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ZAMBIA is a vast and relatively sparsely populated country and offers some of the finest scenery and game viewing experiences on the African continent. Zambia's three stunning premier parks are all different. The lagoons and riverine woodlands of the Luangwa, the escarpment and water experience of the Zambezi, the miombo woodlands and vast open plains of North Kafue are contrasting and all host exceptional game. Zambia is an excellent safari destination with much to offer the African adventurer looking for good game-viewing in combination with an 'off the beaten track' sense of wilderness and space. Like Zimbabwe, Zambia is an adventurous safari destination, offering a range of activities including 3 - 5 day walking and canoeing safaris.
Zambian Highlights: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls
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South Luangwa is Zambia's premier national park. It is an unspoilt wilderness area covering an area of over 9000 sq. km. through which the meandering Luangwa River runs. The oxbow lagoons, woodland and flood plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game - including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, and enormous pods of hippos rarely seen in other game reserves- as well as over 400 species of birds. Walking Safaris are very much part of the Luangwa Experience, a sure way to feel the beat of Africa’s pulse away from the sounds of vehicles.
Lower Zambezi National Park is 4092 square kilometres in area with 120 kms of Zambezi River frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. There are approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species which thrive in the Park, as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers.
The legendary Zambezi River is in itself a spectacle and is the namesake of this pristine wilderness. Along its 2700 km course, the Zambezi fertilises the Barotse floodplains, plunges over the Victoria Falls and replenishes the massive Lake Kariba before reaching the Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, myriad islands have formed, creating a home and feeding ground for an incredible amount of diverse wildlife.
As David Livingstone said, “… scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight." At more than twice the size of Niagara Falls, the Victoria Falls are among the Seven Wonders of the World. Mosi-oa-Tunya – The Smoke that Thunders – derived from the towering column of spray when the Zambezi River runs high, is the name that Zimbabwe's local people gave to this awesome natural phenomenon. Five separate waterfalls make up this incredible spectacle that plunges more than 328 feet into a sheer-sided chasm which separates Zimbabwe from Zambia. Originating from the mighty Zambezi River that meanders through more than 1,677 miles of African countryside, the masses of water plunge down the Falls and into the gorge below.
More to come....
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