History

The first humans to inhabit Zambia were the Bushmen. There is evidence that primitive ‘man’ began using fire some 60,000 years ago. A development of ‘digs’ from this distant past is enclosed at the Field Museum at the Victoria Falls. Modern man probably emerged in Zambia at least 25,000 years ago. By 15,000 years ago, the Late Stone Age commenced. Their ancient rock-art is still being discovered in various parts of Zambia.

The Bushmen gave way to the Bantu people from the north. Ensuing were tribal wars and the slave trade until missionaries and David Livingstone arrived in 1840 as a medical evangelist.Imperialist Cecil Rhodes followed in their wake, and in 1911, the country became the British colony of Northern Rhodesia, with the town of Livingstone as its capital. After 10 years Zambia gained its independence as a Commonwealth Republic under Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in October 1964. In 1972 the country reverted back to multiparty politics in December 1990. The current government is committed to rebuilding the country’s economy and tourism industry in partnership with the private sector.

 

Welcome to Zambia – The Real Africa - Africa’s hidden gem!

This is the land of the legendary African walking safari and the mighty Victoria Falls – one of the largest waterfalls in the world which Zambia shares with neighbouring Zimbabwe. Including the Victoria Falls, Zambia has seventeen waterfalls. In Livingstone, Zambia features as the Continent’s adrenaline-fuelled holiday capital with visitors partaking in a series of white-knuckling adventures such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, on, or over the Zambezi. Therefore the town of Livingstone is emerging as a destination in its own right as it embraces its colonial roots.

Zambia boasts the Kafue, Luangwa and Zambezi, rivers.

Zambia possesses two of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, the Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park.  The country has a total of 19 National Parks, abundant with wildlife in the raw, pulsating wilderness.

Zambia is one of the most interesting and least travelled and rewarding destinations in Africa. It is the perfect African destination to visit for those who want to step off the conveyor belt of mass tourism.  Zambia enjoys modest visitor levels, so you get to appreciate the true beauty of the country without too much commercialisation.  

The country is a vast 750,000 sq km, nearly half the size of Europe and her people live in peace and harmony in a democratic society.

Zambia is landlocked in south-central Africa with a population of approximately 12 million and is one of the least travelled and most rewarding wilderness destinations in Africa. Zambia is the most centrally located country in southern/central Africa. It shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania. 

With its abundant natural resources, Zambia is exceptionally safe and ensures all its major parks are well regulated and all guides are fully trained and experienced.  Zambia’s holiday industry is registered and closely monitored to ensure you get the best value and service.

Zambia’s towns and game parks are quite a distance apart so many trips are taken by air and/or road.  Accommodation ranges from five star to budget style hotels, lodges and camps, each offering a distinctive and unique style of accommodation to suit your preference and budget.

Despite Zambia’s vastness as a country and relatively small population, the country's main centres such as Lusaka and the Copperbelt town of Ndola are developed and sophisticated places in their own right with reputable hotels and restaurants. Lusaka is particularly graced with international and local quality hotels and lodges. It is also a major location for conferences and exhibitions such as the recently expanded and upgraded Mulungushi Conference Centre, which is a testament to Lusaka’s growing importance in this sector for Business Tourism. Hence Lusaka is the ideal place to conduct business and relax overnight before setting off on a safari.

 

Language and the People

Zambia has 73 different tribes with a population of about 12 million people living in and around urban areas. English is the official language and most Zambians speak it fluently.  The people are welcoming and vibrant. Zambia’s craftsmen have combined their artistic skills with tradition to produce a fine range of crafts which include intricate basket weaving from Barotseland, fine ebony sculptures from the Southern Province, ceremonial masks, drums, brass, copper and malachite works of art.

 

Climate and Seasons

Most of the country falls into a plateau region, which has a pleasant climate. Zambia’s elevation on a plateau 1,300 metres above sea level gives it a moderate semi-tropical climate, despite being positioned within tropical latitudes. The Zambezi and the Luangwa valleys have a hotter and more humid climate and the extreme north has a tropical climate as one reaches the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Zambia has three seasons

1. May, June, July, August – cool and dry
   It can be very cold in open safari vehicles so wrap up warm.
   From April to mid June, Livingstone Island on the edge of Victoria Falls is closed dependant on the river levels. Also some river based adrenaline activities may also be closed.
2. September, October, November – hot and dry
   This is the best time for walking and photographic safaris. In the river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa it becomes very hot, particularly in the month of October. This is the peak season where much of the game is concentrated near remaining waterholes and rivers. View leopard on a kill at night in the South Luangwa and sight a herd of elephant on the Lower Zambezi!
3. December, January, February, March, April – warm and wet
   During this time enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the country’s 19 National Parks. Some of the camps in the National Parks close at the end of November and re-open in April. Birdlife is particularly prolific during this season with the arrival of migrant species from all over the world. Catch some of the biggest tiger fish in Africa. From February to May, the Victoria Falls is at its most spectacular, locally known as ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. Prepare to be drenched while experiencing the awe-inspiring sight and the heart-stopping adrenalin activities on the Zambezi River, such as bungee jumping, river rafting, abseiling and canoeing.

 

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