Sneak Preview

You’ll have many reasons to visit Zambia , whether it’s for the awe-inspiring sight of the Victoria Falls or the sheer thrill of a ‘walking safari’ in the wild, wild African bush. The country has retained its virgin, untamed wilderness that throbs with wildlife and exotic birds. The scenery is breath taking and the road network just ideal for a discovery drive around the country. In a world where Nature is fast moving out of sight, Zambia is sure to engulf you in her rejuvenating bower.

Zambia is home to one of the seven wonders of the world- the Victoria Falls. The falls are locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning the smoke that thunders. The mist (smoke) from the falls can be seen from kilometres away and the sprays can even be felt on the Zambian border point.

Historically Speaking

Discoveries in Kabwe date Zambia’s beginning to the Stone Age and Iron Age. The country remained isolated and authentic documentation is dated as recently as 1500, which proves that the Zambian tribes traded with the Portuguese, Arabs and the Swahilis till 1800. The two main tribes were the Kazembe and Bemba who traded in ivory, salt, copper and slaves and fought with each other for power over the land. The Bemba tribe ruled till the early 1900s.

Present day Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia in the 1890s, created by a Britisher named Cecil Rhodes, who represented the British South Africa Company. Apart from running the plantations and utilising mining opportunities, he was obviously interested in the politics of Zambia, which helped provide his Company with cheap labour. In the 1920s, vast deposits of copper were discovered in the northern part of the country making it the ideal place for investment. Relatively unheard of and isolated, it nevertheless came under the British protectorate in 1924.

Northern Rhodesia became independent Zambia in 1964, taking its name from the Zambesi River flowing through it. Kenneth Kaunda, a vociferous activist who promoted the rights of the indigenous people, became the first President and remained in power for the next 27 years. Domestic problems plagued the country – the economy was on the verge of collapse coupled with high rates of crime and unemployment. Despite international aid and a change of government, Zambia’s scene has hardly changed today because of its domestic politics.

Habitat

Landlocked and oddly shaped, Zambia, on a high plateau, is well watered by three major rivers, the Zambezi, the Kafue and Luangwa. Its most impressive geographical wonder is the Victoria Falls, which it shares with neighbouring country, Zimbabwe. Cascading a 100m, Victoria Falls is 2km wide and amply endowed with water from the Zambezi River at Livingstone. Wildlife and birds abound in Zambia because of bountiful water, suitable landscape and abundant forest cover, making it a paradise for safari lovers and ornithologists. Large animals such as the elephant are seen in herds at the watering hole, sometimes even 60 of them together! Other commonly seen animals include lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, buffalo, antelope, zebra, impala and wildebeest. Rivers support a huge amount of crocodiles, water snakes and hippos. There are over 750 species of birds and a popular one is the shoebill stork found in the Bangweulu Wetlands. Miombo and Mopane woodlands cover the hot area of the south.