Zambia’s capital of Lusaka deserves to be more than simply a pit stop. Travelling in Zambia will reward you with an exploring remote, mesmerising wilderness with a astonishing diversity of wildlife as any part of Southern Africa. Zambia is a logistical challenge for the independent traveler, because of its sheer size, dilapidated road network and upmarket facilities.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1. VICTORIA FALLS
As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls offers breath-taking views that are almost too spectacular and majestic to describe. Walk across the knife-edge bridge for a spectacular view of the eastern cataract and up the main gorge. Down the steps to the Boiling Pot that provides an interesting view from the base of the falls and the Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the gorge. Downstream the river has carved a tortuous route through the soft areas within the basalt rock, forming a deep gorge in a tight zigzag course for kilometres resulted by the repeated cutting back of the line of the Falls and the successive formation and abandonment of seven previous broad waterfalls, a process that has taken about 100,000 years.
2. LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
The off-the-beaten wilderness track lies between the borders of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Muddy banks and miombo on the 4,000 square kilometers and it is know for its vast floodplains. Seasonal wetland magnetizes groups of lions and elephants, buffalo and leopard, which all congregate here to water and feed.
3. LUSAKA NATIONAL MUSEUM
The building is resembling a Soviet-era square box ministry. On the upper level galleries is displaying exhibits on urban culture and Zambian history as well cultural, ethnographic and archaeological displays. Downstairs contemporary Zambian paintings and sculpture are on display.
4. LIVINGSTONE MUSEUM
The museum is the oldest, largest and best museum in the country. It's divided into sections covering archaeology, history, ethnography and natural history. Highlights include its collection of original David Livingstone memorabilia, tribal artefacts, a life-sized model of an African village, taxidermy displays and coverage of modern-day Zambian history.
5. COPPERBELT MUSEUM
On the upper level the museum displays the cultural and ethnography artefacts used in witchcraft, personal ornaments, smoking and snuffing paraphernalia, and musical instruments such as talking drums. On the lower level the local mining industry with its history, gemstones and the processing of copper are on display.
6. KALIMBA REPTILE PARK
Experience the giant Nile crocodiles, as well as indigenous snakes, tortoises, slender-nosed crocodiles and other reptiles. Other activities to fill your time is available as well as ‘n pool to relax in.
7. INGOMBE LIEDE
It is named “Sleeping cow” because the baobab trees on location resemble a sleeping cow. It is one of the most important archaeological site and was discovered in 1960 during civil engineering works. The excavations done at the site helped historians to understand the development of the trade in the region. Some burial places have been dug up and are reckoned to belong to the 14th century. These burials bring to light the emergence of class distinctions.
8. THE CHOMA MUSEUM AND CRAFTS CENTRE
Based in a former school dating from the 1920s, the museum's exhibits concentrate on the Tonga people, Who was forcibly displaced by the construction of the Kariba Dam. On display is the traditional life of Tonga women and men, including Possession Dances, and craftwork with some lovely beadwork. There are interesting black and white photos and an art galley with carvings. Outside on the lawn are huge steel ballsused in the efforts to clear the vegetation during the construction of Kariba Dam.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Solwezi
- Sioma Ngwezi National Park
- Chingola
- Blue Lagoon National Park
- Ndola
- Freedom Statue
- Mumbuluma Falls
- Mweru Wantipa National Park
- Niamkolo Church
- Tondwa Game Reserve
- Busanga Plains
- Kabwelume Falls
- Luapula River
- Dag Hammarskjold Crash Site
- Chirundu Bridge
- Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
- Kundalila Falls
- Amusement Park
- Lake Kariba
- Kasanka National Park
ue to the poor condition of many roads, a four-wheel drive vehicle is the best option for getting around Zambia. Nevertheless, there are bus and rail services available for travel between Zambia’s main towns and cities for those who prefer not to drive.
The best time to go to Zambia is during the dry season from May to October – the best game viewing along with pleasantly mild daytime temperatures. During December to April the bush is beautifully thick and green.
