ZAMBIA
Zambia is a lush, subtropical wilderness country with loads of off-the-beaten-track charm. The country has a number of excellent game reserves and is known for its warm and friendly people. A republic in south central Africa, it borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, as well as Angola. Zambia's capital and largest city is Lusaka. The land of the legendary African walking safari, Zambia boasts the world's biggest waterfall, the Victoria Falls; the wild Zambezi River, breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness, all in one friendly country. Zambia holidays are real Africa at its best. Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia's people live in peace and harmony.
History & Background:
A number of Bantu tribes existed in the area when Portuguese and English traders and missionaries arrived in Zambia in the 19th century. Britain annexed most of Zambia in 1890 and it became known as Northern Rhodesia. Vast copper deposits were discovered, but little was left for the native Zambians after independence was gained in 1963. The country was plagued by all kinds of economic and political instability, which mostly ended when Frederick Chiluba became president in 1991.
Best Game Viewing Months:
Zambia gets its rains in the summer months of December through to April when, during this time, some of the roads into various parks become impassable. May through September is the best time of year to go on safari, when the weather is cool and dry. October and November are hotter but still dry so you can go on safari as long as you don’t mind the heat. One of the main parks that people are interested in visiting is the South Luangwa; with the months of June, July, November and December being a good for game viewing and August through October being excellent.
In North Luangwa the months of June to August are good for game viewing, while September and October are excellent. Victoria Falls is at its fullest January through April, but the better time to see the falls is August through December as the Falls are more easily viewed when less water ricochets off the rocks. In the lower Zambezi area of Zambia the rainy season runs from mid-November to mid-March and can make some roads impassable. Most of the walking- and canoe safaris run throughout the year, as participants usually only encounter short rain showers in the afternoon followed by good weather afterwards. Some of the lodges in this area close during the rainy season.
Zambia information:
Capital: Lusaka
Currency: Kwacha
Climate: Three seasons: Dec-Apr - warm and wet, May-Aug: cool and dry and Sept-Nov: hot and dry
People: African (98%, including Lozi, Ngoni, Tonga, Lunda, Bemba, Kaonde, Luvale), European (1%)
Official language: English (over 70 indigenous languages)
Time: GMT plus two hours
Area: 752 614km²
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