Known as ‘the real Africa’, Zambia is particularly attractive to
people seeking an experience of the real wild Africa. Because Zambia is not
yet as popular as the leading destinations in Africa, it has remained rich and
unspoilt with the low tourist populations. Zambia is the land of the awe inspiring
Victoria falls (100 meters deep, 200 meters wide and 2 kilometres long), the
wild Zambezi river, breath taking lakes including the Kariba, one of the world’s
largest man-made lakes, expansive wetlands for which Zambia was awarded a conservation
certificate by the 2002 Johannesburg earth summit, 13 game reserves with abundant
wildlife and a profusion of birds, the legendary and unique Zambian walking
safari, colourful traditional ceremonies such as the famous ‘kuomboka’
-crossing the waters - of the Lozi king in western province) and raw, pulsating
wilderness.
Zambia has recently acquired the Royal Livingstone, a world-class hotel situated
less than a kilometres from the Victoria Falls. The ‘Zambezi Sun’
is another hotel adjacent to the falls. Zambia’s abundant tourist attractions
are accessible from fine eco-friendly lodges. Lake Kariba is two hours drive
from Lusaka, whilst the Victoria Falls is one hour’s flight from the capital.
Most attractions are within a few hours drive or a short flight from any urban
centre in Zambia. Tourists enjoy amongst other activities world class white
water rafting, a 111 meter bungi jump into the Victoria Falls gorge, abseiling,
canoeing safaris, river cruise, microlighting, water skiing, and fishing.
The tourism sector grew by 4.7% in 2002 over an above the 24.7% growth in 2001
when the country benefited from an increase in visitor numbers resulting from
attractions including the solar eclipse and the opening of the Sun hotels in
Livingstone. To sustain the current momentum, Government has planned the rehabilitation
of infrastructure in Livingstone and the promotion of tourism development in
other important tourist areas such as the Kafue, Lower Zambezi and Luangwa national
parks. To allow participation from Zambian entrepreneurs in the tourism sector,
a Tourism Credit facility will be set up with an allocation of K5bn.
