Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River, is one of seven natural wonders of the world. Professional guides lead canoe safaris, white-water rafting, game drives, photo safaris, and walking safaris. Zambia is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. Large populations of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, hippos and rhino occupy Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park. Both North and South Luangwa National Park are dominated by the meandering Luangwa River, which forms lagoons, sandbanks, and riverine woodlands, changing the habitat around every corner.

South Luangwa	South Luangwa National Park For scenery, variety of animals, accessibility and choice of accommodation, South Luangwa is the best park in Zambia and one of the most majestic in Africa. Among the varied terrain of dense woodland, oxbow pools and open grassy plains lurk beasts of all shapes and sizes, from massive elephants to pesky tsetse flies. Take precautions against malaria. South Luangwa is where walking safaris (June to September) began. Being in the park on foot, with the wildlife all around, is a truly exhilarating experience. Despite its many charms, South Luangwa attracts far fewer visitors than other African parks, especially during the wet season, making it all the more attractive. The abundance of wild animals in this area makes walking around at night very dangerous. Most of park is inaccessible from November through April and many lodges close during this period.
Lower Zambezi	Lower Zambezi National Park Only opened in 1983, the Lower Zambezi National Park receives a high level of protection from the Zambian Government. Guided canoeing trails are a favoured method of observing the spectacular birdlife. Fishing is also popular, as the area abounds in freshwater bream and tiger fish. Located along the Zambezi River, across from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, Lower Zambezi is one of true wilderness areas in Africa. Huge herds of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and hippo are found.
Kafue National Park	Kafue National Park The Kafue River is a major tributary of the Zambezi. At Meshi Teshi Gap, the river turns sharply east through Kafue Flats, a large swampy inland delta. Kafue National Park spans 8,650 square miles, and is one of the larger national parks. The wild landscape varies from the Busanga Plains in the northwest, to richly green areas in the south, all nourished by the Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue Rivers. Kafue National Park is a noted game preserve, where a variety of wildlife flourishes.
Victoria Falls	Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) The Victoria Falls are one of the world's most spectacular plunges. The 1.2 mile-wide Zambezi River drops more than 328 feet into a steeply-walled gorge. The Zambian side of Victoria Falls has long played second fiddle to its better-known Zimbabwean counterpart, but trouble next door means Livingstone is positively booming. For close-up views of the Eastern Cataract, nothing beats the hair-raising (and hair-wetting) walk across the footbridge, through swirling clouds of mist, to a sheer buttress called the Knife Edge. If the water is low and the wind favourable, you'll be treated to a magnificent view of the falls and the yawning abyss below the Zambezi Bridge. Adrenaline junkies can indulge in white-water rafting, abseiling, river-boating, jet-boating, bungee jumping and a host of airborne activities. At certain times of year it is even possible to visit Livingstone Island and swim at the very edge of the Falls, though sadly it's no longer free. Don't get so caught up with activities that you miss one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Zambians call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders).
Lusaka	Lusaka Lusaka is a sprawling, swollen city that has grown too fast and has little appeal for travellers, though it is the capital and you're likely to spend some time in it. Lusaka didn't even exist before the 20th century, and until the 1930s it was just a small, sleepy agricultural center . Although it became the capital in 1931, rapid growth didn't occur until the 1960s. Since then, most of Lusaka's middle class have headed for the suburbs, leaving a population consisting mainly of civil servants, diplomats and poor Zambians.

From classic tented camps, to mobile safaris, to luxurious lodges, Zambia offers a wide range of accommodations.

Tena Tena Camp	Tena Tena Camp Tena Tena Camp is situated in a remote sector of South Luangwa National Park. Mahogany trees shade four custom tents, each positioned to provide a view of elephants feeding or having a mud bath. Relaxed and informal, Tena Tena means "temporary home." Lagoons, sandbanks, riverine forests and open plains provide sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and birds. Tena Tena Lodge offers daily walks, morning and night drives, as well as all-day drives with bush picnics.
Nsefu Camp	Nsefu Camp Nsefu Camp is located on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, and was the first photographic safari camp in Zambia, dating back to the early fifties. The view of the river is superb and includes a terraced area where wildlife graze during the day. The bar overlooks a waterhole that often attracts leopard at night. The original rondavels have been extended, and each room has a clear view of the river, through large windows and a new wooden verandah. The Camp was reopened in 1999, within the heart of the undeveloped Nsefu sector, and offers charm and total comfort in remoteness and seclusion.
Tongabezi Lodge	Tongabezi Lodge Tongabezi Lodge is ideally located for visits to Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is an exclusive and romantic lodge beautifully positioned on the river banks, with stunning views across the mighty Zambezi. The emphasis is on style, service and atmosphere. Even more peaceful and idyllic is Sindabezi Island Camp, downstream by boat from Tongabezi. Activities include visits to Victoria Falls, guided boat trips on the Zambezi, and guided canoeing, tiger fishing, and bird watching.
Sindabezi Island	Sindabezi Island Sindabezi Island is our private island paradise nestled in the waters of the Zambezi, upstream of the Victoria Falls. Not only is it is the only African bush camp in the area, but the island is also the only bush camp that can be enjoyed exclusively as a private booking. Here, in our haven of natural tranquillity, you will truly experience the sights and sounds of the African bush. From Sindabezi, the flood plain of the mighty Zambezi and the views of the wildlife in the nearby National Park will capture your soul.
Chongwe River Camp	Chongwe River Camp Chongwe River Camp is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, a four thousand square kilometre pristine sanctuary, teeming with game, and said to be one of the continent's most picturesque wilderness areas. The Lower Zambezi has become one of southern Africa's premier destinations for peaceful game viewing and unparalleled tiger fish angling. The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the two rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north.

Stone tools provide evidence of people inhabiting Zambia over 100,000 years ago. Migrating Bantu farmers and herders settled into Zambia, and despite their differences, the numerous migrating Bantu groups share many common characteristics.

Daily Life	Daily Life The Bantu-speaking Ovambo migrated from Central Africa in the 17th century, settling in an area that today includes northern Zambia and southern Angola. They lived in small villages. Extended families raised cattle and cultivated millet, sorghum, and beans. The Ovambo are closely related to the Kavango, and possibly to the Herero. Highly productive farmland, a flourishing metal-working industry, and trade in salt, copper, and iron ore have brought prosperity to the Ovambo. Many Ovambo men earn their livelihoods as mine laborers, while women continue to farm the land. They represent over half of the population in Zambia. Men wear overalls to protect their clothing, and often wear hats.
Bemba	Bemba The Bemba people (Babemba) live in the Northern and Luapula provinces. They account for 12 percent of Zambia's population, and more than one-third of the country speaks Cibemba. Because of the prevalence of the tsetse fly in this region, and poor soils, the Babemba have migrated to Zambia's cities. Traditionally, Babemba men were excellent hunters and fierce warriors. In the past their ability to hunt elephants and harvest ivory for trade formed the basis of their wealth, as did their military proficiency. Today, the Babemba continue to dominate the politics of Zambia.
Nyanja	Nyanja The majority of the Nyanja people live in or near Malawi. They speak Chichewa, and continue to practice subsistence farming, cultivating rice, corn, and beans. The name Nyanja means Lake People.
Tonga	Tonga The Tonga people inhabit the Zambezi River basin, and represent 12 percent of Zambia. About 20 percent of Zambians speak Tonga. The Plateau Tonga people herd cattle, and cultivate maize and peanuts. The Valley Tonga people once practiced floodplain cultivation along the Zambezi River. They were forcibly relocated after the building of Kariba Dam. Many of these people took up fishing, but the Tongan lifestyle has radically changed, and become increasingly marginalized.

Although lying within the tropics, much of Zambia enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate. Most of the country is grassland, interspersed with trees. The river valleys include baobab, acacia, and teak trees, while higher elevations contain dense forest. Poaching is a serious threat, especially to valuable and endangered species such as the black rhino and the African elephant. Zambia is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. Large populations of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, hippos and rhino occupy Kafue National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park. Both North and South Luangwa National Park are dominated by the meandering Luangwa River, which forms lagoons, sandbanks, and riverine woodlands, changing the habitat around every corner.

Vegetable Ivory Palm	Flooded Grasslands and Savannas The Okavango Delta, and associated flooded grasslands and savanna habitats, are among the most important biological sites in Africa. Besides a rich diversity of birds, this region supports significant populations of large mammals, such as the African elephant.
Jackass Penguin	Montane Woodlands This habitat includes mountains that support a rich array of plants and animals, with some species that are restricted to a single mountain. Much of the ecoregion was converted to tea plantations and other agricultural use, some time ago.
Water Hyacinth	Rift Valley Lakes The Rift Valley lakes harbor many extraordinary, rare species. Over 800 cichlids live in the lakes, with many species yet to be discovered. The Cichlid adaptations rival the evolutionary adaptations found in the Galápagos Islands.

• How do I get to Zambia?
  
  
  Zambia is easily accessible by scheduled flights from Johannesburg (South Africa), Windhoek (Namibia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Livingstone and Lusaka International Airports, and frequent scheduled flights between these two major gateways are available.
  
  
• What types of wildlife will I see?
  
  
  Zambia is renowned for its pristine National Parks which feature a wealth of wildlife, including: giraffe, lion, elephant, hippo, African wild dog, antelope, and numerous bird species.
  
  
• What should I wear?
  
  
  You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Zambia. Please note that bright colors are not suitable for game-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
  
  
• How safe is Zambia?
  
  
  Your safety is of paramount importance, and even though Zambia is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travelers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
  
  
• What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
  
  
  Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health precautions and anti-malaria precautions.
  
  
• Which is the best time to visit Zambia?
  
  
  Zambia's elevation on a plateau gives it a moderate climate, despite the fact that it is within tropical latitudes. There are three seasons, cool and dry from April to August, hot and dry from September to October and warm and wet from November to March. Only during the wet season is there noticeable humidity. In the river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa it becomes very hot only in the month of October. Average summer temperatures (September to April) range from 79°F to 86°F, and winter temperatures (May to August) from 70°F to 74°F. Game-viewing is excellent year round, particularly from June to October.
  
  
• When is the rainy season?
  
  
  The main rains fall between November and March. The Victoria Falls are spectacular in April and May after the rainy season.
  
  

Africa Guide
Comprehensive country information, travel advice and climate charts.

Lonely Planet: Destinations
Your guide to unfamiliar places on the African continent.

Lonely Planet: Traveler Reports
Useful advice from travelers who have visited Africa.

World Wildlife Fund: Global Ecoregions
Fourteen major habitat types showing diversity of life on land.