Zambia

Overview

Zambia lies in the interior of Southern Africa, landlocked and shaped by the Zambezi River and its tributaries, which carve out a landscape ranging from wide savannas to dense riverine forest. The country takes its name from the Zambezi itself, a river that plays a defining role not just geographically but economically and culturally in everyday life. A British colonial past, when the country was known as Northern Rhodesia, along with the traditions of more than seventy local ethnic groups, has created a diverse yet peaceful cultural landscape marked by a relaxed, welcoming way of life.

Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders," is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, cascading along the border with Zimbabwe, and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The capital, Lusaka, serves as the country's economic hub with a modern downtown and lively markets, while South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its dense wildlife populations and its pioneering tradition of walking safaris. Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, was created by damming the Zambezi River and is now a popular spot for water sports and fishing.

Zambia's national parks, including South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, support remarkably rich wildlife populations, with large numbers of lions, leopards, elephants, and hippos found along the rivers. White-water rafting on the Zambezi River, through the gorges below Victoria Falls, ranks among the region's most thrilling adventure experiences, while night safaris in South Luangwa National Park offer a rare look at nocturnal wildlife. Local cuisine is built around nshima, a thick cornmeal porridge, traditionally served with vegetables and a savory relish of meat or fish.