Showing all posts tagged "Livingstone Hotel Victoria Falls"
How to Explore Lake Tanganyika: A Guide to Zambia’s Hidden Gem – Unleash the Adventurer Within!
Lake Tanganyika, a veritable jewel in the heart of Africa, is more than just an impressive body of water. As the second oldest and second deepest freshwater lake in the world, it holds an intriguing ecological significance. The lake spreads its majesty across four African nations, including Zambia, a southern African country known for its untamed beauty and cultural wealth. Imagine deep blue waters, verdant hills, and a dizzying array of wildlife – that's Lake Tanganyika for you.
When to Visit
Determining the best time to visit Lake Tanganyika depends on your planned activities. The dry season, spanning May to October, is considered ideal for wildlife viewing. The calm waters during these months are also perfect for boat trips and water sports. On the other hand, the rainy season from November to April, invites migratory birds, which makes it a feast for the eyes of bird enthusiasts.
Where to Stay
Lake Tanganyika ensures every traveller finds a home away from home, with accommodations ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly. Travellers are offered a wide array of accommodations similar to the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. If you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing, consider staying at a Livingstone hotel in Victoria Falls for convenience and ease of travel.
Snorkelling and Diving
With its extraordinary aquatic life, Lake Tanganyika turns every snorkelling and diving expedition into an awe-inspiring experience. Swim alongside hundreds of unique species of fish in the lake's clear waters. The lake hosts various establishments that provide equipment and professional guides to ensure a safe and memorable adventure for every traveller.
Majestic Boat Trips
Chartering a boat and navigating around Lake Tanganyika is a thrilling way to appreciate the lake's beauty. You stand a chance to encounter hippos and crocodiles, all the while drinking in the breathtaking landscape. As dusk falls, don't miss the mesmerising sunset cruises that paint the lake in hues of gold.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Lake Tanganyika promises a wildlife viewing experience unlike any other. Glimpse the majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and majestic lions that call this region home. Birdwatchers will find an array of bird species flitting around the lake. Particularly, Sumbu National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika provides an excellent vantage point for wildlife observation.
Nature Trails and Hikes
For the more active traveller, Lake Tanganyika lays out a network of stunning hiking trails. Ranging from leisurely walks to gruelling treks, these trails offer unparalleled encounters with the region's natural splendour. The trek to Kalambo Falls, one of Africa's tallest waterfalls, is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
Relish Zambian Cuisine
Your Lake Tanganyika adventure would be incomplete without savouring the traditional Zambian dishes. Relish the fresh catch of the day from the lake, served alongside nshima, a local favourite made from cornmeal. You'll find these culinary delights in local eateries, as well as in your hotel.
Places to Visit
Here are some places near Lake Tanganyika guaranteed to offer you memorable experiences:
- Kasaba Bay: Known for its tranquil beauty, Kasaba Bay is a major tourist hub on the Zambian side of Lake Tanganyika. It's renowned for its spectacular beaches, lush scenery, and luxurious lodges. If you are lucky, you might spot some of the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the area.
- Sumbu National Park: Sumbu National Park, situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, spreads over an impressive 2,000 square kilometres. It's home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and even the rare sitatunga antelope. Birdwatchers will be in heaven here, with over 300 species to spot, including the vibrant fish eagle and the elusive Pel's fishing owl.
- Mpulungu Town: Mpulungu is the only port town in the Zambian part of Lake Tanganyika. This is a lively place where you can experience local Zambian life. Visit the bustling market for fresh produce and fish, or watch the colourful fishing boats come and go from the harbour. It's also the gateway to the lake, so most boat trips and ferries start from here.
Posted on August 14th, 2023
How to plan to Invest in Zambia
Zambia is a resource-rich country with a stable political system. While it is still an emerging market, there are many opportunities for long-term investments. The country is the second largest copper exporter in the African region, and it is blessed with other precious metals like gold and silver as well as some gemstones. There are investment opportunities in Zambia in a few notable industries. Consider energy, mining and agriculture. It also enjoys a thriving tourism trade.
Image via Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
Spend some time in Zambia to learn the ropes
If you plan on investing in Zambia, it makes sense to spend some time getting to know its culture. Take some time to explore the country’s potential and get to know its people. If you wish to invest in the tourism sector, check out Livingstone hotel Victoria Falls. The Government is open to holiday resort development through Private Public Partnerships (PPP). In the meantime, check if hotels like the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara offer deals for a long stay. You can travel a bit and get to know the locals. Try to network with the expats and business circles to find out the unwritten rules and ease of investment in the country. Once you know the culture and particular business trends and ethics there, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions.
What are the mining investment opportunities available in Zambia?
As the second largest copper producer in Africa, Zambia enjoys a booming copper trade. While volatile tax and regulatory changes stood in the way of investments earlier, the new systems are more accommodating. There are investment opportunities in mining, engineering, construction, water management and even environmental services. You can also look into other precious metal mining either with existing extraction sites or value-added industries.
What are the energy investment opportunities in Zambia?
The demand for electricity keeps growing in Zambia at about a 3 per cent rate. There are opportunities for investment in electricity generation in the off-grid market. As the demand and feasibility of renewable energy grow Zambia is a good place to start. Large-scale energy generation infrastructure is currently facing challenges.
What are the agriculture investment opportunities in Zambia?
Although Zambia’s water resources and climate creates great potential for agricultural growth, the yield tends to be low. This is somewhat due to the lack of progressive agronomics practices and mechanization and the lack of access to better seeds and fertilizer. However, there are investment opportunities in cold chain storage and food processing to cater to regional markets (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa).
What are the tourism investment opportunities in Zambia?
Zambia is beautiful and already enjoys a luxury and safari tourism market. There are 20 national parks as well as 34 game management areas in Victoria Falls. The government is eager to offer Public Private Partnerships for resort development in this area. As global tourism grows, Zambia is expected to experience a shortage of hotels in touristic areas and mining regions. There are opportunities for investment in hospitality services, tourism site operations and infrastructure building.
What are the challenges in investing in Zambia?
Investment businesses can face challenges such as poor road networks and disruptions in energy supply. The Government has started infrastructure investment to address these problems, but it could take a while. You might also face difficulty in getting administrative permits and licenses. Corruption and bribery as well as lengthy delays in paperwork are allegedly part of the problem. You could address this particular issue by partnering with a local. Existing mining sector investors have brought up the issue of the Government withdrawing some benefits to mining companies. They have started negotiations to solve this problem.
Posted on February 22nd, 2023