Zambia – Africa’s Last Eden
A New Paradise in Africa
Since the 1990s, the sub-Saharan African country of Zambia has become famous for its wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, wilderness, waterfalls and other natural wonders. Along with many other African countries such as Botswana, Gabon, South Africa, The Gambia and Tanzania, this English-speaking republic, is a new paradise on the continent of Africa. Foreign tourists, particularly from Britain, Europe, and South Africa, are showing interest in Zambia’s national parks — home to much of the nation’s biodiversity — and nature refuges.
Welcome to Zambia!
This amazing country is located in southern Africa and has about 290,600 square miles/752,614 square kilometers (more than twice the size of New Mexico). Like Switzerland and Austria, it is a landlocked nation. Most of Zambia consists of a plateau elevated 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. Vast areas of Zambia are covered by wilderness. On the other hand, it is bordered by seven countries: Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (once called Zaire) in the north, by Angola in the west, by Malawi and Mozambique in the east, by Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and Namibia (ex South West Africa) in the south. The capital and largest city is Lusaka, founded in 1935. Most of the country’s population lives in the capital. Lusaka is the centre of the country’s commercial and intellectual life.
In 1964, the United Kingdom declared Zambia –once called Northern Rhodesia– an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. On the economic side, it is a resource-rich country, where there are vast reserves of cobalt and copper. Meanwhile, the country has excellent diplomatic relations with Britain, Beijing and the United States of America. Tourism has become a national priority since the mid-1990s when the sub-Saharan country had its first democratic election.
Unspoiled Natural Beauty
After years of isolation, between 1964 and 1990, the Luangwa National Park, a symbol of Zambia, has become a “wildlife paradise” in southern Africa. Because of its abundant freshwater, unique geography, excellent lodges, spectacular landscapes, and a host of wild mammals -home to monkeys, hippopotamuses, brow hyenas, leopards, crocodiles, rhinoceroses — Luangwa is one of the world’s most amazing national parks. But there’s more, of course! Luangwa is the permanent home to several species of wild birds. Curiously, this park has one of the highest densities of African elephants in the world. Finally, it has a number of different species of plants and trees. For these reasons, Luangwa is a favorite place for travel writers, researchers, naturalists, and wildlife photographers, who came to Luangwa to discover the new paradise on the African mainland.
Discover Zambia
In addition to having one of the highest concentrations of wild mammals on the planet, this land boasts other wonders as well. Firstly, it is home to two of sub-Saharan Africa’s eight largest-lakes: The Kariba -one of the world’s largest artificial lakes and the Tanganyika, one of the major natural lakes of the world. Furthermore, the Mweru is other important lake in the country. Secondly, Zambia has two spectacular waterfalls on Earth. The Kalambo (shared with Tanzania) is the Continent’s second-highest waterfall. This waterfall is now one of Zambia’s biggest tourist attractions and beckon visitors each year.
Adventure Sports
Meanwhile the Victoria waterfalls (shared with Zimbabwe), located along the Zambezi river, are considered one of the most famous waterfalls on the planet. It was discovered by David Livingston in 1851. In addition to being one of the world’s natural wonders, the Victoria falls -also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya– are famous for its adventure sports. Certainly it is a perfect place to practice sports. In and around the waterfalls, for example, you can practice microlighting, rafting, parachunting – a feeling that becomes even more dream-like when above one the sky is amazing while below the scenery is a paradise– and bungee jumping. But that’s not all. This corner of the Planet offers combined activities such as horse-riding, cycling and kayaking, among other sports. It has preserved its image as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s greatest tourist attractions since 1989 when it was declared Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
In addition to these notable wonders, the English-speaking country also has one of the largest wetlands on the globe: the Bangweulu. This African wonder has served as refuge for many animals and exotic birds.