Come to Zambia to experience the excitement and adventure of Africa. Gaze in awe as the Zambezi River plunges over a huge, sheer edge at the mighty Victoria Falls. Fly over the spray in a microlight, or bungee jump from a bridge 393 feet above the churning water. Then head out to South Luangwa or Kafue National Parks, where you can mount a horse or climb onto the back of an elephant in search of lion, leopard and rhino.
An independent republic since 1964, Zambia's economy suffered a major blow when copper prices plummeted in the 1970s. Much of the population still lives in the Copperbelt Province but, mining aside, natural wonders are Zambia's great riches. A vast grassy plateau dominates the country. The major National Parks are concentrated around the Luangwa, Kafue and Zambezi water systems; watch wildlife roam through pristine bush, across great plains and along beautiful rivers. Don't miss the country's greatest single spectacle as the Zambezi – Africa's fourth longest river – pours over the wondrous Victoria Falls.
In the south-east of the country, Zambia's capital, Lusaka, would never call itself a beautiful city, but its dynamic markets and contemporary art galleries are well worth a look. Ndola is the second largest city and is the industrial, commercial and administrative hub of the Copperbelt, Zambia's copper-mining region. Close by, Chingola is the home of the world's second-largest open-cast mine, the Nchanga Open Pit Mine. Most visitors head for Livingstone, just five miles from Victoria Falls and Zambia's tourism and adventure capital.
Start off at Zambia's biggest draw, the mighty Victoria Falls. Watch rainbows shimmer through the clouds of spray as the roaring Zambezi River plunges 328 feet into the gorge below. Go in search of big game in some of the world's best viewing areas such as South Luangwa National Park. If wildlife spotting from a jeep is too tame for you, how about a safari on foot, horseback, or even elephant-back? Or drift right in amongst the hippos and crocodiles on a thrilling canoe safari on the Lower Zambezi River.
