Zambia’s key attractions to tourists are its eight main national parks, which are all accessible by car and plane. The Kafue National Park, which is situated in the centre of the southern half of the country, encompasses a huge area (22,500 sq. km/8687 sq. miles) and is one of the biggest game sanctuaries in Africa. The park attracts hundreds of species of birds and offers good game fishing. Eight-day walking and driving tours are available. There are also several seasonal non-catering camps. The South Luangwa National Park, regarded as one of the most exciting game reserves in the world, is home to a huge variety of animals including hippos, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, monkeys and wild dogs. Blossoming trees and exotic flowers set the scene. There are lodges at Chichele, and Mfuwe all year round. Facilities in the park include luxury double rooms in chalets, private baths and toilets, full 3- course meals, bar facilities and swimming pools. The Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-tunya National Park is perhaps the most popular with tourists. Located on the southernmost edge of Zambia bordering Zimbabwe, the astonishing Victoria Falls are the mightiest cataracts in the world - the 2.5 km - (1.5 - mile) wide Zambezi River drops 100m (330ft) into a narrow chasm at the rate of 550 million litres every minute. The spray can be seen 30 km (20 miles) away. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park nearby is small by Zambian standards but is home to most of Zambia's more common wild animals. For lovers of Adventure Holidays Zambia offers white water rafting which include the navigation of the Zambezi from the base of the Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba taking up to 7 days. Shorter white-water raft safaris are also available. Canoeing safaris, Bungee jumping, Horse trails, Houseboating, Scuba diving, Fishing and walking safaris are also becoming popular activities.
Full name: Republic of Zambia
Population: 11 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Lusaka
Area: 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq miles)
Major language: English (official), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Tonga
Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs, Hinduism, Islam
Life expectancy: 38 years (men), 37 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Kwacha = 100 ngwee
Main exports: Copper, minerals, tobacco
GNI per capita: US $490 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .zm
International dialling code: +260
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