusaka is not the most interesting city on the African continent, but here you can easily spend a couple of interesting days. Walking through the bustling markets, looking into pretty art galleries, enjoying the measured and colorful life of the Zambians.
But, of course, the country’s main treasures are hidden in its sultry national parks.
CLIMATE
Zambia has three seasons: dry (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop dramatically at night, but the landscape is very green and lush; the hot season (from September to mid-November) is the best time to enjoy wildlife, as the flora is stunted and does not interfere with observing nature with the naked eye; and the rainy season (mid-November to mid-April) is ideal for bird watching in natural conditions.
