Zambezi River

The Zambezi river which rises far up in the north west corner of the country was the inspiration behind the name Zambia. This former British colony which was known as Northern Rhodesia is home to Africa’s fourth largest river system. This amazing river system runs a total of 2700 km and passes through six countries on its meandering journey to the Indian ocean.

Along this incredible journey its passage was abruptly stopped with a 108 meter drop where one of the seven wonders of the world was created in the form of the majestic Victoria Falls.

Further along downstream another world first was created when the mighty Zambezi was dammed to form Lake Kariba.

Livingstone

The legendary explorer Dr. David Livingstone was the inspiration behind the name of this town. Established in 1905 it was the capital of what was then known as Northern Rhodesia. The capital then later moved to Lusaka in 1935 and since then Livingstone has been the base from which modern day explorers and adrenaline junkies set out for their thrills.

Victoria Falls

The columns of spray from what is known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – or ”the smoke that thunders” can be seen from miles away as 546 million cubic metres of water per minute cascade over the edge.

With the width of approximately 2 kilometres and dropping into a gorge over a 100 metres below is known as the worlds greatest curtain of falling water. No trip to this majestic view would be complete without crossing to the vantage point to what is known as Knife Edge bridge where an amazing view of the Eastern cataract, Main Falls as well as the boiling pot can be seen.

Kafue

Kafue holds the status of being the first national park to be proclaimed in Zambia. Stretching over 22 000 square kilometres it also holds the status of being the second largest national park in the world. One of the large attractions of this park is the ability to utilize both the Kafue and Lunga rivers that offer superb fishing opportunities as well as the options to see some of the impressive bird life that Zambia has to offer (in excess of 700 species).

South Luangwa

The Luangwa river is the main artery that feeds this majestic 9000 square kilometre park. This is home to 60 different animal species and over 400 bird species. The unique species which one must keep a sharp look out for would be the Thornicrofts giraffe. Four out of the Big 5 are common sightings in this park with the only exception being the rhino.

Kariba

At the time of its completion in 1960 Kariba was the largest man made dam ever built. Stretching some 220 km long and up to 40 km wide it supports abundant fishing opportunities and provides hydro electric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Home to the legendary tiger fish this highly sort after fresh water champion holds the record for the most ferocious fresh water fighting fish in the world. Accommodation can be provided in the form of houseboats or lakeside lodges.

Liuwa Plains

At the onset of the rains massive herds of wildebeest arrive in their thousands from Angola. This is the second largest wildebeest migration after the Serengeti and Masai Mara. This national park, where the locals can be seen living out their nomadic lifestyle as one with nature, gives the feeling that one is in the Masai Mara just minus the swarms of tourists.

A difficult spot to get to as can be seen from the travel article but if one is looking for remote, unchanged Africa, this is the place to go.