Zambia

Treasured Zambia

Whether you choose to visit Zambia to drift through quiet rivers or admire the wildlife, it is a destination that is unforgettable. The thunderous waters are a life source of Zambia and are part of the essence of its allure. But what else does Zambia have to offer?

While in Livingstone, you need to visit Devil’s Pool. Intriguingly named, the area is a swimmable pool during certain months.  On the edge of the Victoria Falls, peeking above the waterfalls, you will be greeted with breath-taking scenery. The glorious drop is at one-hundred meters and the thrill of swimming literally on the edge is an exhilarating experience. Devil’s Pool is part of Livingstone Island and is only accessible through tour agencies due to safety precautions. You are only able to frolic in it during low waters, which usually occur annually from October to November. The Island is off limits during the months of high waters, which are from March to May.

http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/planatrip/inspire-me/lists/worlds-top-10-natural-swimming-pools?page=all – Image 01 (Devil’s Pool)

Maize meal is a big part of Zambian food, simply because it serves as the basis and can be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From maize meal, nshima is produced – a stiffened porridge that can be sweetened or eaten as part of a savoury dish. Many meals include vegetable, meat or fish and nshima. It is also common in Zambia, for insects such as grasshoppers, flying ants, termites and caterpillars to be eaten. Accustomed to western tastes, this may seem unusual but is quite a delicacy in Zambia.

http://www.196flavors.com/zambia-ifisashi-and-nshima/ – Image 02 (Nshima)

Head to Gigibonta in Lusaka, for homemade gelato that is socially conscious too. Proceeds go toward community upliftment projects in the area. Gelato in the Zambian heat is a refreshing delight. But if you’re looking for a sit-down meal to taste Zambian food, try Café Zambezi while in Livingstone. Grilled meats, exotic dishes that include venison and dried insects are the highlights. It’s open daily and serves a great breakfast too. Coffee, juicy burgers and crocodile tail – it’s an adventure for your taste buds.

http://www.lowerzambezi.com/ – Image 03 (Lower Zambezi National Park)

East of Lusaka is the Lower Zambezi National Park. Open daily and with entrance fees applicable, the park is open to tourists with their own vehicles or on guided tours. Trailing along the Zambezi River, the park boasts impressive sightings of African wildlife and bird species. Watch as elephants drink up little streams and leopards stalk unassuming impala. Open grasslands are toward the centre of the park and generally, the Chongwe Gate is a hive of activity as visitors generally stay closer toward the exit. During the monsoon-like months from December to February, access is limited because of the rain. Heavy downpours cause havoc to the already barely visible roads. But visit when the skies are clear and wait to be charmed with the African landscape and all its offerings.

https://hiveminer.com/Tags/chitenge,zambia/Interesting – Image 04 (Zambian women)

The people of Zambia are simple people. Women wear chitenges (cloth used as a wrap), like the pagne in Western and Eastern Africa. It is a colourful cloth used as a wrap and is worn over clothing, as a dress or a skirt. But chitenges are more than just garments, it is also used as a head wrap when carrying heavy things on top of one’s head as well as a sling to carry a baby.   In more modern cities, such as Lusaka it’s harder to spot women wear chitenges. But in rural areas, they are part of daily life. Men do also occasionally wear a chitenge as a sarong around their waist but are rarely seen in them. A chitenge is a beautiful piece of fabric to take back as a reminder of your travels through Zambia.

Zambia is more than just a country that shares the grand Victoria Waterfalls. The country is filled with untouched wildlife, interesting locals and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere throughout the country.