Zambia: The Real Africa
ZAMBIA
Zambia is a big country as large as France, Switzerland, Austria and
Hungary combined, covering some 750,000 square
kilometers and lying in the tropical belt on South Central Africa, 10
to 18 degrees South of the equator.
Being on a fairly high plateau, averaging 1,300m above sea level, the
climate is very temperate with little humidity. The
country is landlocked, but has many lakes and rivers with beaches
and water sports to be enjoyed in uncrowded and unclustered
surroundings.
Indeed the unspoiled nature of Zambia is perhaps its greatest tourist
asset. Rich in scenery and wildlife, Zambia today has
become the tourist heart of a great continent which offers something
that is becoming progressively rare in this shrinking world,
the chance to escape from holiday masses and savour something of
an environment that has remained unchanged since the very
beginning of time.
CLIMATE
Although within tropical latitude, the general height of the plateau
gives Zambia a moderate climate which has earned Zambia
the appropriate nickname, the "air conditioned state."
There are three distinct seasons cool and dry from May to August,
hot and dry from September to November, and warm and
wet from December to April. Only in the valleys of the Zambezi and
Luangwa Rivers is there excessive heat particularly in the
hottest month of October, and it is only during the wet season that
there is any noticeable degree of humidity.
ON SAFARI
For the traveler who wants to enjoy the Real Africa, untouched and
at its greatest, Zambia offers walking safaris unmatched
anywhere else in the world. Zambia National Parks contain the
largest variety of animals with viewing and photo opportunities,
up close, as nature intended the animals to be viewed. Safari
operators based in Zambia are happy to tailor make all safari
arrangements based on your budget.
VICTORIA FALLS
The one sight that every visitor to Africa MUST see is the famous
Victoria Falls, one of the seven great natural wonders of the world.
Located
on the Zambesi River in Zambia, Victoria Falls is over a mile wide,
dwarfing Niagara Falls by comparison. During flood season, over 3
million
gallons per second pour over the falls to the bottom of the chasm,
almost
400 feet below! The falls can be viewed from the Knife Edge
Footbridge,
which spans a narrow ridge of rock between an island facing the falls
and
the mainland. The bridge allows you to get so close to the falls, you
should
carry a raincoat or umbrella with you. The spray of water allows you
to
FEEL this awesome display of nature!
Sundown Cruiser and Rafting, on the Zambesi River is also available.
The nearby town of Livingstone, named for the British explorer Dr.
David
Livingstone, with its historical museum and many fine hotels and
casinos,
is considered Zambia's tourist capital.
ANIMAL AND BIRD LIFE
One of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa is packed into
the
magnificent country of Zambia. Elephants are everywhere; it is
impossible
not to see them. The river lagoons are full of hippopotami. The black
rhinoceros, though secretive, is readily seen. And so are the giraffe,
and
herds of buffalo, zebra, and numerous variety of antelope,
waterbuck,
impala, kudu, roan and puku. The best time to find lions is in the
early
morning, when they often sun themselves in family groups near a
recent kill.
Leopards are also widespread, but as they are primarily nocturnal
animals, it
is difficult to find them by day. Other animals you will almost
certainly see
are monkeys, baboons, warthogs, hyenas and possibly wild dogs.
CHINZOMBO SAFARI CAMP
Safari arrangements are made through all accredited safari
companies.
Accommodations are clean, adequate and the food is excellent.
Zambia
offers a walking safari with tent accommodations, stationed about six
or
eight miles apart. Game viewing from a 4 wheel drive vehicle is also
available. In the evening, you will be able to watch an amazing
procession
of animals, as they come to the waterholes to drink. Most visitors can
get
photos of the "Big Five" game animals. Safety is provided by
experienced,
gun bearing guides accompanying each walking safari, usually
limited to
from 8 to 10 persons. The danger factor is extremely low, but the
safari can
get you very close to the animals.
"Old Hand" game watchers and safari walkers feel that Zambia has
the
greatest concentration of game in Africa.
GAME VIEWING
Zambia's greatest asset in their game reserves is water. Each large
reserve has
a river or lake to provide water during the dry season from May to
November.
With the Leccmpee River, the Kafue River, the Zambesi River and
Lake
Tangayika, furnishing water in the dry season. You can always count
on a
congregation of wild animals and bird life coming to the waterholes
for a drink.
One of the delights of life on safari is the food. Carefully planned, it is
both
hearty and very tasty. Since subsistence hunting is permitted by
Safari
operators, you are in for a treat with barbecued game such as Quail
and Guinea
fowl. You will never forget it.
HOW TO GET THERE
Whether you plan your trip yourself or use the services of a tour
operator, start with an information packet from the Zambia
National Tourist Board. A phone call or a letter requesting
personalized service will be honored. Your plane trip via Zambia
Airways, on the very latest aircraft, can be arranged with a stopover
in London. You can do it on your own, or have your
travel agent secure a package plan for you, including air fare. You'll
find fees to be quite reasonable.
For the experience of a lifetime, write to:
Zambia National Tourist Board
Zambia HouseŃ237 East 52nd St.
New York, NY 10022 USA
Phone: 212-308-2155 or
1-800-852-5998