by: Enestle zimba
Zambia is Africa's best kept secret. It is the sleeping giant of African safari. It's also the friendly people and the peace the country safeguards and continues to enjoy. That's what makes the country a haven of peace for refuges from civil strive. …And Zambia is the hub of African travel.
Zambia is located in south central Africa with eight neighbouring countries. There are 19 national parks and 34 game management areas. Thus a whopping 30 percent of the country's 752,614 sq kms. The country has the largest water resources in southern Africa. There are large empty tracts of land in pristine state and a large wildlife estate. Zambia's unique natural resources include minerals such as copper, precious stones and lumber; both native hard wood and soft exotic pinewood timber.
The National Parks
Of the 19 national parks South Luangwa is Zambia's premier game reserve. The South Luangwa National Park has probably the largest variety and concentration of game in Africa and perhaps in the world. Experts in wildlife safari consider the 9,990 sq kms park has some of the finest viewing areas. It is rated one of the top game reserves in the world with a unique profusion of wildlife. Some animals are rare and only found in the park. An example is the Thornicraft giraffe.
Another game reserve is the Kafue National Park. The sprawling 22,400 sq kms is the second largest national park in the world and is about the size of Wales in Britain and twice the size of Yellowstone National Park in the USA. The park is located in the central-western Zambia and boasts excellent game viewing, bird watching and fishing.
The park has two unique wetlands. The Busanga Floodplain in the northern sector is special. The emerald green Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue Rivers crisscross it. Here are found multi-species of animals and birds. The Busanga plain is an antelope country. The endemic lechwe fill its plains. The park's southern limit also breaks into another wetland the Nanzhila Plains. The plains are next to Zambia's newest lake at the Itezhi-Tezhi Dam.
Copper and Gemstone Reserves
Apart from the fauna and flora estate the country holds 6 percent of the worlds copper reserves. In addition Zambia is the leading producer of precious and semi-precious gemstones including the rare beauty, the green emerald. Amethyst, garnet, tourmaline, citrine and their verities are also found in Zambia. Most of the finished and semi-finished gemstone products are exported worldwide.
Tracts of Land and the Wilderness
The population to land ratio is one of the lowest in Africa. At less than 15 people per sq km it is one of the lowest in the world. The sparse population has left a large portion of Zambia unspoiled and in its natural state.
You get to see teeming wildlife in pristine wilderness. The wildlife is completely ‘wild and untamed.' Some of the animals have had little or no contact with humans. So the national parks present wildlife in its natural habitat, the very same way nature has always wanted it to be.
The Rivers and Lakes of Zambia
Zambia's major rivers, lakes and wetlands are considered to hold the largest component of water resources in Southern Africa. There are four major rivers. The Zambezi covers the largest part of Zambia from northwest through southern to southeastern. The Kafue cuts the country in the middle. The Luangwa nearly cuts off the eastern part of the country. But the Chambeshi that discharge into Lake Bangweulu in north-central Zambia has suffered name changes along its course. After leaving Bangweulu it changes its name to Luapula River. It becomes the Congo River on leaving Lake Mweru and entering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the south is Lake Kariba on the Zambezi. It was the largest man-made lake until the Aswan and the Cobara Bassa were dammed. Lake Kariba is the latest destination for safari investment besides the Victoria Falls. Another is Lake Bangweulu surrounded by white sand beaches and by the tenth largest wetland in Africa. The wetland is the home of the endemic lechwe antelopes and the rare shoebill stork. The third is Lake Mweru on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. And Lake Tanganyika Africa's deepest lake has its southern tip extending into northern Zambia.
The Wild Zambezi River
One river that deserves mentioning is the Zambezi River after which the country is named. From its source near Kaleni Hills in the northwestern corner of the country the Zambezi cuts a lying down “S” shape as it flows through its course a total of 3,450 kms before discharging into the Indian Ocean. Its entrance at the ocean is dramatic for it ends in many river channels called a delta.
The Zambezi passes through changing landscapes and environment. From the rapids in the notrhwest through the wide river and the site of the “Likumbi Lya Mize” ceremony of the Luvale people. It then passes through the Zambezi floodplain where the Ku-omboka ceremony of the Lozi people takes place. Later the river traverses a hilly area and becomes wide and tranquil. Suddenly the river breaks into the world's most spectacular waterfall. This is the mystic and awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
Before the waterfall the Zambezi passes through a point near Kazungula where four countries meet; Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Nowhere else do countries converge on one point in a manner such as this.
Down stream of the waterfall the Zambezi collects into a lake at Kariba Dam. Down stream it is joined firstly by the Kafue, Zambia's second largest river and secondly by the Luangwa River at a confluence where three countries meet: Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. …And before its mouth at the Indian Ocean the Zambezi River forms the second and larger lake at Cobara-Basa Dam in Mozambique.
The Beautiful Victoria Falls
Now the Victoria Falls is something worth talking about. Its awesome, beautiful and a world heritage site. The Toka-Leya people of Chief Mukuni who have always lived there have built many shrines for their deities and ceremonies. Because of the continuous thunder from the largest curtain of falling water and the accompanying mist that plumes from the bottom of the gorge they have called the waterfall “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” meaning the “smoke that thunders”. But I like the other name. “Shungu wa Mutitima.”
Little wonder Dr David Lingstone the famous Scottish missionary doctor and explorer could not resist to write in his dairy, “…scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Because the beauty is awesome. Dr Livingstone was the first European to see the waterfall on November 16, 1855. He named it after Queen Victoria.
At the bottom of the falls are red Kalahari sands. Opposite the waterfall it rains 24 hours a day 7 days a week (24/7). This mist rain nurtures a small rainforest.
And two rain bows too. One is seen during the day and the second occurs at night on a full moon. These are the popular solar and lunar rainbows of Victoria Falls …but then that's another story!
Adventure Centre and the Safaris
After the Victoria Falls the Zambezi River passes through nine gorges it has cut down 122 metres deep. The nine gorges are in fact former waterfalls at different stages of the development and migration of the falls up stream. This migration covers the past 150 million years!
Now the gorges are a spectacular sight. They also form part of the area where adrenaline pumping adventures take place – whitewater rafting over 22 rapids, bungi jumping through 122 metres, gorge swinging, abseiling, river boarding, jet boating, etc. It is for this reason that Livingstone town near the Victoria Falls is now recognized as the Southern Africa Adventure Centre.
If you have a daredevil spirit take to the air in a microlight flight. Fly over the Victoria Falls, watch animals in the nearby Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park…and get really close to the cascading water of the world's largest curtain of falling water. But if you would rather like mundane pastime then you might want to enjoy the “Flight of Angels.” Hire a helicopter or indeed a rigid wing airplane. Even this choice will be your life's memorable experience.
Where to Stay
The banks of the Zambezi River are dotted with many lodges and camping sites. A visit to the Zambezi Waterfront might be what you want. More interesting though is the theme designs of most lodges. They have a strong African architectural style.
The Sun International resort is the latest inclusion and is built closest to the Victoria Falls. The resort is a combo of two hotels: one, the Zambezi Sun is a three star hotel only minutes from the Victoria Falls and the other the Royal Livingstone is a five star royal opulence.
The red walls of the Zambezi Sun depict decorative symbols of prehistoric times. The colour of these African drawings is similar to the Kalahari sands found at the bottom of the falls. But the luxury of the Royal Livingstone is all very different. The ever present butlers and staff wear uniforms reminiscent of the dress of Dr Livingstone at the time he discovered the waterfalls one and half centuries ago. He named the waterfalls in honour of Victoria, then queen of England.
Next to the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is another new hotel. Chrismar Hotel has just been completed near the 60 sq km national game park. It's as if the hotels and lodges are ‘popping' up everyday!
In Lusaka the capital city of Zambia you'll find other exciting hotels and lodges; the 5 star Taj Pamodzi, the 5 star Hotel Intercontinental, Holiday Inn and other fine hotels.
The private game lodges are all within fifty kms. Popular ones are the Lilayi Lodge, the Protea Safari Lodge, and Chaminuka. But Siavonga at Lake Kariba has exciting lakeshore lodges. It's only a two-hour drive from Lusaka. My advice…you'll enjoy the hospitality of Zambia!
How to Get to Zambia
The choice is wide. You can choose to arrive by air and land at any of the four international airports that have full custom and immigration facilities. Mfuwe International Airport is on the boundary with the Zambian premier game reserve, the South Laungwa National Park. Another is at Ndola on the Copperbelt of Zambia. And yet another is the Lusaka International Airport 22 kms from the capital city of Zambia. But Livingstone International Airport is special. Only 8 kms from the Victoria Falls whose first sighting you get from the air on approach to landing.
And then you may choose to arrive by road from any of the eight neighbouring countries but mainly from Bostwana, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Get on a plane or car and come to Zambia …And you'll leave without ever forgetting Zambia safari!
About The Author
Enestle Zimba a geologist for over twenty years manages Zambia African Safari (ZAS) part time. Enestle promotes safaris and tourism in Zambia...and conservation is his great passion. Subscribe to “Africa's Best Kept Secret” newsletter. Discover the gems of Zambia safari. Click below to sent a blank e-mail subscription request. http://www.zambia-the-african-safari.com/subscription.html
|
How To Write Poetry
How To Write Poetry
by: Steve Gillman
If you want to know how to write poetry, the first thing you have to do is write some. It doesn't matter how it turns out. Your own mistakes will become your teachers. Your own writing will motivate you to greater creativity. Now, once you start the process, how do you improve it? Here are three tips.
1. Use nouns and verbs more than adjectives. Which is stronger: "She was as beautiful as a flower..." or "Roses wilted in shame as she passed by..."? "He looked at the depressing clouds..." or "He watched as dark clouds moved in, covering his sky..."?
2. Don't tell the reader how to feel. Let the words elicit the emotions directly, without explaining. "The tragedy touched them all," is more touching to the reader as "Men and women, doctor and workman... thirteen people looked upon the scene... with tears in their eyes."
3. Use dramatic and emotional words. Not all words are equal in their ability...
How To Write Poetry
Lake tahoe > How To Write Poetry
YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides
YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides
by: Susanne Pacher
After my rather quaint and leisurely scenic boat ride through Winter Park, a rather different boating experience was in store for me: a high speed airboat ride through Lake Tohopekaliga, provided by Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.
We got started early in the morning and took the first tour out. The temperature must have been about 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so, and in wise anticpation we both wore our Canadian winter jackets. Good thing, because it gets pretty darn cold zooming along at high speed on the airboats.
We were the first ride out of the gate, and fortunately we were provided with white blankets which kept us reasonably warm. Off we went on our 6-passenger airboat, exploring the coastline of Lake Tohopekaliga, getting a glimpse at various types of wetland birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, egrets and cranes...
YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides
Lake tahoe > YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides
Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies
Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies
by: Susanne Pacher
For the first time ever, my husband and I are going to go skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountains: in March of 2006 we are going to go to stay a week in Banff, Alberta and we are also going to explore Lake Louise, the turquoise jewel of the Canadian Rockies. As we have never been to this region, I have started to do some research and contacted the official visitor information website for the communities of Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
I had a chance to speak with Quintin Winks, Manager of Media Relations for
Banff Lake Louise Tourism, who was able to provide me with excellent background information about the Banff / Lake Louise Region.
1. Please provide us with some general information about Banff/Lake Louise. Where is it located, what is the weather like?
Banff is located within Banff National Park, in...
Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies
Lake tahoe > Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies
Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music
Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music
by: Rick Chapo
Austria simply can?t be beat when it comes to beauty. You?ve seen the country in the Sound of Music, but the cities of Vienna, Salzburg and the alpine town of Halstatt are just as nice.
Vienna
Vienna is a city with a ridiculous amount of history. The home of the waltz, Habsburg Palaces and an unrivaled musical past. Walk for an evening through the cobblestone streets in the center city and you can almost hear a famous composer at work. In fact, many of the walking areas are lined with small orchestral ensembles playing their way through the evening. Elbowing in on their act, of course, are those unique artist who dress in a period piece and then stand in one position for what seems time eternal. Buddhist monks would be envious if they believed in envy.
The only downside to Vienna is the expense. It is very expensive. If you are going to spend some time in the city,...
Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music
Lake tahoe > Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music
Family Canoeing Vacation
Family Canoeing Vacation
by: Peter Shannon
Canoeing is a wonderful vacation idea. It can be a real family-type adventure that is challenging yet not too difficult. Besides being a distinctly fun activity, it is also a form of travel. With a canoe you have the means to safely access wilderness areas that otherwise might not be possible for a family. In more touristy places you have the means to slip off across the river or lake for more private family fun.
If you have your own canoe, great. It is easily carried on your car to where you will be using it. Or you can rent a canoe for long excursions or for as little as a few hours. This is a very flexible way to travel and explore.
Canoeing as a family is a slow paced activity which provides the opportunity to really get close to nature. The kids are involved not just as spectators but as an active part of the effort. This can be an exceptionally rewarding and confidence building experience...
Family Canoeing Vacation
Lake tahoe > Family Canoeing Vacation
Easy Invention Ideas
Easy Invention Ideas
by: Steve Gillman
Easy invention ideas? Why easy? Sometimes it's just too intimidating to think about building a new type of car, television, or other complicated invention. So these are ideas for garage or basement tinkerers. Coming up with a prototype for most of these will cost no more than the money in your pocket. They are not patented yet, as far as I know.
Wild Game Carrier
Deer hunters regularly die of heart attacks while carrying their bucks out of the woods. The invention here would solve that problem. It would have an inflatable wheel, using coated nylon that won't puncture easily. Once you get your deer, blow up the wheel, and using the clamps on either side, you attach two poles or sticks that you cut on site. Attach the simple nylon sling between the sticks, and you have a wheel-barrow-like device that will carry a deer over even rough trails. Probably weighing no more than two pounds, it could be carried...
Easy Invention Ideas
Lake tahoe > Easy Invention Ideas
Exploring Downtown Orlando - A Beautiful Walk Around Lake Eola
Exploring Downtown Orlando - A Beautiful Walk Around Lake Eola
by: Susanne Pacher
After our interesting visits to the Orange County Regional History Center and the Well's Built Museum of African-American Culture and History, we decided to continue our explorations of downtown Orlando and its surrounding historic neighbourhoods. After driving through beautiful residential areas, framed by majestic oak trees adorned by Spanish Moss, we decided to take a stroll around beautiful Lake Eola, which is just minutes from downtown's Heritage Square, home of the Orange County Regional History Center, and every second, third and fourth Saturday of the month is also home to a lively farmer's market. By this time, the sun was starting to set and Lake Eola and the surrounding highrises were bathed in the golden hues of sunset.
Lake Eola is one of Orlando's more than 300 lakes and is surrounded by established residential areas and highrises ringing the downtown...
Exploring Downtown Orlando - A Beautiful Walk Around Lake Eola
Lake tahoe > Exploring Downtown Orlando - A Beautiful Walk Around Lake Eola
Lake tahoe
This page loaded in 0.0241 seconds.