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|  | ZAMBIA COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Zambia is a vast plateau bordered by Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. The Zambezi River together with Lake Kariba forms the frontier with Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, at the southern end of the man-made Lake Kariba, is one of the most spectacular sights in Africa (if not the world). In the east and northeast the country rises to a plateau 1200m (3937ft) high, covered by deciduous savannah, small trees, grassy plains or marshland. The magnificent Luangwa and Kafue National Parks have some of the most prolific animal populations in Africa. Most tourism is concentrated in nine of the 19 parks - Sumbu, Kafue, Lochinvar, Luangwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Lower Zambezi, Kasanka and Sioma Ngwezi - the remainder, as yet, having fewer facilities. Herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope are easily spotted and there are plenty of lions and zebra. There are also rhinos, monkeys, baboons, wild pigs, hippopotami and crocodiles. Attractions in the capital, Lusaka, include nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and Zoo. Lusaka has dancing and floorshows in the main hotels, cinemas and theatres. Local culinary specialities include bream from the Zambezi, Kafue and Luapula rivers. The territory of Northern Rhodesia was administered by the South Africa Company from 1891 until it was taken over by the UK in 1923. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule, but the subsequent vote in 1996 saw blatant harassment of opposition parties. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. The new president launched a far-reaching anti-corruption campaign in 2002, which resulted in the prosecution of former President Frederick CHILUBA and many of his supporters in late 2003. Opposition parties currently hold a majority of seats in the National Assembly. 9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern, Western. Despite progress in privatization and budgetary reform, Zambia's economic growth remains somewhat below the 5% to 7% needed to reduce poverty significantly. Privatization of government-owned copper mines relieved the government from covering mammoth losses generated by the industry and greatly improved the chances for copper mining to return to profitability and spur economic growth. Copper output increased in 2004 and is expected to increase again in 2005, due to higher copper prices and the opening of new mines. The maize harvest was again good in 2004, helping boost GDP and agricultural exports. Cooperation continues with international bodies on programs to reduce poverty, including a new lending arrangement with the IMF in the second quarter, 2004. A tighter monetary policy will help cut inflation, but Zambia still has a serious problem with fiscal discipline. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Lusaka
Attractions in the capital include nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, the Kabwata Cultural Village (devoted to the preservation of indigenous arts and crafts and displays of traditional dancing), the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens and Zoo and the Lusaka National Museum (opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700 ).
National Parks
The Zambian government has long recognised the economic importance of its wildernesses and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost one third of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves. Tourism is mostly concentrated in nine of the 19 parks - Sumbu, Kafue, Lochinvar, Luangwa, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Lower Zambezi, Kasanka and Sioma Ngwezi (described below) - the remainder, as yet, having fewer facilities. The National Tourist Board of Zambia also recommends the following national parks: Nyika, Blue Lagoon, and Sioma Ngwezi.
All the main national parks are accessible by car and plane. National parks require an entry permit bought from the main gate during opening hours (0600-1800 seven days a week). For further and more detailed information about safaris, see also the Sport & Activities section or contact the Zambia National Tourist Board (see Address section).
Note
Most tourist organisations are controlled by tour operators and prices of tours need to be fixed well in advance.
Kafue National Park
Situated in the centre of the southern half of the country, Kafue encompasses a huge area (22,500 sq km/8687 sq miles) and is one of the biggest game sanctuaries in Africa. Noted for its beauty, the park is bisected by the Kafue River, which attracts hundreds of species of birds and offers good game fishing. eight-day walking and driving tours are available. The principal attraction is the prolific wildlife. Accommodation is provided throughout the year at Mukambi Lodge (no guided safaris during the rainy season, November to April), and the Musungwa Lodges, and at New Kalala Camp (full catering) and others. There are also several seasonal non-catered camps.
South Luangwa Valley National Park
Regarded as one of the most exciting game reserves in the world, the Luangwa Valley is home to a huge variety of animals: among many others, elephants, hippopotami, lions, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, monkeys and wild dogs. Blossoming trees and exotic flowers set the scene. The main rainy season runs from November/December to May. There are lodges at Chichele, Mfuwe, Kapani (all year) and Tundwe (dry season), and catered camps at Chibembe, Tena Tena, Kaingo Camp (dry season) and Chinzombo (all year). There are also several seasonal non-catered camps. Facilities in the park include luxury double rooms in chalets, private baths and toilets, full three-course meals, bar facilities and swimming pools.
Lochinvar National Park
Exceptional diversity of birdlife (over 420 recorded species). The park is situated on the southern edge of the Kafue Flats, a wide floodplain of the Kafu river, famous for its large herds of lechwe, an antelope unique to the Kafue Flats. There is one lodge, open throughout the year.
Sumbu National Park
The sandy shorelines of Lake Tanganyika provide the setting for three all-year beach resorts: at Kasaba, Ndole and Nkamba bays. There is also a small non-catered camp at Ndole Bay. Activities include swimming, sunbathing, boat rides and freshwater big-game fishing for the Goliath tigerfish (up to 35kg), giant catfish and the Nile perch (both up to 50kg and more). It is possible to arrange visits into the surrounding bush to watch game. Kasaba Lodge boasts an afternoon tea service, a bar and beach barbecues. Nkamba Bay Lodge offers exactly the same facilities as Kasaba but facilities are housed in rondavels. The park's spectacular sunsets are not to be missed.
Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Located on the southernmost edge of Zambia bordering Zimbabwe, the astonishing Victoria Falls are the mightiest cataracts in the world - the 2.5km-wide (1.5-mile) Zambezi River drops 100m (330ft) into a narrow chasm at the rate of 550 million litres every minute. The spray can be seen 30km (20 miles) away. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby is small by Zambian standards but is home to most of Zambia's more common wild animals. Also nearby is Livingstone, 'Tourist Capital of Zambia', with several luxury hotels, a casino, and the National Museum, housing Livingstone memorabilia and anthropological exhibits. The Railway Museum is also situated in Livingstone.
Kasanka National Park
This is one of Zambia's smallest parks, with an area of 390 sq km (150 miles). It encompasses eight lakes and four rivers, the largest being the beautiful Luwombwa. Kasanka is an attractive and diverse park with forest and swamp, home to specialised mammals and birds. Animals include elephant, hippo, reedbuck, waterbuck, hyena, warthog, baboon, jackal, leopard and the rare blue monkey, which can be found in the forests that flank Kasanka's rivers.
Lower Zambezi National Park
This lies along the Zambezi River, 100 km (62 miles) downstream of the Victoria Falls. It has abundant wildlife, including elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard together with a great variety of birds. Game drives and walks will often reveal big cats and on occasion, the cheetah. Canoe safaris, fishing of tiger fish, bottle-nose fish or bream and birdwatching activities are available.
North Luangwa National Park
This is one of Africa's spectacular surviving wilderness areas. It covers 4636 sq km (1790 sq miles) of primarily woodland park with numerous small rivers including the beautiful Mwaleshi which all play an important role. The park is particularly noted for its huge herds of buffalo. Walking safaris here will also reveal elephants, leopards, wildcat, hyena, puku, impala, zebra, baboon and velvet monkey. Over 350 bird species are found here, including the crested leorie, crowned crane, carmine bee-eater and giant eagle owl. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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