Zambia

Going on safari is not a new concept. We are all familiar with the vast plains waiting to be explored by the 4×4 van or Land Rover. The numerous antelopes, wilder beasts and zebras grazing the savannah, giving us encouragement to keep a lookout for the other camouflaged animals. It can get repetitive and dull. Once you have been on one safari, you have been on all of them. Is this truly the case?   No, and here is why.   Just as there are many cultures and traditions across Africa, there are different ways of doing the traditional safari. Sure, the main attraction, the wildlife, is generally consistent in most locations. However, the new trend is trying to get as close as possible to the wildlife and fully immerse in a life-changing experience.     Zambia is capitalizing on this need to have a different experience while on safari to further its tourism industry. It is one of the few locations where tourists can go on a guided walking safari. Yes, it said walking safari.   Now, if you are anything like me, the moment I saw walking I was intrigued and already heading to close the tab. There […]

The largest man-made lake and reservoir and the 4th largest lake in Africa, Lake Kariba has given us a lot to talk about. On the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the lake was originally designed as a hydroelectric dam along the Zambezi River, servicing both countries with electricity. It is still functional presently and doubles as a popular destination site.   The dam was constructed in 1958, during the colonial era. Originally, the site was the settlement for the Tonga tribe, when construction began they were resettled into other surrounding areas. The resettlement efforts resulted in conflict, namely the Chisamu war. Once the clans were evicted, they were promised compensation, however, it is unclear as to whether families got compensated. Legend says a god named Nyaminyami is still angry about the displacement of the Tonga, and attempts to destroy the dam and the lake in spite. To date, there have been several attempts resulting in rehabilitating the dam, but whether is it is wear and tear or Nyaminyami, we can never be sure.   Folklore and legend aside, Lake Kariba is a postcard-worthy vacation spot. A 2.5-hours drive through the Zambezi Rift valley to Siavonga from Lusaka is foreplay for the true […]

  Lusaka can only be defined as a breath of fresh air, with lush green spaces which surround the city for as far as the eye can see. Thriving ecosystems and conservation measures allow you to have an intimate interaction with wildlife and Zambian culture. My weekend in Lusaka was nothing short of magical. Here is my guide to Lusaka and its environs in a weekend.   Friday    To kick off the weekend, I enjoyed dinner at Horse Shoe Steakhouse. Previously polo grounds, the restaurant has ample space and grounds, gorgeous décor which complement the ambience and somehow make everything taste a thousand times better. The Steakhouse offers some of the bests steaks which Zambia, and Southern African countries are famous for. Sadly, it was an early night as the next day’s plan required plenty of sleep. Saturday    Next stop, Chaminuka lodge. Approximately hour’s drive from the capital, the lodge allows for an intimate interaction with Zambia’s wildlife. Chaminuka lodge is well- known for its cheetahs, which you can pet and walk alongside. In addition, the lodge is surrounded by villages and wildlife, and is an exemplar of ecotourism. After enjoying a tour of the lodge, I was […]

“It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in flight.” Thus spoke Dr. David Livingstone, the first European to visit Mosi-oa- Tunya, which he named Victoria Falls. I cannot help but agree with him as setting eyes on the falls – Mosi -oa- Tunya which translates to “the smoke that thunders”, is a breath taking experience. The falls are located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and hold the distinction of being the largest falls in the world.   The recommended route is set up as 16 viewpoints starting at the statue of David Livingstone and ending at the Railway Bridge. Viewpoint 3, the Devil’s Cataract is the lowest of the falls, separated from the rest by Boaruka Island and this is where I started. Next is the Main Falls, then Livingstone Island from which Dr. Livingtone first viewed the falls. I visited during the rainy season and was unable to see it as the sprays were too dense. Horseshoe Falls, named for their shape and Rainbow Falls are next but once again dense spray made these impossible to see. […]

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