Zambia Travel with African Sky Safaris and Tours. When traveling in Zambia you will be traveling in a country that takes its name from the Zambezi River, which forms most of its southern border. Zambia is located in south central Africa. Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are all neighbors of this land locked state. Zambia became independent in 1964 after it had been a British protectorate called Northern Rhodesia. Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia. The country is well known for the scenic Victoria Falls in the Zambezi River as well as the Kariba Dam, one of the world ‘s largest hydroelectric projects a fascinating and beautiful area to travel on Zambian safari.
African Sky offers a number of travel options to make a visit to Zambia the experience of a lifetime. We offer travel experiences to Zambia in the form of Luxury Safaris as well as tours which combine a visit to Zambia with the other countries of Southern Africa namely South Africa,
The Land
The area of Zambia is 752 618km². Most of Zambia is flat and is covered with trees and bushes. It lies on a plateau about 1200 m above sea level. The possibility of a monotonous landscape is interrupted by the Muchinga Mountains in the northeast. The Zambezi River flows south through western Zambia. Every year it floods a broad sandy plain in the southwest.
The Climate
Zambia has a milder climate than might be expected because of its high altitude. The hottest time of year is September to November. During that period midday temperatures range from 27°C to 38°C. From May to August the maximum temperature ranges from 16°C to 27°C. The rainy season is from November to April and violent storms flood the rivers by March. Northern Zambia gets about 1300mm and the south gets 510mm to 760mm annually.
The People
The population for 2004 was estimated at 11 320 000 and the population density was 15 persons per km². 38% of the population are living in urban areas, while 62% are still living in rural areas. On a safari travel through Zambia you will encounter the many ethnic groups calling this beautiful country home. Most Zambians are black Africans who speak African languages. Eight major languages are spoken in Zambia by more than 70 ethnic groups. English is the official language and is spoken by many people. In remote parts of the country, village life goes on as it has been for hundreds of years. Traditional local beliefs still have a strong hold on the rural people although the majority of Zambians are Christians. The use of traditional medicine and old customs is slowly dying out in the towns.
The Economy
Copper mining is the most important primary activity and it accounts for about half of Zambia’s export earnings. Cobalt is obtained as a by-product of copper mining. Lead, zinc and coal are also mined. Maize is the most important agricultural product. Other leading products include cassava, coffee, millet, sorghum, sugar cane and tobacco. Whitebait and perch are being fished. The production of copper products is Zambia’s most important manufacturing activity. Cement, flour and wood products are also produced. |
