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Zambia Sight Seeing
Zambia is one of the few countries on this dry and desolate continent that can boast a constant water supply and the great Zambezi River forms the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Wildlife is abundant and some of the very best game viewing in the world can be found at one of several internationally acclaimed National Parks.
For the fearless out there, there is a fine choice of adventure travel too.
Victoria Falls:
The ‘Smoke that Thunders’ Certainly, one of the highlights of this African safari is a visit to the Victoria Falls. It is both a National Park and a World Heritage Site. Once you have spent time following in the footsteps of the famous explorer, David Livingstone, you will understand why it is called the ‘Smoke that Thunders’!
There is plenty to do at the Falls. If extreme sports catch your fancy, then a visit to 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' is an imperative. Some of the best tiger fishing takes place in the region too and the fish aren’t named after the tiger for nothing – although small in size, they have razor like teeth and will give a tremendous fight before they submit to the angler.
One of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world attracting
thousands of visitors every year, the remarkable Victoria
Falls on the Zambezi River, borders both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The surrounding area has been declared National Parks and
a World Heritage Site and is known to the locals as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya'
- the smoke that thunders. Columns of spray can be seen from
miles away as gallons of water plummet over the edge and into
a deep gorge over 100 meters below. For a variety of views,
visitors can edge right up to the falling water by walking
down a steep track to the base of the falls and follow a walkway
perched over the abyss. One of the best spots for a close-up
is at Knife Edge Point, reached by crossing a hair-raising
(but safe) footbridge through swirling clouds of spray to
a cliff-girt island in the river.
Livingstone
Named after missionary and explorer David Livingstone, the
town sprung to life when the spectacular Victoria Falls Bridge,
just 10km away the city centre was built. Commissioned by
Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, it was completed in 1905 and settlers
then moved in to the higher ground at Livingstone to try and
escape Malaria. It was the original capital of Zambia (then
Northern Rhodesia) in 1911 before it moved to Lusaka in 1935.
The main street is lined with classic colonial buildings,
typical of the English settler architecture of the time. It's
now a quiet charming town considered the tourism capital of
Zambia and has an enormous range of activities available.
Lake Kariba
Found between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this huge man-made lake
is one of outstanding beauty. The massive valley which now
forms Lake Kariba has survived with most plant and animal
species having adapted to the changed conditions. It is unique
its quantity of nature reserves, wildlife and the huge tiger
fish found in the waters. Spending time on a luxurious houseboat
is also a fantastic way of seeing the region.
The Luangwa Valley
The Luangwa Valley – premier game viewing Another area well worth a visit is the Luangwa Valley, located in the north east. In the rainy season it becomes a veritable paradise for huge roaming herds of antelope, zebra, giraffe and buffalo. Tagging along never far behind are the ravenous carnivores, delighted by the culinary choice. Leopards, in particular, haunt this area with their elusive habits and hacksaw growl and will certainly add a measure of blood-curdling excitement to your Zambia safari if spotted.
Lower Zambezi National Park
One of Zambia's most recently established game parks is located
to the east of Lusaka and lies on the northern bank of the
Zambezi River, downstream from Victoria Falls and is situated
opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, subsequently
the whole area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife
sanctuary. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the
other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game
wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular.
The park has all the game you would expect, except for rhino,
giraffe and cheetah.
North Luangwa National Park
Remote and natural, this park is less well-known than its
southern counterpart and it is part of the same rift valley.
Still one of Africa's most impressive parks- it is a wild,
untouched area of bushveld and is said to be one of the finest
wilderness experiences left in Africa. There are still no
permanent structures in the park, and very few roads.
South Luangwa National Park
Situated approximately 700 kilometers north-east of Lusaka,
the park is reputed as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries
in the world. Few parks match its phenomenally high game densities.
The intense concentration of game around the Luangwa River,
variety of vegetation and oxbow lagoons make this national
park unique. It is home to unusually large numbers of leopard
and one of Africa's most important elephant populations, as
well as the largest concentration of Nile crocodile in Africa
and hundreds of hippos. More than 400 species of birds are
also found in the vicinity. Open vehicle game drives are conducted
through the reserve day and night. Most people arrive by air
at Mfuwe Airport, 20km south-east of the village of Mfuwe
and the park's main gate. The park is closed during the rainy
season of December to April.
Luambe National Park
This small beautiful park is situated between the North and
South Luangwa National Parks on the east bank of the Luangwa
River. Due to the difficulty of accessing the bad roads, the
park is suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles only. Due to
the intense hunting in the past, the game in the region is
not as abundant as the other parks in the region. However
buffalo, elephant, hippo, impala, roan, eland, bush pig and
lion are still found in the park and bird life is abundant.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
The country's smallest National Park located approximately
in the southernmost edge of Zambia on its border with Zimbabwe.
Divided into two sections; namely Victoria Falls - one of
the great natural wonders of the world, and the game park
which lies further west along the riverbank. The physical
landmark which separates these two countries is the mighty
cataract of the Victoria Falls. The park is a wildlife sanctuary
and worth a visit, not only for the sight of what are Zambia's
only remaining rhino, but also for the common species including
the odd roaming elephant.
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