Zambia - Wild and engrossing

Zambia. The strength and intensity of its very name provide a springboard into an imagery in which the words ‘wild’, ‘diversity’ and ‘engaging’ all belong. In the burning heart of Africa, bordered to the north by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania and to the south by Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia, this ‘friendly country’, as it is known, beckons you to a unique and unforgettable experience.

Zambia has been blessed with awe-inspiring natural wonders and a myriad of wildlife; qualities that promise to leave any visitor speechless. And without having to leave the best for last, let’s start with the country’s main attraction, which lives up to its title as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls. Shared with its neighbour Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls are simply spectacular, breath-taking... and a whole host of other sensations that leave us at a loss to explain. In fact, you’ll want nothing more than to spend hours gazing at this dazzling spectacle. When full, Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world, reaching twice the height of Niagara Falls.

River cruises, rafting, canoeing, helicopter flights and hang gliding are just some of the activities you can do in this area. If you plan on staying overnight, it’s advisable not to go out for a walk at night, as elephants and other animals, such as hyenas and baboons, often come into town.

Although not the largest river in Africa, the Zambezi flows through six countries, including Zambia, and is one of the most beautiful and powerful waterways on the African continent. Thanks to its beauty, it attracts visitors from all over the world, especially people who have a taste for water sports and adventure. Victoria Falls is typically considered the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi, and a sunset cruise on the river promises to be one of the most enchanting experiences of a visit to the country. It is also worth noting that, in addition to the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country boasts a further seventeen magnificent waterfalls, one of the hallmarks of its natural heritage.

Nature at its most unadulterated is the essence of Zambia, where most of the territory is taken up by savannah lands. Indeed, this part of Africa is where you can find some of the best safari experiences on the planet. The South Luangwa National Park, for example, is the country’s main animal reserve and covers more than 9,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness. It contains an astonishing density and diversity of fauna and flora, including a variety of predators and prey, with around 60 species of animals and 400 species of birds. For the more adventurous visitors to the South Luangwa, a walking safari will be irresistible – it was here, in the Luangwa, that this experience was first created – allowing you to get closer to Africa’s wild animals, such as leopards, and to camp out under the stars after a day out in the savannah.

Considered one of the largest nature reserves in the world, Kafue National Park is another attraction where you can «feel the land», with a fertile ecosystem teeming with antelopes, hippos and predators. You can also visit the Lower Zambezi National Park, where you can paddle along the river under your own steam, go on a canoeing safari and then spend the night in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, a chaotic and overcrowded African city with a charm that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Here, in addition to experiencing everyday life in the city, you can visit the Lusaka National Museum, which tells the story of human beings, the country and the pre-colonial war up to the present day. With more than 70 ethnic groups and more than 20 different regional languages, Zambia’s official motto is «One Zambia, One Nation». It was colonised by the United Kingdom, and was also exploited by the Portuguese. It has been independent since 1964, and still retains some British characteristics. English is its official language.

Zambia is one of the world’s largest copper producers, accounting for half of the country’s exports. With two well-defined seasons, the country’s climate is divided between the rainy season, which lasts from December to April, and the dry season, which lasts from May to October. You can visit at any time, but the end of the rainy season is the best time to visit Victoria Falls. Wild and engrossing, Zambia is truly a country to behold.

«Nature at its most unadulterated is the essence of Zambia»

Text: Carla Martins
Photography: Robert Bernatzeder Rights Reserved