If you’re looking for an unforgettable African adventure, look no further than Zambia. With a rich culture and stunning natural scenery, Zambia is a must-visit destination. There’s so much more to see in this diverse country. You’ll love exploring the unique wildlife and landscapes of national parks like Kafue and South Luangwa.
Southern Africa is a region of contrasts and extremes, from the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vast Namibian Desert. Zambia is one of the most beautiful countries in this part of the world, with a wealth of wildlife, cultural traditions and natural wonders to explore. If you’re thinking about traveling to Zambia,
Here are some things you’ll love about this amazing country:
The Victoria Falls: Mosi-Tunya “the smoke that thunders” Is the indigenous name for the falls
Zambia is well known for its iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s so much more to see in this diverse country. At the Falls you get to pay a fee upon arrival and then you proceed to enter the gates and begin to explore. Be mindful of the ground which are slippery sometimes due to the mist coming from the fall. Wear comfortable rubber shoes.
If you don’t have, you can rent from the locals who have businesses around the falls entrance. The rental robber shoes go for 20kwacha each. You return them at go end of your visit. At the falls you will see where the River Zambezi empties out to create the column over the cliff. Then walk around to see all the other areas. The sound and view of the rushing water is simply magnificent.
Can only be compared to the Niagara Falls in my opinion. Be sure to read the signs as you tour the area, it will give you lots of information to better understand the history of the area. Take a walk on the knife bride and soak in the views of the falls from a vantage point. Look out and see the Victoria falls bridge also which was positioned such that visitors have a close view to the falls and experience the spray.
Fun City Life:
The people of Zambia are warm and welcoming, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience African culture firsthand. And with plenty of affordable accommodation and dining options available, Zambia is an affordable vacation destination too! You can take uber (orlando) to any part of town and you will enjoy a fast, luxurious clean car, with very customer friendly drivers. Be sure to visit one of the big malls known as Manda Hill Mall. So much to see, eat and do at this location. There are other new malls as well that offers global chain stores. The malls are usually buzzing with activities during the holidays. It has lots of shops and places to get local products as well as a well-situated parking garage.
If you are a traveler looking to experience the more authentic side of the city, you will need to visit a vibrant market like the Kabwata cultural village which is an arts and crafts market to get souvenirs and other local products
Another option to get local fabrics and craft items, ask your driver to take you to the village markets which holds only on Saturdays and Sundays from about 10 am to sundown. These can be found in designated open spaces around town.
Here you can get lots of items from local craftsmen, jewelry makers and much more. Prices here are also cheaper and you can engage in bargain pricing. The city practices right hand driving much like the British. It’s interesting to see especially if you are form a country where driving is done from the left.
Be careful, do not rent a car out here unless you are familiar with this mode of driving. Another interesting factor about the city is that it is very clean and generally quiet. It was also amazing to note their presidency is in the middle of town which is not normal for most African Countries.
The currency of the country is kwacha (the Zambian Kwach) it is easy to understand how it’s used, and you can also get money exchange from any supermarket around town as well as at the bank. Some outlets will take the dollar if you do not have the local currency. Driving around the city is so easy, no excessive traffic or congestion.
Another thing you will notice is the vast lands, the natives own a lot of goats and cows, so you can find them grazing just about everywhere. As a tourist this country has lost of hotels at any level that you want. From five star to no star at very affordable rates. Weather in Lusak or Livingston you can easily find the Marriot and Hilton brand as well as other familiar brands. All reservations can be made online prior to your visit or upon arrival.
There is no trip without food and drinks
The Local and most popular food is Nshima, which is served with vegetables, meat and porridge. If you are adventurous, you can try the “Ifinkubala which are small caterpillars fried in oil or boiled and served with tomatoes and onions. Fun fact: during my visit it was the season for (inswa) After the rains comes the flying ants. They can be found in the dark where there is light. So outside lights at home or streetlights are where people gather to collect these. The wings are pulled, and the bodies are friend in oil. They are a rich source of protein and can be eaten as a snack or served on the side with nshima.
After enjoying such delicacies, you can’t help but finish the meal with a cold local larger beer called Mosi. The michopo is common. It’s usually beef or goat meat which is roasted and served with onions and tomatoes. I was surprised to note that they don’t cook with a lot of spices just salt. Many of the African countries I have visited cook with heavy spices. Different spices for the types of food they offer. You can actually identify what is being made just by the smell of the spice sometimes.
More pictures for Zambia can be found on FB travel page https://www.facebook.com/ecvirtualtravels
Travel requirements:
- Follow all covid rules on the Zambian embassy website
- Have your valid passport
- Visa is issued upon arrival for $50 per person, per single visit
- Local currency is very easy to get. The dollar is accepted as well though not everywhere
- Book your hotel in advance
- Arrange for Transportaion from airport upon arrival and for day of departure.
- Very friendly people, they can help with all you need to enjoy your stay