Zambia is a landlocked country within the central southern Africa, a tourist destination that leaves a stunning impact on visitors because of the magnificent scenery, the presence of abundant wildlife species and an impressive culture. Nevertheless, being under-travelled compared to some of its neighbors, Zambia is a gem with overwhelming natural wonder that is suitable enough to keep hidden to those who want to enjoy more authentic and less commercialised African experience. It is a land with beautiful national parks, magnificent waterfalls and colorful cities that have adventure and leisure.
To inquire where to visit in Zambia to best represent what the nation has to offer in terms of natural beauty and wildlife, this guide would present the top 10 best tourist attractions and places in Zambia that you simply cannot afford to do away with once in this magnificent country. Whether it is waterfalls that are known throughout the world or the experience that cannot be forgotten during a safari, Zambia is a destination that does not disappoint any kind of traveler.
1. Victoria Falls – Livingstone
The iconic Victoria falls would not be complete in a list of places to visit in Zambia. Victoria Falls is also known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it is an impressive site that cuts across the Zambia and Zimbabwe boundaries. On the Zambian side of the falls, near Livingstone, some of the finest views of the powerful cascade are had, which plunge more than 100 meters down the Zambezi River.
Besides the mere appeal of the waterfalls, there exists numerous adventure activities to be undertaken by the visitors, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting and the Zambezi River boat ride. Those who want to be characterized by a more laid-back approach will find peaceful sunset journeys during which you will be able to enjoy beauty around.
Gatesway to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone also boasts of a rich local culture and historical places of interest like the Livingstone Museum designating it as one of the best sites to explore in Zambia in terms of adventure and history.
2. South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is commonly considered as being amongst the most favorable safari areas in Africa. This park is considered the dubbing ground of walking safaris due to its abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery. It consists of an amazing array of wildlife encompassing grassy plains, all the way through dense forests, and an extensive array of species, such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and more than 400 species of birds.
South Luangwa is regarded as one of the most tourist favorite places in the country where safari lovers visit in Zambia. The park has both the normal game drives and the walking safari, where people will be able to venture into the wilderness with the knowledgeable guides and be close to the wildlife. Elephants and frequent appearances of leopards are also popular animals in the park, which is why it is a perfect wildlife subject to photography and passionate animal admirers.
3. Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is a paradise place to both the nature lovers and the adventure seekers as it is situated beside the Zambezi river. This is a comparatively untapped treasure trove and it is a habitat to numerous wildlife where hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and assortment of birds can be found. The park also represents breathtaking scenery of the river and the wilderness surrounding it and there are various luxury lodges and camps, which offer comfortable stays.
Lower Zambezi provides river safari, canoeing, and fishing thus, it is one of the best places to visit in Zambia by individuals who would love to see the beauty of Zambia through the water. It is also an ideal wildlife viewing and birdwatching place where the guests are able to observe different species in their natural habitats.
4. Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is one of the oldest and biggest national parks in Zambia, and a place of refuge to the nature and wildlife lovers. The park is located over an area of 22,000 square kilometers and it hosts the amazing collection of animals including lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs besides over 500 bird species. The park has very interesting landscapes which include savannahs, wetlands and have dense forests thus providing tourists with a wide variety of ecosystems to see.
Kafue is the location where people wish to have the experience of an authentic and an off-the-beaten-path safari because it is not as crowded as other parks. Traditional game drives, walking safaris as well as boat safaris on the Kafue River are also available to the visitors. Kafue is certainly a great safari and adventure destination to visit in Zambia due to its superior wildlife viewing.
5. Lake Tanganyika
The second biggest fresh water Lake in Africa is the lake Tanganyika which provides some of the best scenic view in Zambia. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the lake is a beautiful place to visit by the traveler who would like to enjoy the calmness and beauty of nature. Tourism activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking and boat tours are also a part of the activities that can be enjoyed by the visitors, in addition to the benefits to observe the local fishing communities.
Several fish species can also be found in the lake, most notably the well-known Tanganyika cichlids, and birdwatching is also a good activity in the location with many species of waterfowl making the lake their home. Lake Tanganyika is acre of Zambia that may be considered a secret spot and a haven where a nature lover would love to spend his or her time in Zambia and this place is among the most beautiful places to visit in Zambia.
6. Luangwa River
One of the most significant components of the wildlife ecosystem of Zambia is the Luangwa River that passes through the South Luangwa National Park. The river also carries a massive wildlife and that is the reason why it is an important aspect of the safari experience in the area. There is a possibility to have boat tours through the river where the tourists can have a different view of the wildlife and the surrounding wilderness.
Besides being a great place to see a game, the Luangwa river has one of the most beautiful sunsets; boat tours across the river are a wonderful and tranquil experience. Fishing is also a great activity along the river, and it ranks among the best destinations to explore in Zambia in case one wants to have a combination of wildlife and water activities.
7. Nsumbu National Park
Another great place that visitors can explore in Zambia to understand its natural beauty is the Nsumbu National Park that is situated on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The park can be identified by its dramatic landscapes that comprise cliffs, forests, and beaches, and many varieties of wildlife. Elephants, buffalo, leopards, and a variety of antelope species are found here as well as a variety of bird species.
Nsumbu National Park is a great location to perform not only land activities but also water activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and fishing. Due to the relative seclusion level, it has a serene and close-up safari experience thus qualifying it as one of the best tourism destinations in Zambia when one wants to visit an off-path destination.
8. The Copperbelt Region
The Copperbelt region in Zambia has a renowned mining industry which is also a rich source of attractions to visitors who desire to develop an interest in history and culture. Surprisingly there are several museums in the area with the Copperbelt Museum in Kitwe being one of them which provides information about the mining industry and how it has influenced the culture and economy of Zambia.
There are also beautiful nature reserves and parks in the region such as the Kalambo falls the highest waterfall in Africa that is found on the border of Tanzania and Uganda. Copperbelt region is an interesting place where an individual wants to know the history of industry in Zambia and its natural attractions.
9. Lusaka: The Capital City
Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia which is a major cultural, political, and economic center. Although Lusaka is not a standard vacation spot, e.g., such as the national parks of Zambia, it still has quite a few sites worthy of a visitor who wants to understand national culture and history of the country in its urban side. The museums present in the city include the Lusaka National Museum that features the exhibitions on the history, art, and cultural heritage of Zambia.
Lusaka also happens to be a good location to visit local market places like the Soweto Market where you can buy traditional arts, clothing and fresh food. In Addis Ababa, visitors are able to indulge themselves in colorful street life, cultural festivals as well as in good restaurants which serve a wide range of African and international cuisine. Lusaka is an excellent place to start the venture of the various national parks and natural marvels of Zambia, and in this regard, it is among the most significant sites of visiting in Zambia.
10. Zambezi River
One of the main elements that characterize the landscape of Zambia is the Zambezi river, which is among the longest rivers in Africa. Although the river is commonly known as a source of power to the great Victoria falls, it also has many activities that tourists can engage in, including boat safaris, canoeing, and fishing. The River Zambezi hosts many animals such as the elephants, hippos, crocodiles and many bird species.
There is also the best fishing experience along the river in Zambia and the fishermen are just flocking the waters of this river in a bid to have a taste of the fish in the river, such as the tiger fish and bream species. The Zambezi River is one of the most thrilling to visit in Zambia owing to an adventure or a relaxing experience, of which is unforgettable.
Conclusion
A typical country that can be characterized as a diverse ecotourism destination is Zambia. Zambia has destination attractions that give you an adventure to remember when it comes to embarking on the thrilling safari, being amazed by the stunning Victoria falls or a day at the beaches of the serene Lake Tanganyika. Whether it is globally known national parks or those of the lesser known, it is with natural beauty, wildlife and culture that Zambia guarantees that each visit one makes is an enrichment effort. There is the possibility that the country has not been rated as high as it can be compared with some of its neighbors but to anyone who is seeking an original and very African feel, Zambia will shine through.
