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Places to Visit in Zambia

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Zambia Tourist Attractions

Here is the list of best places to visit in zambia:.

• Livingstone

Livingstone is one of the oldest and most popular places in Zambia. Located in the Southern Province, this city was the capital of Zambia till 2012, after which Lusaka became the capital. It shares its borders with Zimbabwe and is a city that is thriving with tourism and activities. Livingstone is the tourism centre from which people can explore the world-famous Victoria Falls, which is one of the most famous places to visit in Zambia. The presence of these falls has also led to the formation of tropical gardens and brooks in the area that you can explore on foot. The city itself is home to several gardens and picnics spots as well. Apart from the stunning Victoria Falls, you can also check out places like the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where zebras and deer roam free and the Livingstone Museum which is a hub of local history, archaeology and ethnography. The Railway Museum is also an interesting attraction that outlines the history of the railway in the area. You can spend several days exploring the many adventures that Livingstone has to offer. This includes travelling to the Livingstone Islands from where you can get a clear view of the Victoria Falls, exploring the area around this majestic waterfall on foot or hiking through the landscape of Livingstone. The city experiences a hot semi-arid type of climate, very hot summers, cool winters and intense rainy seasons. The average temperature varies between 6 degrees Celsius at its lowest in winter and 43 degrees Celsius at its hottest during the summer season.

Kitwe is a bustling industrial city located in the northern part of Zambia and in the South-Central part of Africa. It is one of the most developed commercial centres in the country that is a collection of small cityships and several suburban areas. Due to the city being primarily an industrial centre in the copper belt, there is little natural beauty that you can enjoy here. However, on the outskirts of Kitwe, you can drive through vast stretches of grassland, see waterfalls and mountains in the distance and enjoy picnics in the manicured gardens that are built all over the city. While the copper mines in the city are interesting places to visit, you can learn more about the development and history of this city in the local museums and galleries. You can also visit the famous Chembe Bird Sanctuary and the Mindolo Dam, which are some of the best places to visit in Zambia. The serene natural beauty in the outskirts of Kitwe allows you to enjoy birdwatching, picnics, treks and hikes in the grassy terrain. Exploring the beautiful Nkana Mines, which is the main activity of the cityspeople is also an interesting activity to indulge in. You can also engage in several watersports such as boating, swimming and jet skiing when in Kitwe. Kitwe experiences subtropical humid weather throughout the year. It is generally warm throughout the year, with intense monsoons and dry winter seasons.

Chingola is one of the newest citys to be built in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, in order to cater to the Nchanga copper mine. Chingola was established in 1943, and is one of the most picturesque citys, with innumerable gardens, flowers, clubs, hotels and stadiums. It is located near the northern border of Zambia, 411 km from Lusaka. Chingola is one of the highest rainfall-receiving places in Zambia, which has led to the flourishing of many tropical trees, plants and the development of colourful gardens that are well-maintained by the authorities. It is surrounded by the natural beauty that you can explore on walks, hikes and invigorating treks through the region. Some of the most exciting places you can explore when in Chingola include the Kafue River, which has a hippo pool, home to several families of these majestic animals. You can also travel 60 km from the city to visit the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, which rescues and provides sanctuary to orphaned chimpanzees. On the road to Kitwe, you can also visit the Five Mile Rock, which is one of the most popular Zambia tourist attractions. Chingola is a vibrant city with golf clubs, swimming clubs, rugby club, tennis, hotels, cinema halls, gardens and shopping malls. You can spend your time soaking in the local culture, exploring the stunning flower gardens in the city and indulging in sports in the various clubs in city. The warm and humid city of Chingola received a large amount of rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the wettest places in Zambia. The average temperature stays at around 21.1 degrees Celsius, making the weather pleasant and comfortable.

Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jameson, is one of the fastest growing urban centres in Eastern Zambia. While previously it was the capital of old Zambia (North-Eastern Rhodesia), today, it is the administrative capital of the Eastern Province of the country. It is a popular stop for refreshments and refuelling for people travelling east to Malawi or to Lundazi in the north. Chipata Is a typical Zambian city with bustling marketplaces, mountains on the horizons and a unique local natural beauty that you can explore. This includes 4 beautiful streams that drain into the Luangwa River. While the city itself is filled with universities, golf courses, gardens, shopping malls and local markets, you can also explore the suburbs where the Ngoni people live. This indigenous tribe celebrates the Ncwala ceremony every year in February, where they commemorate the first harvest of the season. Apart from exploring the rivers, streams and suburbs, some of the most popular things to do in Chipata includes visiting the Central Mosque and the Kanjala Hills. Markets such as the Kapata Market are also representative of the thriving culture of Chipata. Chipata experiences a sunny and warm climate throughout the year, with January experiencing the highest amount of rainfall. The average temperature in summer, which lasts from September to December is around 31 degrees Celsius while in winter (June – July), the average temperature is 25 degrees.

Best of South Africa

Located in the Northern Province of Africa, Kasama is a thriving city that can be found 856 km to the north-east of Lusaka. The city is located on the tip of the famous Lake Tanganyika and on the central-southern African plateau. Kasama is one of the most beautiful places in Zambia, full of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and valleys. Five major rivers flow through the district including Lubansenshi, Chambeshi, Luombe, Lukulu and Lukapa, which are major Zambia tourist attractions. You can also, of course, explore Lake Tanganyika when you are in Kasama and check out the stunning Chishimba Waterfall that can be found on the Lumbee River. Some of the oldest human relics can be found in Kasama. Cave paintings from the Stone Age have been discovered in the area and are some of the major attractions for tourists. Chishimba Falls is also one of the popular tourist attractions in Kasama. Exploring the many rivers and waterfalls in Kasama is one of the most exciting things you can do here. The landscape is such that it allows for trekking and hiking expeditions in the outskirts of the city as well. Kasama is also home to the Bemba ethnic group, whose lifestyle and culture you can experience when you are visiting. The city experiences a warm, and dry climate with heavy rainfall only during the month of December. During summer, the average temperature remains at around 28 degrees Celsius while in winter, the average temperature is 11 degrees Celsius.

Best of Mauritius

Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia and one of the fastest developing urban centres in all of Central Africa.  It is located on the southern side of the central plateau at an elevation of 4,196 feet above sea level. It has a well-developed network of highways from the north, south, east and west, making it a highly accessible city from all parts of the continent. While Lusaka itself is a developing city with roads, shopping malls and tall buildings, the outskirts of the city is a place of exceptional natural beauty that people escape to for a respite from urban living. One of the most popular natural landmarks outside of Lusaka is Lake Kariba, which is ideal for boating trips, picnics and excursions. The area around Lusaka is surrounded by picturesque mountains on the horizon, large stretches of savannah land and peaceful water bodies, ideal for short trips. When you are exploring the city, you can visit several tourist attractions and local hotspots such as the Lusaka National Park, the Sunday crafts Market, Chaminuka Game Reserve and the Kalimba Reptile Park. You can also get a taste of the local history at the Namwane Art Gallery and the National Museum. Activities such as hiking, wildlife tours, safaris and camping adventures, eco-tours and road trips are popular ones enjoyed by tourists in Lusaka. Exploring the historical sites and museums on foot throughout the city is also a fun activity that can be enjoyed in Lusaka. Due to the elevation at which the city is located, Lusaka enjoys a humid subtropical climate. The coldest month of the year is July, when temperatures drop to 14 degrees Celsius at night, whereas the hottest month of the year is October.

Best of Africa

Ndola is the third-largest city in Zambia in terms of population. It is also located in the Copper-belt region along with Kitwe and is actually the capital of the Copperbelt Province. It is located at a distance of 10 km north of the border with DR Congo. John Edward “Chiripula” Stevenson founded this quaint industrial city in 1904. While Ndola is a peaceful industrial city with mining being the main occupation of the residents, just outside the border you can find endless stretches of grassland, a beautiful lake that has formed at the bottom of a crater and the Nsobe Game Camp, which is home to some of the beautiful local animals such as giraffes and antelopes. The mine at Ndola is the prime attraction in the city. You can also learn about the relatively young history of the city in the Copperbelt Museum. You can also visit the Mupapa Slave Tree when you are in Ndola, which is a grim monument in remembrance of the slave-trading that used to take place even a few years back in the region. Ndola has several cafes, restaurants and museums that you can explore when you are travelling through this city. Each place is a reminder of the history of Ndola, while the cafes serve delicious local food, as well as Italian and French delicacies. You can visit the Copperbelt Museum and the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial. Ndola enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with the hottest months being October, November and December. Temperatures rise to over 40 degrees Celsius during this time of the year. The coldest months are June and July with the average temperature dropping down to 7 degrees Celsius. The area received heavy rainfall during December.

Best of Kenya

Kabwe is another quaint and beautiful Zambian city that was founded in 1902 when zinc and lead deposits were discovered in the land. Today it is the capital of the Zambian Central Province, located 69 miles from the capital city Lusaka. Kabwe has been a mining city since its establishment in 1902. It was one of the first places in Zambia to get railways and was an important political place. However, today, it is mostly barren land, with very little natural beauty to speak out. On the outskirts, however, you can find extraordinary natural beauty in places like the Lukanga Swamp, the Mulungushi and the Lunsemfwa Rivers and the Chikungunya Hills. When touring through Kabwe, you can check out local attractions such as the Mulungushi Rock of Authority, the Mulungushi University, the Broken Hill Man Memorial which is the place where an ancient human skull was discovered, the local mall, golf course and library. Apart from visiting the local university and the memorial sites, along with the monuments and mines, some of the most exciting activities you can do in Kabwe include golfing, fishing in the Lukanga Swamp, exploring the Wonder Gorge in Lunsemfwa River and hiking on the Broken Hill, which used to be an erstwhile mine. October, November and December constitute the hottest months of the year when temperatures rise to 38 degrees Celsius during the day. July is the coldest month when the average temperature remains at 9 degrees Celsius. The area receives rainfall during December.

Best of Botswana

Mufulira is another city in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia that was established in 1930. It is the administrative capital of the Mufulira District. The name of the city translates directly to “Place of Abundance and Peace” and shares its international border with DR Congo. Mufulira is primarily a mining city, where the residents have built their lives around the mine. While the city itself is a functional urban unit, you can travel to the outskirts of Mufulira where you can check out rolling hills, valleys, rivers and much more where you can enjoy picnics and treks. When you are out exploring the city, apart from the massive mining structures in Mufulira, you can check out the Chembe Bird Sanctuary and St. Lawrence Catholic Church, which are the two main tourist attractions. Birdwatching in the Chembe Bird Sanctuary is a very popular activity in Mufulira. You can catch sight of many different and colourful migratory birds that frequent the sanctuary. Mufulira is also surrounded with rugged hills and valleys that are ideal for trekking and hiking. Mufulira experiences warm weather throughout the year. During the monsoon season, which occurs primarily during December, the area sees a substantial amount of rainfall.

Best of Tanzania

Luanshya was discovered in the early part of the 20th Century when William Collier, an explorer, shot an antelope on the banks of the River Luanshya and in the process, discovered a rich deposit of copper in the area. Today, the city is an important site on the Copperbelt Province, located close to Ndola and a centre of sports, industry, culture and history and is one of the most interesting places to visit in Zambia. Luanshya, also known as the wall-fence city, is known for the brilliant architectural layout of the streets and the many trees that can be found in all corners of the settlement. Due to the proximity to the Luanshya River, there have developed many gardens and flowering plants that are spread throughout the cityship. Luanshya is home to the United Church of Zambia, one of the oldest churches in the country. It is also a city that has many gardens, picnic spots and grasslands where you can enjoy rides and tours. The city also has a massive golf course as well as several vibrant markets. Some of the most popular activities that tourists can enjoy in Luanshya include hiking and trekking in the outskirts, golfing in the golf course, shopping in the many markets that sell local goods and items as well as mine tours in the local mine that is at the centre of society in Luanshya. Luanshya has an extensive dry season which is hot and windy, whereas the monsoons are overcast and rainy. It is relatively warm throughout the year.

Best of Uganda

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Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Zambia

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

Zambia is one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations. Best known as the home of Victoria Falls, this southern African nation boasts the world-class South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue among its roster of 20 national parks. There are enough places to visit in Zambia to keep you going for months, but here are the 10 Zambia tourist attractions we would prioritize when planning a first trip there.

1. Marvel at the Explosive Victoria Falls

Locals know it as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke That Thunders). David Livingstone, the first European to set eyes on it, gushed that ‘Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’. Today, the mile-wide Victoria Falls is officially listed among the world’s Seven Natural Wonders. And certainly we would rank this breathtaking waterfall – the world’s largest curtain of falling water – first among Zambia’s tourist attractions.

• Victoria Falls Tours

2. Take a Night Drive in Search of Leopards in South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is Zambia's most popular national park. Lion, elephant , buffalo, hippo , giraffe , zebra and a variety of antelope are all likely to be seen on safari there. But the park’s standout feature is its high density of leopards , which are almost invariably seen on night drives and tend to be very relaxed around vehicles.

South Luangwa Safari Tours

3. Track the Big Five on Foot in North Luangwa National Park

North Luangwa is the only place to visit in Zambia that supports all the Big Five. Despite this, it’s a rather specialized destination, serviced by a handful of exclusive camps geared mainly toward walking safaris. The standard of guiding is exceptional, and it's a real thrill to walk through this wilderness knowing you might at any point encounter a lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo or black rhino .

North Luangwa Safari Tours

4. Brave the Roaring White Waters of the Batoka Gorge

Below Victoria Falls, the Zambezi funnels into the steep-sided Batoka Gorge to traverse a sequence of raging rapids that offer exceptional white-water rafting. For adrenaline junkies, a rafting excursion on these rapids – with names such as Terminator, Washing Machine, Judgement Day and Oblivion – undoubtedly tops the list of things to do in Zambia.

5. Step Back in Time at Shiwa Ng’andu

One of the quirkiest places to visit in Zambia, the Shiwa Ng’andu estate was established in 1914 by Stewart Gore-Browne. Its focal point is Shiwa House, a time-warped colonial mansion that looks like it was beamed intact from the English countryside a century ago. Decorated in period style, Shiwa House is still home to descendants of Gore-Browne, who conduct entertaining tours on demand every morning.

6. Dodge Hippos on a Canoe Safari on the Lower Zambezi

In contrast to Batoka Gorge, the stretch of the Zambezi that flows past Lower Zambezi National Park is wide, flat, meandering and dotted with islands. This is a great destination for canoe safaris , thanks to the dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and aquatic birds. You're almost certain to canoe past elephants and buffaloes, and, with a bit of luck, possibly even lions, leopards or African wild dogs .

Lower Zambezi Safari Tours

7. See Millions of Fruit Bats Swarm Overhead at Kasanka National Park

There aren't too many national parks whose main attraction is bats. But lushly forested Kasanka is the focal point of a migration comprising up to 10 million straw-colored fruit bats. Visit between October and December, and it’s truly exhilarating to watch these enormous bats erupt from their daytime roost in the evening, or return there at sunrise. At other times, the main attraction is the opportunity to photograph the rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope from a strategically located hide.

Kasanka Safari Tours

8. Pole Through the Bird-rich Swamps of the Bangweulu Wetlands

One of Africa’s largest and most biodiverse wetlands, Bangweulu tops many bird-watchers’ lists of places to visit in Zambia. The big prize here is the shoebill, a bulky swamp-dweller named for its outrageous clog-like bill. Gliding through the swamp on a mokoro (wooden dugout canoe) in search of this prehistoric-looking oddity is a real adventure, and you should see many other birds too.

Bangweulu Safari Tours

9. Explore the Vast Wilderness of Kafue National Park

It's the sheer scale of Kafue that impresses. Ranked among Africa’s three largest national parks, 22,400km²/8,645mi² Kafue shelters more than 150 mammal and 500 bird species , and you could spend a couple of weeks exploring its varied habitats. If your time is limited, the Busanga and Nanzhila floodplains are good for large carnivores, while aggregations of 100-plus elephant are frequently encountered at Lake Itezhi-Tezhi.

Kafue Safari Tours

10. Catch the World’s Second-largest Wildebeest Migration on Liuwa Plain

Among the least visited of Zambia’s tourist attractions, Liuwa Plain National Park is renowned for the tens of thousands of wildebeest that amass on its southern plains in summer. Lion and cheetah are present, but the dominant carnivore is the spotted hyena, and it’s fascinating to watch these ultra-sociable creatures on the hunt or interacting outside their dens.

Liuwa Safari Tours

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Safari tours to zambia.

Zambia: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Mfuwe (Start) , South Luangwa NP, Mfuwe (End)

Ntanda Ventures   Tour operator has an office in Zambia

5.0 /5  –  22 Reviews

Zambia: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Lusaka (Start) , South Luangwa NP, Victoria Falls, Livingstone (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

Zambia: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Mfuwe (Start) , South Luangwa NP, Lusaka Airport (Lusaka) , Lower Zambezi NP, Livingstone (City) , Mosi-oa-Tunya NP, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Livingstone Airport (End)

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Zambia

A landlocked country in southern Africa, Zambia is emerging as a premier safari travel location due to its unspoiled landscapes and diversity of wildlife and birdlife. But it’s the sheer remoteness of Zambia’s many wonderful wilderness regions and national parks that makes it one of the top safari destinations for locals, tourists, and adventure travelers alike.

Offering an endless variety of things to see and experience, here are the best things to do and top 10 tourist attractions in Zambia, all of which should be on your Zambian travel and safari bucket-list.

#1 VICTORIA FALLS

Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and one of Africa’s most astonishing sights, Victoria Falls reigns supreme as one of the top tourist attractions in Zambia. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, this jaw-dropping waterfall on the Zambezi River is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Stretching 1.7km wide and reaching a height of 355 feet, Victoria Falls is considered to be the world’s biggest sheet of falling water.

When the Zambezi River is in full flood, it is estimated that 500-million litres of water per minute thunders over the drop, crashing into a deep rocky gorge at the bottom, throwing a cloud of mist and rainbow-lit spray high into the air. While the Main Falls lie within the borders of Zimbabwe, the Zambian side is equally as impressive during peak flood season (February to May). By far one of the best Zambian viewpoints is the Knife-Edge Bridge, which takes you right up close to this thundering waterfall – be prepared to get soaked!

Victoria Falls is a fantastic start or end point to a Zambian safari. If you have the time, it is highly recommended that you spend a few days exploring and sampling the many thrilling activities on offer. From relaxed sightseeing on foot and scenic helicopter flights to heart-pounding, adrenaline-inducing experiences like white water rafting on high-grade rapids, microlight flights and bungee jumping – there is something for everyone to enjoy!

#2 LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the lower section of the Zambezi River, the Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s premier wildlife and safari destinations. The main draw of the national park is its remote off-the-beaten-path location and pristine wilderness. Encompassing vast and varied terrain, including forest, grassland, and floodplain, the Lower Zambezi National Park supports a fantastic diversity of wildlife. Home to plenty of big game, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and Nile crocodiles, as well as an array of birdlife and other wildlife species, wildlife enthusiasts will definitely not be disappointed.

Wildlife viewing is best along the rivers, which border the park on three sides. The Zambezi River is the region’s main source of water as well as its top attraction, both for game and visitors.

When visiting the Lower Zambezi National Park you can go on a safari or game drive and explore all the wonders the park has to offer or enjoy an adventure-filled nature walk. By far one of the major highlights is going on a canoe safari along the Zambezi River! It is both peaceful and undeniably thrilling paddling and drifting past the twitching ears and snorts of submerged hippos and knobbly Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. The guides are utterly attuned to the animals’ habits and behaviour and are completely at ease predicting their next moves – So you can rest assured you are in safe hands!

#3 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

South Luangwa National Park is arguably the greatest wildlife-viewing destination and top tourist attraction in Zambia. Boasting among the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Africa, the park is regarded as one of the very best places to see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and giraffes.

South Luangwa is home a number of rare and endemic species including Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra, along with plenty of leopard, lion, and hippo. In late October, just before the start of the rain, thousands of hippos gather in the Luangwa River’s deeper pools – It is a remarkable spectacle to witness as they jostle and fight for space.

The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park for pristine wildlife sightings is during the dry season when the area’s wildlife flock to the banks of the river.   This also gives you the opportunity to see predators such as leopards and lions in action!

South Luangwa is famous for their walking safaris, which are led by expert guides through some of Africa’s best game viewing territory. Another major attraction is boat safaris, especially during the park’s rainy season. As the Luangwa River breaks its banks, shallow-draft vessels can navigate into the flooded riverine groves – this is undoubtedly one of Zambia’s most unique and exciting safari highlights!

#4 KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Busanga Plains – Kafue National Park | Photo credit: flickr

Kafue National Park is the largest national park and wildlife reserve in Zambia and the second-biggest park in all of Africa. It covers more than 22000km² (2500km2 more than South Africa’s Kruger National Park), with the terrain varying significantly from north to south. Despite being one of Africa’s largest parks, Kafue is the least visited of Zambia’s three major national parks. Located well off-the-beaten-track, Kafue National Park is still very, very wild and regarded as somewhat of a Zambian hidden gem.

Rivers, seasonal floodplains, and far-reaching, wildlife-rich wetlands dominate northern Kafue. The extreme north of Kafue National Park is also where you’ll find the Busanga Plains, one of Zambia’s most significant wetland resources and the best region of the park for game viewing. Huge herds of red lechwe, puku, stately roan antelope, blue wildebeests, and zebras graze these grassy floodplains. Their large numbers attract plenty of predators, including lion prides, lone cheetahs, packs of wild dogs, and leopards. The Kafue River – the namesake of the park – is home to plenty of hippos as well as some of the largest crocodiles in southern Africa.

Photo credit: flickr

Birders will delight in the extreme northwest of the Kafue National Park where the Busanga Swamps, an official Ramsar site, attracts close to 500 birdlife species, including large flocks of herons, egrets, and endangered wattle cranes.

Southern Kafue boasts large sections of Kalahari wood- and grassland, making it the ideal location for ever-growing populations of plains game as well as the park’s largest population of elephant and buffalo.

Along with game drives, you can spend your days in Kafue National Park on walking safaris and boat rides/safaris on either the Kafue River or Lunga River. Walking safaris are best during winter, while boat safaris are available along the Kafue River during the wet summer months.

#5 LAKE KASHIBA

Lake Kashiba is undoubtedly one of Zambia’s best hidden gems. As the surface level of the water is 30 feet below the floor of the surrounding forest, Lake Kashiba is often referred to as a ‘sunken lake’. While the surface area of the lake is small, it is incredibly deep with a depth of 330 feet around its sides. The depth of the centre of Lake Kashiba is however unknown, which has given rise to several mystical tales and legends of monsters below the surface.

Despite the air of mystery that surrounds it, the bluish-green water of the lake is extremely welcoming, and it has become a popular destination for activities like fishing and swimming.

Lake Kashiba is located in the north of Zambia, about a 40-minute drive from the town of Mpongwe in Copperbelt Province.

#6 KASANKA NATIONAL PARK

Lying just south of the Bangweulu Wetlands, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kasanka National Park is one of the top national parks and tourist attractions in Zambia. It is Zambia’s only privately managed park.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful reserves in Zambia, it boasts wonderful papyrus marshes, swamp forests and the miombo woodlands together with several criss-crossing rivers and seasonal, swampy pools which support almost 500 species of birds.

By far one of the top attractions of Kasanka is its annual bat migration. Every year from late-November to December, the skies around Kasanka National Park come alive with around 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats. The annual Kasanka National Park bat migration is regarded as the largest mammal migration in the world! While the sheer volume of bats is nothing short of draw-dropping, it’s the atmosphere surrounding this phenomenon that’s the most thrilling part as huge birds of prey swoop through the skies and take down as many bats as possible. Small predators and scavengers can also be found waiting below, ready to pounce on any that fall.

Kasanka is home to various wildlife and several antelope species including the rare, swamp-dwelling Sitatunga antelope which is fairly common in this area and can most often be spotted grazing in the misty dambos (wetlands). Hippo and crocodile are also plentiful, while buffalo, leopard, and elephant are present, but tougher to spot.

Many visitors combine Kasanka National Park with a trip to the nearby Bangweulu Wetlands to see the renowned shoebills and endemic black lechwe.

What You Need to Know:

• Kasanka is the only place in the world where you can witness this natural phenomenon.
• The migration only takes place for about 90 days (late October to mid-December).
• We recommend flying directly to Kasanka by private charter plane (there is an airstrip inside the park).

#7 LAKE KARIBA

Lake Kariba may not be as deep as Lake Kashiba, but it holds the distinction of being the largest man-made reservoir in the world by volume, extending over 5000km2 along Zambia’s southern border. The lake spans over 140 miles/220 kilometers along the border with Zimbabwe and reaches up to 25 miles/40 kilometers in width at its widest point.

Access to the Zambian side of Lake Kariba is fairly limited, with Sinazongwe and Siavonga being the only two towns of any significance providing access to the lake. Siavonga is only a few hours’ drive from Lusaka. Regarded as a laid-back lakeside holiday village, it is the larger of the two towns and very popular among locals. As Sinazongwe is much smaller and less developed, most locals and visitors head to Siavonga as their base for exploring Lake Kariba.

The Zambian side of Lake Kariba is far less wild than the Zimbabwean side. For wildlife sightings and encounters you will have to visit one of two large islands, Chete or Chikanka. Both islands are located in the southwest and accessible from Sinazongwe. Chete is the larger of the two islands and guided game walks/walking safaris are possible. Chete is home to a small population of elephants, some leopards and plenty of hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

Chikanka is privately owned, with a single, dedicated fishing lodge. It is one of many fishing options on Lake Kariba, with tigerfish being the most sought-after catch.

Houseboating is a very popular activity on Lake Kariba, and you are likely to see countless hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and all manner of birds as you drift along. You can also opt to enjoy a private motorboat trip or canoe safari. All of these exciting expeditions and safari adventures can be arranged from Siavonga.

#8 BLUE LAGOON NATIONAL PARK

Located a mere 75 miles/120km by road from Lusaka (the capital city of Zambia), Blue Lagoon National Park is not only one of the top wilderness destinations and tourist attractions in Zambia, but one of its most accessible parks for locals and tourists alike. Besides being incredibly easy to get to, it is absolutely worth the visit.

Blue Lagoon National Park is a relatively undiscovered park that was established in 1976. However, it was closed   to the public by the Ministry of Defence and became a haven for poachers. Thanks to highly dedicated and successful rehabilitation efforts, the park reopened to the public in 2003.

Today, Blue Lagoon National Park welcomes visitors and avid wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide to its stunning location and vast wilderness terrains. As it remains largely untouched by the masses and developmental efforts, it has a certain undeniable and untamed natural beauty that’s hard to deny.

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon National Park is during its wet season when the vast floodplains fill with water, attracting thousands of birds and mammals.

#9 LIUWA PLAIN NATIONAL PARK

Blue Wildebeest Migration in Liuwa Plain National Park – Photo credit: flickr

Located west of the upper Zambezi River, close to the border with Angola, Liuwa Plain National Park is one of Zambia’s most remote national parks. Liuwa Plain is primarily made up of vast grasslands with a smattering of pans, palms, and clumps of Kalahari woodland.

During the rainy/wet season (December – April) large areas of the park are completely flooded, as with much of northern Zambia. Even during the drier winter months, Liuwa Plain National Park is difficult to reach. This only heightens its appeal among eager adventurers, thrill seekers and dedicated nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The lucky ones who reach this Zambian wilderness hidden gem, will feel like they have the entire national park to themselves – and perhaps they even do!

Boasting jaw-dropping panoramic views and unapologetic natural beauty, genuinely low visitor numbers (due to its remote location), and an abundant and diverse wildlife population, Liuwa Plain National Park is the ultimate African wilderness and safari destination.

Liuwa Plain’s biggest single wildlife attraction is its annual blue wildebeest migration when an estimated 40000 animals or more migrate as the rising water levels force the herds southeast in search of fresh grazing. This remarkable spectacle takes place in November each year and is the second largest of its kind in the world.

Liuwa Plain’s birdlife is another major draw, with some of its pans holding water year-round. Attracting a large variety of species, including spoonbills, marabou and saddle-billed storks, herons, and a noteworthy bird rarely found in groups elsewhere, the Slaty egret – it is a true bird lover’s paradise! Another notable wildlife highlight is Liuwa Plain National Park’s thriving hyena population. Estimated at around 600, they take the top spot as Liuwa’s apex predator.

#10 SIOMA NGWEZI AND NGONYE FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Covering 5,000km² of Kalahari woodland, Sioma Ngwezi is Zambia’s third-largest national park. Bordered by the Kwando River to the west (which also forms Zambia’s border with Angola) and Namibia to the south, Sioma Ngwezi is tucked away in the southwestern corner of Zambia. Combined with the impressive Ngonye Falls National Park located further north, it has become one of Zambia’s top up-and-coming regions to visit with its diverse wildlife attracting avid adventure travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Sioma Ngwezi National Park has a history of excellent giraffe sightings and visitors can look forward to seeing various wildlife species, including lion, leopard, and spotted hyena when visiting the park. As water is scarce in this region of Zambia, the best time for wildlife viewing is just after the summer rains when animals congregate in large numbers around the drying pools.

Ngonye Falls – Photo credit: flickr

While Zambia’s 25 metre high Ngonye Falls may not be as grand as the renowned Victoria Falls, what it lacks in stature it more than makes up in volume. Besides admiring its beauty, visitors can enjoy various exhilarating adventure experiences, including kayaking, white water rafting, swimming, and fishing.

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These Are the Best Tourist Attractions in Zambia

Landlocked Zambia shares borders with eight countries in southern Africa, and offers world-class safaris, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and unique learning experiences. We’ve put together a fun list of the best tourist attractions to explore in Zambia, a country that’s similar in size to Texas.

1. VIEW THE VICTORIA FALLS

The crown jewel of Zambia is one of the most impressive sights in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe with a 2km sheet of water falling off the cliff. Wet weather gear is necessary at the falls, thanks to the heavy mist that drenches those who take the opportunity to touch the water before it plummets to the river below.

2. PLUNGE INTO THE DEVIL’S POOLS

With ungodly amounts of water plunging over Victoria Falls every second, nature has created rock pools just before the plunge point. When the water levels of the Zambezi Rivers drops (in August) there’s an opportunity to jump into these pools for the ultimate adrenaline experience. The natural barrier created by the falls makes it a safe, yet adrenaline-pumping photo opportunity with a permanent rainbow formed from the mist of the falls.

3. ENJOY A ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE

Taking a cruise on the Zambezi River while enjoying dinner and the sunset is a memorable occasion. The entire journey is a luxurious experience, with the crew and reception on hand to ensure you have an immersive and entertaining evening with incredible food. The boats launch from a few kilometres above Victoria Falls and, as you make your way down the river, the staff will point out any wildlife-spotting opportunities.

4. SHOP AT THE LUSAKA MARKETS

African markets are full of colour, noise, goods and people. In Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka, there are several markets offering different experiences to match individual tastes. For people looking to buy souvenirs, the Arcades Shopping Centre vendors have a variety of wares to browse through. For a more authentic market experience with fruit, vegetables, meat and consumer goods, the Town Centre Market and Lusaka City Market are the places to be. The atmosphere is more intense, as the market is thriving with locals going about their days, which means the prices are less likely to being inflated for tourists.

5. PARTICIPATE IN A COOKING CLASS

Cooking classes offer a local and educational experience. They start with a visit to the local markets to buy produce, before returning to the kitchen where students have a hands-on experience cooking local cuisine. In Livingstone you’ll find an array of international restaurants catering to tourist demand, which makes finding places that serve meals inline with the normal cuisine harder to find. Zambian cuisine is focused around nshima, which made from white maize.

6. VISIT THE LUSAKA NATIONAL MUSEUM

In a building that looks like it has come straight out of Soviet Russia, the National Museum has four galleries full of information about the history of Zambia, including a display about witchcraft. The number of displays isn’t large but the amount of information on the signboards is well organised and everyone can get a deeper understanding of the country with a visit.

7. A TRIP TO SIAVONGA

Siavonga is known as the ‘Riviera of Zambia’, attracting domestic and international tourists to the banks of Lake Kariba. The lake has a lot of activities for all ages, including building sandcastles on the beach, relaxing on a houseboat, and paddling along the shores in a canoe. The Dam Wall is worthy of a visit too, given its significance to the country. Completed in 1960, the Dam Wall makes Lake Kariba the largest man-made lake in the world. It also provides the majority of Zambia’s power. You can walk along the hydroelectric dam, which is the best way to get a feel for its size. Oh, and the Siavonga sunsets are too die for!

8. THE BLUE LAGOON NATIONAL PARK

The Blue Lagoon is an undiscovered gem 120 km from Lusaka that has recently opened to the public. In dry season, the vast plains of dry land extend as far as the eye can see, differentiating this national park from others in the country. In wet season, the plains transform into gorgeous wetlands, attracting birds and lechwe to the shallows. Keep your eyes peeled for an unusual animal at the Blue Lagoon National Park. Massive river pythons are drawn here by lechwe and birds, which are lucrative prey.

9. VISIT LAKE TANGANYIKA

Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest, reaching as low as 1,433 metres. The draw for visitors is the Kalambo Falls near the border shared with Tanzania. With a height of 221m, they are twice the height of Victoria Falls. The width of the falls varies; in dry season it can be as little as 2m and in the monsoon season can reach up to 15m wide, making this the best time for viewing.

10. A SHOT OF ADRENALINE WITH THE GORGE SWING

The Gorge Swing, the world’s first commercial high wire, is above the Zambezi River leading to Victoria Falls. A cable stretches 135 metres across the gorge and is 75 metres above the river’s Grade Seven rapids. Brave participants run off the cliff wearing a harness that attaches them to the cable. Once off the cliff, there’s a 50-metre free fall before the cable gains tension and the participant begins to swing out over the gorge in a pendulum motion. Eventually they’re lowered down and are left facing the steep hike back up the cliff. If the Gorge Swing doesn’t tempt you, the alternative is a flying fox that takes you out over the gorge before being pulled back in.

11. A VISIT TO A TRADITIONAL AFRICAN VILLAGE

Finding an authentic experience in Zambia can be tricky, with the safaris and Victoria Falls seeing towns built purely to support the demands of tourism. Kawaza Village has done its best to remain unchanged. The village is opened to tourists every day. Located near the South Luangwa National Park and three km from the nearest town, there’s an opportunity to stay overnight in mudhouses or you can spend a few hours in the village interacting with the locals and watching them go about their day-to-day lives.

12. EXPLORE THE KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS

The Kapishya Hot Springs are a family-run business that you can visit for a day or stay in overnight. The warm hot springs are natural and sulphur free, and are a short walk from the six chalets (you can also camp). The other unmissable activity at the hot springs is a tour of Shiwa Ngandu House, a large English manor house built by a Stewart Gore-Browne after WWI. Mark Harvey, who currently runs the Kapishya Hot Springs with his wife, is the grandson of Gore-Brown and has continued to preserve the building as his father did.

13. GO WHITE-WATER RAFTING

White-water rafting along the Batoka Gorge on the Zambezi River isn’t for the faint-hearted. Nearly all the rapids along the 24km-stretch of river are grade five, the highest grade considered safe to raft down (the rapids below the Gorge Swing are grade seven). They recommend rafters be comfortable in the water as the white water of the rapids gets furious and there is a risk of falling out. The safety of guests is a priority, and highly trained professionals run everyone through safety procedures before the day starts, as well as communicating about what is happening throughout the day (there is always an instructor on the raft). They also have a kayaker alongside the raft for extra safety if you do fall off.

14. SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa National Park is a popular destination for walking safaris. The number of animals around the river is impressive, with hippos and crocodiles two of the known residents of the 60-plus mammals that share the Luangwa River. The landscapes of the National Park change from dry, naked bushveld in winter to summer’s deep green vegetation.

15. KAFUE NATIONAL PARK

Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa, yet doesn’t have the number of safari camps and lodges compared to other places due to the careful growth plan in place, which includes increasing levels of wildlife protection. Kafue doesn’t have massive numbers of wildlife, but they do have a large variety. You don’t come here to tick off the Big 5, but to see elusive species of antelope among others. The locals know it as being one the best places to see leopards in the wild.

16. EXPERIENCE THE RHINO WALK

Walking in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a rare opportunity for people to get a glimpse of a white rhino at ground level in the wild. The white rhino population is close to being extinct thanks to poachers, so having a chance to share time with them is very special and a brilliant photo opportunity, but something few people get to do. Before the tour starts, trackers are out in the national park to find the rhinos so you to spend as much time with them as possible.

17. FISHING ON THE BAROTSELAND

Catching a tigerfish in Zambia is a memory people don’t forget. With tigerfish in one of largest floodplains on the Zambezi River weighing over 20 pounds on a regular basis, those game enough to adventure out to this remote location can expect an explosive fight when hooked, with acrobatic manoeuvres common. The other species found in the floodplains, formed when the Zambezi River breaks its banks in rainy season, are nembwe, three-spot, and pink bream.

18. LILAYI ELEPHANT NURSERY

As awesome as it is seeing elephants in the wild, it’s baby elephants that get the most attention from tourists. The best chance for a baby elephant encounter in Zambia is at the elephant nursery in Lilayi started by the NGO, Game Rangers International, who work to rescue and rehab elephants from Kafue National Park. The feeding times from 11am to 1:30pm are open to the public daily. For those who want a behind-the-scenes look at the level of care the elephants get, you can stay at the Lilayi Lodge. The property has nearly 600 acres, which gives the baby elephants a chance to mature and train their instincts before beginning the process of being released back into the wild.

19. LOCHINVAR NATIONAL PARK

Besides buffalo, there are no dangerous animals found in Lochinvar National Park, allowing visitors to get out of their cars and walk around. There are other national parks in Zambia that are better to spot mammals, but the birdwatching in Lochinvar National Park is some of the best in the country with 428 species recorded here. With waterfowl, raptors, woodland species and migrants, avid bird watchers can spend weeks here. The more familiar birds you can see include flamingo, pelicans and storks scavenging for fish stranded in the floodplains.

20. LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

The Lower Zambezi National Park has avoided overdevelopment, which allows visitors to see animals in the wilderness without dozens of safari jeeps converging on one location. The diversity of mammals isn’t massive, but the ability to get close to those that are here is enhanced thanks to the channels of water running back to the Zambezi. Not all of the national park is accessible, but along the relatively small valley floor you can see large mammals including elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra and crocodiles.

Victoria Falls is the standout tourist attraction  in Zambia , but there are plenty of other exciting attractions in this wonderful country. To find out more about what to see and do in Zambia or to discuss booking your Zambian adventure,  contact True Travel  and discuss your trip with one of our Africa specialists.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Zambia

Zambia is usually not on top of our minds when we think of a trip to Africa , although it is becoming increasingly popular. Of course, Victoria Falls remain its main attraction, but there is much more to explore and love about Zambia.

This article is only a brief overview of what Zambia has to offer. The renowned Brad Guide devotes 540 pages to Zambia, something impossible to summarize in a single blog.

Here are our 10 top places to visit and things to do in Zambia:

1. victoria falls & livingstone, 2. the luangwa valley, 3. lower zambezi & lake kariba, 4. the kafue national park, 5. liuwa plains, 6. kasanka & bangweulu area, 7. lake tanganyika, 9. more waterfalls, 10. history & cultures.

We’re biased regarding which national park to recommend for spectacular photographic safaris! 

But African specialists will confirm that the Luangwa is one of Africa’s finest areas for wildlife: superb guiding, high game densities, few visitors, excellent camps. So if you can only do one safari destination, this is the one!

Equally remote, this area is perfect for adventurous self-driving visitors. Kasanka is renowned for its unique annual bat migration, while the Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the extremely rare prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.

We all have heard about Victoria Falls, but Zambia has 17 beautiful waterfalls worth visiting. Located mainly across the Northern province, finding the falls is like going on a treasure hunt. To name a few: Kalambo Falls (double the height of the Victoria Falls!), Kundalila Falls, Lumangwe Falls, Kabwelume Falls, Ngonye Falls, Chisimba Falls, Chipembe Falls, etc.

With so many tribal identities, Zambia has a rich array of cultural festivals rarely attended by tourists. These authentic ceremonies are aimed at the local population, and it is best to seek the advice of a knowledgeable guide. The Kuomboka ceremony (often in March, depending on the water levels) is probably the most famous ritual; it marks the retreat of the Lozi king to his high-water residence. The country also features excellent historical sites and museums such as the Kabwata Cultural Center and the National Museum in Lusaka, the Livingstone Museum and the city’s historical tour, and the unusual and remarkable Shiwa Ng’andu Manor House and Estate ( Muchinga Province).

Bradt Guide Zambia : https://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/africa/zambia/

Zambia Tourism : https://www.zambiatourism.com

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BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Events marking May 19 China Tourism Day kicked off on May 1 with the theme of "Explore China, Enjoy a happy life," the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has said.

May 19 this year will be the 14th China Tourism Day. As planned, a series of activities will be held throughout this month, including themed daily, weekly, and monthly activities. On May 19, each provincial region will select a city as the main venue, carry out various promotional activities focusing on the theme of 2024, and introduce various cultural and tourism benefits for the public.

Six major cities will be selected to host cultural and tourism events during the themed weekly activities. In a relay format, these cities will sequentially organize countdown activities with the themes of "Eat, Stay, Travel, Shop, and Entertain," the ministry said.

During the themed monthly activities, there will be concentrated efforts to organize cultural and tourism benefits for the public, as well as carry out promotional activities for tourism.

Xinhua 3rd May 2024, 02:05 GMT+10

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Ecotourism: An obvious panacea or a looming conundrum?

By Ian Michler, Africa tourism operator.

I have been working across three spheres of the ecotourism sector for the past 33 years. Principally, I am a co-owner of a safari company, and at times, I accompany guests as a wilderness guide. I am also an inquisitive photographer and journalist covering environmental, conservation, and sustainability issues.

Conventional wisdom deems such participation to be a positive factor in the conservation of the continent’s protected areas and biodiversity . However, I have long pondered these apparent contributions, including thoughts on the shortcomings and drawbacks of what we do. In 2008, I wrote an article titled ‘Is Ecotourism Working?’ and mused as to whether I was part of the solution or merely contributing to the problem. I am not alone: I have colleagues that have similarly deliberated over these issues.  

What is ecotourism?    

All these years on, for the most part I now accept that I can and should be part of the solution. In the grand scheme, it’s a simple trade-off; if it’s not ecotourism, then expect every other form of economic activity—from agriculture and mining to golf estates and theme parks—to be competing for what’s left of our natural world. However, I have also come to see and understand that poorly defined and badly managed ecotourism is both destructive on the environment and to the integrity of communities, and at its worst, can be cannibalistic, as it ends up devouring the very essence of what it claims to be protecting.  

But first, a little history. While learning-based tours were offered in the decades prior, the concept of ‘ecotourism’ has its beginnings in the 1970s after the first global environmental movements expressed concerns over the growing impacts of mass-market tourism. By most accounts, Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin (Special Advisor on ecotourism to the IUCN) brought the term ‘ecotourist’ into mainstream use in 1983. He used it to explain why low-impact tourism activities were vital for protecting a wetland area from developers in his homeland of Mexico. From the outset, conserving natural habitats was his primary objective, but also front of mind were the potential economic benefits to the region. Ceballos-Lascuráin argued that activities such as birdwatching and hiking would also generate sustainable employment opportunities and have knock-on benefits to the wider local economy, without destroying the environment.  

During the 1990s, the concept of sustainability gained traction as decision-makers infused it into every sphere of development, including tourism. In 2002 the responsible travel sector became globally accepted as a specific market when the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Ecotourism. Since then, its stature has grown, and today, ecotourism’s perceived potential as a solution for our conservation challenges as well as economic growth, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa that lag the global development curve, has seen it being vigorously embraced and endorsed by the sustainable development lobby across most economic and conservation agendas.  

So, what started out as a notion of responsible travel is now best described by several principles rather than having a strict definition. It is generally understood that good ecotourism embraces the following: 

• The development footprint of operators and the activities they offer must be low-impact and sustainable, which implies low-volume tourism.     
• The experience for ecotourists should be nature-based and incorporate high levels of educational input and ecological awareness. 
• Outside of the financial rewards to operators, benefits should also result in fair and equitable contributions to surrounding communities and the environment, making ecotourism a pillar of conservation objectives.   
• All those involved must respect local cultures and customs.  

The benefits of ecotourism  

In essence, if you wrap these attributes in present-day contexts, we now have a multifaceted industry that is seen as a panacea in that it is expected to deliver on a variety of environmental, social, and developmental objectives, while also meeting the expectations of thousands of ecotourists. The International Ecotourism Society states that ‘ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.’ 

Broadly speaking, the ecotourism model and its leading protagonists in Africa, which include many of the more well-known safari operators as well as a range of conservation agencies, have had numerous successes:  

• African Parks has signed long term management leases for 22 protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares, securing the environment and ecotourism opportunities in the process. 
• In South Africa, Wilderness Foundation Africa and Eden to Addo are using corridor conservation initiatives to link numerous protected areas that in turn enhance ecotourism opportunities and benefits to local communities.   
• Singita has revitalized over 150,000 hectares of Tanzanian hunting grounds into prized ecotourism destinations. 
• Wilderness Safaris secured the future of northern Kafue by establishing a network of low-impact camps in a region set to sink under heavy poaching. 
• The ecotourism industry has been the primary factor ensuring the survival of mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda and has played roles in supporting conservation of wild dog , whales , and the African penguin, amongst other species.  
• Six Rivers Africa, a Tanzanian NGO founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is establishing an ecotourism network in the southern sectors of Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks to rehabilitate over 11 000 square kilometres of old hunting blocs incorporated into these parks.   
• IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative is securing the population and range status of elephants in parts of Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia has allowed ecotourism to return to regions once neglected.  
• The wider photographic ecotourism sector has been by some margin the driving force behind the surge in economic growth and development across northern Botswana over the last thirty years.   
• After decades of war, the future of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique has been secured through philanthropy and the ecotourism industry.  

In all these instances, the protection of wildlife and the restoration of large tracts of wilderness, including once degraded agricultural land, has been central, but with noteworthy additional benefits. Funding requirements have been significantly boosted, and scientific and other research programmes, vital to directing future conservation initiatives, have been instituted, as have ranger training and administrative programmes improving levels of guiding and management. Work and career opportunities have been enhanced in rural communities, and the wider economic benefits have percolated beyond the protected areas. These aspects are particularly important in regions that otherwise have little to no other development. For the most part, a great report card.  

The challenges  

However, the ecotourism model faces several serious challenges. Firstly, like much of our global environmental legislation, the concept of ecotourism remains a set of principles and guidelines that are, for the most part, either non-binding or remain open to wide interpretation. So, while some companies and countries have policies that carry out the mandates imbued in the concept, so many don’t, and for these entities, the term remains nothing other than a convenient marketing tool.   

The following examples represent the questionable or poor face of ecotourism:  

• While there have been recent attempts to deal with its challenges, the Masai Mara in Kenya has experienced too many vehicles and insufficient guiding, all compounded by poor management for almost 20 years.     
• The authorities managing Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti continue to chase revenues as the number of lodges and vehicles increase appreciably each year, and seemingly without any ecological assessments in support thereof.   
• Victoria Falls has been a crush for some time, with the upstream portion of the Zambezi a constant din of helicopters, while at sunsets, an increasingly noisy flotilla of cruise boats chases the ultimate sundowner setting.   
• In some countries, South Africa being the prime example, a flawed interpretation of sustainability has resulted in discredited activities such as canned hunting, cub petting, and walking with lions being introduced as tourism products.   
• Trophy hunting agencies, often lumped in as a form of ecotourism, continue to deplete the gene pool of lions and elephants, among other threatened species.   
• The sizes of lodges and hotels continue to grow, with some now accommodating over 120 guests, bringing the sustainability of their footprints into question. This is particularly relevant with regards to water and electricity use, waste disposal, and other pollution levels, as well as the nature of activities offered.     
• The industry continues to allow the sale of crafts and trinkets made from endangered hardwood species as well as animal parts such as lion teeth, ivory, and shells of marine species.     
• The cultural integrity and social fabric of traditional communities can be disrupted through ongoing tourist interactions when drugs, alcohol, and prostitution are introduced.     
• When the economic benefits of ecotourism are corruptly or unevenly distributed, this can result in disillusionment and even disempowerment of those involved.      
• The mainstream ecotourism industry has a history of only supporting the most favourable destinations. The model is undermined when agents and operators continue to neglect the so-called marginal or out-lying areas.    

Bear in mind, most of the entities involved in the examples above market under the ecotourism banner, which includes claiming conservation credentials. This duplicity exposes the discrepancies, vagueness, and loopholes in marketing and regulatory frameworks, and until this is changed, rectifying this face will remain problematic.  

The existential threat  

Lastly, to the numbers game, there is a conundrum that needs to be addressed. It’s the thorniest issue of all and one that represents an awkward mirror at the very least, and quite possibly an existential threat if left unchecked.  

Due to the shortcomings already expressed, getting precise data on the size and growth of ecotourism as a sector is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, we do have some idea. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), by 2019, Africa’s travel and tourism industry had grown from US$75 billion in 2000 to US$186 billion by 2019, when there were 84 million international travellers (since COVID-19, the sector is again approaching these levels).  

Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts growth of at least 6.5% per annum over the next decade and suggest in a best-case scenario that tourism’s combined contribution to continental economies could reach over US$300 billion, with close to double the number of travellers a possibility by 2033. If we then match Conservation Magazine’s claim that in sub-Saharan Africa, four of every five international tourists arriving in Africa will visit a wildlife destination, we start to get an idea of the astronomical numbers.  

For the politicians, economists, and accountants, this data clearly speaks to ecotourism as a golden goose for investment, growth, and profit. However, to the environmentalists, there must be concerns. How many more people and vehicles can Africa’s protected areas take? How many more lodges, hotels, and airports, along with the infrastructure footprints, are required to accommodate these people before ecological degradation sets in? Has the erosion already begun?      

It remains extremely difficult to measure benefits and negative consequences of ecotourism objectively. This allows everyone to continue operating within the grey areas of conflation and confusion, without consideration or consequence. In addition, operating leases and permits are at the discretion of governments, which means safari operators and researchers are often constrained into not speaking out over bad practices or poor management for fear of being expelled or having licences withdrawn.     

If the goal for successful ecotourism is to be truly sustainable, the purveyors and scorekeepers need to understand and accept that the environment, its principal asset, operates within scientific and ecological constraints. Wilderness cannot be treated as an infinite or renewable resource. The industry urgently needs a visionary and united management process, one that accepts the ecological limits while balancing the demands of all stakeholders. Under the current paradigm and trends, ecotourism in the more popular destinations will not be ecologically or experientially sustainable.   

Given these concerns, there is an added responsibility on prospective ecotourists looking at Africa. You need to be discerning and selective when choosing your agent and operator, and do so after due research and consideration, including asking serious questions about their credentials. And while travelling, if there is anything that concerns you, please speak up. 

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