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Showing all posts tagged "Zambia"

How to Explore the Devil’s Pool in Victoria Falls – A Comprehensive Guide for a First-Timer

If you've ever dreamt of standing on the edge of the world's largest curtain of falling water, Victoria Falls should be at the top of your bucket list. With a whopping 110 million gallons of water gushing into a 105-metre-deep canyon every minute, it's a sight and sensation that defies belief. However, for the most thrilling experience, you'll want to dip your toes into the Devil’s Pool. Here's a handy guide to help you do just that.


Marvel at The Majesty

Victoria Falls isn't just another waterfall. Deemed one of the seven natural wonders, it beckons a wide range of globetrotters, from backpackers and honeymooners to tour groups. Whether you're gazing from a viewpoint at the parks of Zambia or Zimbabwe or flying overhead in a helicopter, the falls never cease to amaze.

Dive into Devil’s Pool

Perched precariously at the cliff’s edge is the Devil’s Pool, a natural marvel formed due to thousands of years of erosion and the tumultuous dance of tectonic plates in southern Africa. In the dry season, the water current here eases, letting adventurers swim right up to the edge, looking into the canyon's depths.

Choosing the Right Tour

All tours to Devil’s Pool are operated by Tongabezi Safaris, and don't be bamboozled by the myriad of prices you find online. Larger platforms like Viator, Lonely Planet, and Trip Advisor often sell the tours at a marked-up rate. In contrast, lesser-known local operators offer competitive prices but might not draw the same crowds. Always remember, whichever tour you opt for, you'll be accompanied by official guides.
Important: Some unofficial guides might offer you tantalisingly inexpensive rates. However, these chaps often gloss over the real risks and aren't properly insured. It's better to be safe than sorry, so always stick with the recognised pros.

Deciding on a Package

Tongabezi Safaris provide three official packages:
  • Livingstone Breezer (morning tour): Kick off your day with a 90-minute tour. Priced at 110 USD, the package offers a welcome drink and a hearty breakfast.
  • Lunch on Livingstone Island: A tad pricier at 175 USD, this midday, 150-minute tour comes with the perks of a lavish three-course meal and extra leisure time on Livingstone Island.
  • High Tea (afternoon tour): An afternoon delight, this tour offers a range of snacks and drinks post your Devil's Pool swim.
To see what's on the menu for these tours, check out the official Victoria Falls Guide. Regardless of which tour you pick, you'll have roughly the same amount of time to enjoy the Devil’s Pool.

Accommodation Near Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions, so naturally, there are many hospitality establishments located close to the Falls. At Victoria Falls, hotels come in all forms to suit a variety of budgets. The likes of Avani Victoria Falls Resort, for example, make a good choice if you want to benefit from a central location.

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

Want to see Victoria Falls at its most impressive? Visit between February and May, just after the summer downpours. That's when this massive curtain of water is at its fullest, and it's quite the sight!

How Many Days Should You Spend Here?

Ideally, you'll want to earmark at least two days. This ensures you catch its most majestic moments and soak in the ambience. However, if you're looking to truly immerse yourself and perhaps dabble in a few local activities, setting aside three or four days is a good idea.

Other Things to Do

If you have more time, here are some other things you can do:
  • Sign up for a sunset boat cruise.
  • Enjoy a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.
  • Embark on a safari tour at Hwange National Park.
  • Enjoy some white water rafting.
  • Bungee jumping
  • Explore Livingstone and discover its history.

Posted on October 25th, 2023

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.

Martin Baran, P1110309, CC BY 3.0

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 a stress-free trip to Zambia?

Situated in Southern Africa, Zambia is a landlocked nation. However, the long Zambezi River flowing across the country makes it a fertile land with safari and gaming parklands, many beautiful landscapes, awesome Victoria Falls, and a vibrant mix of many ethnic groups making the country a fascinating melting pot of cultures, festivals and attractions drawing visitors to explore and enjoy themselves.

Arriving in Zambia

Unless you are driving across from a neighbouring country, you must arrive at the international airport in the capital city, Lusaka. Based on your point of departure you may need to take connecting flights to arrive in Lusaka. Once you are here getting about within Zambia is possible with the domestic National Airline Proflight Zambia as they operate from Lusaka to most major safari parks.

Length of stay

This important point needs some deliberation considering whether this is a business cum leisure trip or purely a leisure visit. If it is the former, you have chosen the right location as there are many excellent conference venues in Zambia you can choose from for a business event with all the latest facilities and conveniences and accommodation available. Therefore, you can easily include a post-conference safari, as the perfect bonding experience for the group of decision-makers with a duration of 5 to 6 days based on the kind of camaraderie and bonding expected.
If it is the latter case, for pure leisure, it can be up to 10 days or even more as per the budget and the interest in exploring various attractions of Zambia such as Victoria Falls, a walking safari, game viewing activities, exploring the food, the cultural diversity etc.

Best times for travel

December to the end of March tend to be the best months to visit the safari parks as these periods are known as green months with almost no dust on the leaves and trees and everything looking lush and glowing and the air clean and crisp. This is also a good period to visit the majestic Victoria Falls which would have a magnificent flow of water as claimed by guests from Avani Victoria Falls Resort.
During April, May and November dry weather sets in and the greenness gradually recedes. However, there is much to see and experience at lower rates for accommodation and internal flights. Victoria Falls will still be running majestically and the Zambezi River flowing down merrily. So, for budget-conscious travellers, this can be a better period.
June to October is the dry season, with humidity and higher temperatures. The upside is there is no rain, therefore is the peak period for those animal lovers to capture great natural photographs of their beloved creatures in good light.

Family Travel

There is an increasing trend of families visiting Zambia to explore the country and enjoy a safari and there are several family houses available catering to this new segment of travel. With the majority of safari guides being family men, it works well as these experienced men engage the children with many intriguing and humorous stories from their experiences making them enjoy the wilderness and gain a thirst to experience it.
However, the guides adhere to the rule of not including children under 12 taking part in walking safaris.

Other Useful Tips

The currency used in Zambia is Zambian Kwacha, however, US Dollar notes are accepted at hotels and lodging facilities.
Food is reasonably priced in Zambia and there is an array of vibrant food you must try.
Travelling between the national parks in Zambia means covering great distances and the facilities in terms of infrastructure is quite limited and no regular bus services are available. As most parks are livelier during the wet periods internal flights are the best form of travel, to move between parks. Keep in mind that the baggage permitted on these flights is generally 12 kg.
For those wishing to use chauffeur-driven vehicles or dial-up cab services, these are available at a cost.

Posted on June 26th, 2023

How to Arrange an Unforgettable Trip to Zambia – Experience the Unforgettable in Zambia

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines natural wonders and wildlife encounters? Look no further than Zambia! This African country is home to some of the continent's most impressive natural features, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the diverse wildlife of its national parks. In this article, we'll explore how to arrange an unforgettable trip to Zambia, with a particular focus on the Livingstone Hotel in Victoria Falls.

Getting There

The first step in arranging your trip to Zambia is to figure out how you're going to get there. The country is served by several major airports, including Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone. If you're planning to visit Victoria Falls, Livingstone is the closest airport.

Accommodation

When it comes to choosing accommodation in Zambia, you'll be spoiled for choice. From budget-friendly hostels to luxury lodges, there's something for every type of traveller. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying at a Livingstone hotel in Victoria Falls the likes of Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

Exploring Victoria Falls

No trip to Zambia is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls. This natural wonder is one of the world's largest waterfalls, stretching over a mile wide and dropping over 300 feet into the Zambezi River below. There are plenty of ways to experience Victoria Falls, from hiking along the various trails that offer different views of the falls, to taking a helicopter or microlight flight over the falls for a bird's-eye view. For the truly adventurous, you can even take a dip in Devil's Pool, a natural pool located at the edge of the falls.

Wildlife Encounters

In addition to its natural wonders, Zambia is also home to an incredible array of wildlife. The country has over 20 national parks and game reserves, each offering a unique opportunity to see some of Africa's most iconic animals up close. Some of the most popular parks include South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park, all of which offer guided safaris and opportunities to see animals like lions, elephants, hippos, and giraffes in their natural habitat. In addition to the famous national parks, Zambia is also home to a number of conservation areas and private game reserves that offer exclusive safari experiences. These private reserves offer a more intimate wildlife encounter, with a greater chance of spotting rare or elusive animals in their natural habitat. Whether you choose a traditional game drive or opt for a walking safari, the knowledgeable guides and rangers will ensure a safe and informative adventure. Be sure to have your camera at the ready, as you're bound to capture some breathtaking wildlife moments that will serve as treasured mementoes of your trip.

Cultural Experiences

Zambia is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with over 70 different ethnic groups living throughout the country. Visiting local villages and interacting with the people who call Zambia home is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and traditions. You can also visit markets and shops to purchase locally made crafts and goods or attend traditional festivals and ceremonies. One of the most unique cultural experiences in Zambia is a visit to a traditional healer, who can offer insight into the country's traditional medicinal practices. You can also learn about the importance of agriculture to Zambia's economy by visiting a local farm or plantation. And if you're interested in music, be sure to check out a live performance of Zambian traditional music, which features a variety of instruments like drums, xylophones, and thumb pianos. By exploring Zambia's cultural offerings, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and diverse country.

Posted on April 27th, 2023

How to Plan a Visit to Livingstone's Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park - Everything You Need to Know to Organize a Tour of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located between the Zambezi River and Livingstone town, and it is the smallest national park in all of Zambia. The park occupies a pride of place and offers a unique natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world. This wildlife sanctuary is a must-visit highlight for all nature lovers touring the country. Here's everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit to the reserve.

Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, Rhinos, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia (48598074492), CC BY 2.0

1. Read up

Those who intend to explore the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park during a holiday in Zambia must first research the smallest national park in the country and what it has to offer visitors. Set up as early as 1972, the wildlife reserve was meant to house every species found or endemic to Zambia in one location. Stretching from the Batoka Gorge all the way up to the Zambezi River, which is just above Victoria Falls, the park extends across 12km. What makes the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park a must-visit highlight for nature lovers is that it is the only reserve where one can spot white rhinos in the wild. As a sanctuary under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the park has taken measures to protect these endangered beasts from poachers.

2. Time the Visit

The next step in the planning process is timing the tour and it is best to visit this part of Zambia during the dry period from June to August. The months of January and February are also suitable times of the year for a safari adventure in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park as Victoria Falls is also spectacular during this period. Avoid visiting the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in May as the fall's water flow reaches peak levels making exploration impossible due to the depth of the water spray. In terms of wildlife, elephants are spotted all year round as they swim across the Zambezi at will although most other species are best viewed during the dry spell from July to September.

3. Reserve Accommodation near the Park

Travellers would also do well to reserve a hotel in Zambia close to the national park as Avani Victoria Falls Resort and similar properties offer easy access to the park and Victoria Falls. In addition to being able to make multiple trips to the wildlife hotspot, tourists based close to Victoria Falls can also witness its beauty at various hours of the day.

4. Sign up for a Safari

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is sprawled across a total area of 66km², and the best way to explore the national park is on a safari tour. There are plenty of private tour organisers at your disposal in Livingstone and online. Some of the most frequently sighted species at the park include giraffes, antelopes, zebras and buffaloes although warthogs are also known to occupy the venue in great numbers. Birdwatchers can gaze upon peregrine falcons, augur buzzards, black eagles and Taita falcons among countless other winged beauties.

5. Witness the Majesty of Victoria Falls

Another reason to spend more time at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is the opportunity to see a significant portion of Victoria Falls, which is one of the main attractions in the park. In fact, visitors can view up to 25% of the natural wonder from various viewpoints within the park, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. The Devil's Pool and the Eastern Cataract are both visible from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Those who walk across the footbridge in the park towards Knife Edge can also explore the Boiling Point via the slopes that lead to the shores of the Zambezi River.

6. Make Time for a Cultural Tour

Some of the heritage sites located inside the park include the Cemetary and the Old Drift Crossing Point where the European settlers of old used floating Ox wagons to cross the river as the bridge was not yet built.

Posted on April 21st, 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

How to Travel Solo in Zambia – Experiencing an Enthralling Nation

The African nation of Zambia would always be an interesting country to visit and will also offer engrossing experiences for solo travellers. In fact, by visiting this destination, you would have the opportunity to gain an insight into the authentic nature of the African continent. A major attraction here would be the magnificent Victoria Falls, while you could undertake amazing safaris as well. More information about solo travel in Zambia is provided below.


Get acquainted with the country

You will find that Zambia would be a beautiful and friendly nation that offers much that would draw the interest of the discerning traveller. You will find that many Zambians would speak English, making it possible for visitors to communicate with locals. Naturally, a not-to-be-missed experience in this country would be visiting Livingstone and viewing the breathtaking Victoria Falls. As you might expect, your visit wouldn’t be complete without taking a safari at a game park; an excellent choice in this regard would be the South Luangwa National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that would be captivating to experience. Another engrossing experience would be riding the Tazara Train on which you could travel from Zambia to Tanzania.

Establish an itinerary

A suitable itinerary for exploring Zambia would be as follows. You could spend your first few days in the country at South Luangwa National Park experiencing the splendid wildlife. Next, you could enjoy a stopover at the country’s capital, Lusaka, before making your way to the picturesque Lake Kariba. Here, you could spend a day or two relaxing on an appealing houseboat.

Your next destination would be the town of Livingstone where you could spend several days admiring Victoria Falls and trying out the captivating adventure experiences. You could also cycle through the town and visit local marketplaces. One of the Victoria Falls hotels to consider from which you could easily visit this waterfall would be Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Next, you may take a rafting excursion on the Zambezi River and finally, relax and unwind amidst the pleasant surroundings of Bovu Island.

Know how to get about

There would be several good ways for solo travellers to get around Zambia. You could travel by minibus, although you may find that this mode of transport can sometimes be rather uncomfortable and unpredictable. On the other hand, there would also be bigger, more comfortable luxury coaches which would be rather safer and more dependable. You could also travel by rental car, but you should keep in mind that the local roads could be in disrepair and the rental rates rather high. It would additionally be possible to journey between some destinations by train.

Socialize and enjoy the nightlife

You will find that there would be attractive nightlife in Zambia’s towns, including some appealing bars and restaurants. Visitors would find that Zambians would generally be very amiable, meaning that you could easily make friends wherever you go. If you desire to mingle with other travellers, you could socialize at the bars of backpacker camps and hostels where you would be likely to meet both foreign travellers and locals. In this way, you would be able to forge strong friendships with like-minded individuals.

Understand what to avoid and enjoy your experience

Just as in any other country, you should avoid possibly dangerous situations in Zambia such as walking about late at night. Although this destination would overall be a pleasant country with friendly locals, there wouldn’t be any need to take unnecessary risks as you explore it.

You will find that you could enjoy the genuine culture and lifestyle of Africa by experiencing the nation of Zambia. To make the most of your solo visit to this charming country, you should endeavour to take in authentic local experiences by exploring the towns, shopping at the markets and dining on local foods.

Posted on December 15th, 2022