Zambia Travel Guide

If you’re wanting to experience the true, real and raw Africa, Zambia is about as near as you're going to get. The country features some of the continent’s best wildlife parks, and shares (with Zimbabwe) some of the region’s major tourist attractions: Victoria Falls in SW Zambia, Lake Kariba as well as Lower Zambezi National Park in SE Zambia. The country is also an angler’s paradise, as fishermen rally from all over the world to try their luck on the world renowned Zambezi River. Bird enthusiasts also flock to Zambia to glimpse its fabulous diversity of birds, most notably Chaplin’s barbets.

Despite the country's delights, Zambia can be a challenge to tame even the most seasoned independent travellers. Distances between major towns and attractions are vast, and getting around by car or public transport takes time and more than a little patience. But for many, this challenge is part of Zambia’s appeal and intrigue.

The capital city, Lusaka is in the S of the country and is the entry hub for most tourists due to its international airport. Most tourists tend to spend a proportion of time in the city either soaking up the atmosphere, experiencing the culture and organising their safaris and excursions around the country. Over 50% of the inhabitants of this over-populated city are unemployed, yet the atmosphere is quite upbeat as the people hustle and bustle, determined to survive. Thousands of stalls line the streets offering a fascinating array of services, goods and souvenirs.

If you like you're looking for a Western edge on Africa and an organised travel itinerary, then Zambia is probably not for you. But if you enjoy a raw edge and an Africa with few tourists, Zambia is the place you’re looking for.