Map Of Zambia And Its Neighbours
Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia is a landlocked country that is bordered by several neighbouring countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of wildlife, Zambia is a must-visit destination for any avid traveller. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical landmarks or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in Zambia is Victoria Falls, which is situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the world and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular attractions include South Luangwa National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions and leopards, and the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is known for its scenic river views and abundance of hippos and crocodiles.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to check out the Kafue National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the elusive leopard. Another hidden gem is the Kasanka National Park, which is home to the largest mammal migration in the world, with over 10 million fruit bats descending on the park in November and December each year.
Food Scene
Zambia offers a variety of delicious traditional dishes, such as nshima (a maize-based porridge), grilled tilapia, and kapenta (a small fish that is dried and fried). For a taste of the local cuisine, be sure to visit the local markets and street food vendors, where you can sample a variety of tasty snacks and meals.
Budget-Friendly Tips
To save money while travelling in Zambia, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as campsites or guesthouses. You can also save money by using public transportation, such as buses or minibuses, instead of taxis or rental cars. Additionally, be sure to haggle when shopping at local markets to get the best prices.
Outdoor Adventures
Zambia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife safaris. Some of the best outdoor adventures in Zambia include rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge, and taking a hot air balloon ride over the South Luangwa National Park.
Historical Landmarks
Zambia is home to several historical landmarks, including the Livingstone Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Zambia, and the Chisimba Falls, which is a sacred site for the local Bemba people. Another must-visit landmark is the Great North Road, which was built during the colonial era and stretches from Cape Town to Cairo.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re travelling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Zambia. Some of the best options include visiting the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, which is home to over 120 orphaned chimpanzees, and taking a boat ride on Lake Kariba, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for a more unique travel experience, consider visiting the Liuwa Plain National Park, which is one of the most remote national parks in Africa and is home to a variety of wildlife, including hyenas, wild dogs and cheetahs. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is visiting the Mutinondo Wilderness Area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
Natural Wonders
Zambia is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, including Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, and the Kalambo Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in Africa. Other natural wonders to explore in Zambia include the Bangweulu Wetlands, which is home to over 400 species of birds, and the Nsumbu National Park, which offers stunning views of Lake Tanganyika.
Vibrant Nightlife
Zambia has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some of the best nightlife spots in Zambia include the Lusaka Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in Zambia and offers live music and dancing, and The Misty Jazz Restaurant, which offers delicious food and live jazz performances.
Local Markets
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, be sure to visit the local markets in Zambia, which offer a variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Some of the best markets to visit include the Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka, which offers a variety of traditional Zambian crafts, and the Maramba Market in Livingstone, which is known for its fresh produce and local snacks.
Beaches and Mountains
Zambia is a landlocked country, which means that it doesn’t have any beaches. However, it does have plenty of mountains to explore, such as the Mulanje Massif in Malawi and the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. These mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Cultural Immersion
Zambia is home to over 70 different ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and customs. To immerse yourself in the local culture, be sure to visit traditional villages and attend cultural festivals, such as the Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony, which is held by the Tonga people to give thanks to the river god for the harvest.
Art and Music Scene
Zambia has a rich artistic and musical heritage, with plenty of local artists and musicians to discover. Some of the best places to experience the local art and music scene include the Henry Tayali Art Gallery in Lusaka, which showcases the work of local artists, and the Zambian Music Festival, which is held annually in Lusaka and features a variety of local musicians and performers.
Walking Tours
If you’re looking to explore the cities and towns of Zambia on foot, be sure to take a walking tour. Walking tours offer a great way to see the local sights and learn about the history and culture of the area. Some of the best walking tours to take in Zambia include the Livingstone Walking Tour, which explores the historical sites of Livingstone, and the Lusaka City Walking Tour, which takes you through the streets and markets of Lusaka.
Architectural Marvels
Zambia is home to several architectural marvels, such as the Independence Stadium in Lusaka, which was built to commemorate Zambia’s independence from Britain in 1964, and the National Assembly Building in Lusaka, which is known for its unique design and use of local materials. Another must-visit architectural marvel is the Victoria Falls Bridge, which was built during the colonial era and offers stunning views of Victoria Falls.
Historical Sites
Zambia has a rich history, with plenty of historical sites to explore. Some of the best historical sites in Zambia include the Slave Tree in Livingstone, which was used to chain slaves during the slave trade, and the Chilenje House in Lusaka, which was the home of Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda. Another must-visit historical site is the Old Drift Cemetery, which is the final resting place of early European settlers and explorers in Zambia.
Biking Routes
Zambia offers plenty of opportunities for biking enthusiasts, with a variety of scenic biking routes to choose from. Some of the best biking routes in Zambia include the Zambezi River Trail, which offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape, and the Kafue Loop, which takes you through the Kafue National Park and offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, be sure to check out one of the many wellness retreats in Zambia. These retreats offer a variety of activities, such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, as well as healthy meals and accommodations in beautiful natural settings. Some of the best wellness retreats in Zambia include the Royal Chundu Island Lodge, which offers yoga classes and spa treatments on the banks of the Zambezi River, and the Nourishing Life Wellness Retreat, which offers a variety of wellness activities in the peaceful setting of the Kafue National Park.
Adventure Sports
Zambia is a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving. Some of the best adventure sports in Zambia include the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls, which offers a thrilling swimming experience at the edge of the falls, and the Batoka Gorge, which offers some of the best white-water rafting in Africa.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Zambia and its neighbouring