10 Unmissable Travel Wonders and Experiences in Zambia
By: Patricia

By: Sara Brown

You'll find Zambia sandwiched between seven African neighbours in central, southern Africa. Zambia has well known attractions like the Victoria Falls but it also has many secrets.

victoria falls image owned by the best of zambia

Zambia remains one of those countries that is 'the road less travelled' by most tourists. In no particular order, here are our top 10 things to do in Zambia, from the obvious to the lesser known.

Falls

The Victoria Falls is one of those must visit destinations. In the rainy season water roars down the falls soaking you to the skin.

victoria falls getting soaked image owned by the best of zambia In the dry season the rocky chasms of the gorges eyeball you ominously. But as well as the Victoria Falls, Zambia has 14 other well known falls. The Northern Province of Zambia is particularly special, with 12 of these falls on various rivers criss-crossing the province. These offer a variety of experiences including spectacular views over plains below, swimming in rock pools, walks through rainforests and canoeing rapids.

Fishing

Zambia has many rivers and lakes that are exceptionally popular with anglers. There are many types of fishing tours available from day trips to week long fishing expeditions. Famous for the difficult to catch tiger fish, anglers come to Zambia from all over the world to conquer their tiger fish nemesis.

tiger fishing image owned by angle zambia

Safari

Since Zambia is 'the road less travelled' when you're on safari in Zambia you are on your own - you and your guides that is! The wildlife here is wild. Zambia is vast, with 19 national parks, very small camps and well protected wildlife. Here you can experience all kinds of safari including the walking safari, driving safari, canoeing safari and horseback safari. With a range of safari lodges and camps to suit every budget Zambia is a wonderful safari destination.

The bat migration

bat migration image owned by kasanka national trust

Kasanka National Park is rapidly becoming famous for the millions of straw-coloured fruit bats that congregate yearly in November and December. As the sun is setting the sky fills for up to twenty minutes as the bats leave their roosts to feed on nearby seasonal fruit. This unusual wildlife spectacle is one you will never forget.

bat migration 2 image owned by kasanka national trust

Bird watching

With vast wetland areas, forest and savannah as well as rich rivers and lakes, Zambia has a wealth of bird species, resident and migratory. A bird watching walking safari is especially rewarding as you will hear unique cries and spot the most amazing birds, some of which are now rare.

birding image owned by leopard lodge

The lakes

What Zambia lacks in shoreline it makes up for in large sea like lakes. Lake Kariba, Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu are well worth a visit for beaches, boating holidays, fishing, bird watching and wildlife. lake bangweulu image owned by amazing zambia

The Lusaka Sunday market

The Lusaka Sunday market is the perfect place to buy Zambian crafts direct from the crafts men and women. See their creations come to life, learn about traditional arts and crafts and banter while you make a deal. The market is outdoors, within the grounds of a shopping centre so there is plenty of time to mooch with refreshments nearby. Products on offer include traditional wood carvings, paintings, metal work and jewellery, all using distinctive and clever methods (like old Zambian coins turned into beautiful necklaces).

sunday market image owned by the best of zambia

Traditional ceremonies

Every year there are many cultural ceremonies to choose from. The most famous is the Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people with its characteristic large black and white boat. Experiencing a cultural ceremony will throw you into the world of time honoured rituals and stories which are replayed and retold.

Often in far flung destinations that rarely, if ever, experience a tourist, there is probably no better way to meet the friendly people of Zambia.

Taste local food

If you're a foodie that likes sampling something different then this is the place to do it. Traditionally you eat with your hands. Ingredients are as safe as chicken and beef. What is special about these dishes is the taste of food that is cooked traditionally, on an open wood fire, and made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. More daring delicacies are caterpillars and seasonal fat flying ants.

zambian food image owned by pansupa restaurant

There are many restaurants offering traditional Zambian food, so while in Zambia try something new, even if it is just fish or chicken cooked Zambian style. One thing is for sure, it will be tasty.

Be quiet

This might be a rather odd one to finish on. But while in Zambia take a moment to be quiet! Listen to the rich sounds around you. Being quiet while being told a story by a camp fire or listening to Zambian children sing awakens your spirit. Being quiet whilst surrounded by nature does something unforgettable to your soul.

About the blogger:

Sara is a team member of bestofzambia.com, a website that specialises in showcasing Zambian enterprises. Having launched in 2009 showcasing the Zambia travel industry the site now also includes business to business, lifestyle and a newly launched organisations and development section.

By making quality, up to date and design led information on Zambia available on-line we empower people to make informed buying decisions. The Best of Zambia team is made up of people who were born and lived in Zambia. With a local and international office, the team is passionate about showing all that Zambia has to offer to an international audience.

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