Zambia

Kafue National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in Africa, spanning a diverse 8,650 square miles (22,400 sq km), which makes it roughly the size of Wales. Vast swathes of Kafue have yet to be explored and developed, making it a wonderful destination for those who want a real African adventure. Although the headquarters of the park are in the south, the southern region is actually less visited and more rundown; the real gem of the park is the flooded grasslands ecoregion in the north, which includes the Busanga Swamp. These rich lands support large herds of herbivores and their natural predators and the area is also noted for its birdlife. Visitors are likely to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and a host of other species in their natural environment while exploring Kafue. Besides enjoying the wildlife through safaris, visitors can enjoy abundant bird watching and fishing. Kafue is a 224 mile (360km) drive west of Lusaka, and a short two-hour drive from Livingstone, but some of the park's interior roads are dilapidated, especially in the rainy season, making the park accessible only to 4x4s or chartered flights. There are now a number of great safari camps and game lodges in and around the reserve and infrastructure is gradually improving.

Website : www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/national-parks/kafue-national-park

Lake Kariba is the largest artificial lake in the world, and a very popular tourist destination in Zambia (and Zimbabwe). A number of game and safari parks ring the lake on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, and tour operators offer a number of water activities such as boat and pontoon cruises. The best way to experience the vast body of water is to hire a houseboat, though there are a variety of accommodation options for those who prefer to sleep on land, including campsites, luxury lodges and self-catering chalets. All budgets will find something on offer. Lake Kariba is an excellent place to see wildlife, but foreigners should be wary of hippo and crocodiles when swimming in Kariba, and on the banks. The facilities around the lake are good, with entertainment available at the casino and hotel complexes. Also, travellers will appreciate Lake Kariba's famously beautiful sunsets. Those who are planning a houseboat holiday should time their trip so they can witness the full moon rising over the water, which is quite a magical experience.The area can get swelteringly hot in the summer, and many people prefer to visit in the cooler months (May to September), when the weather is still balmy and sunny, but far more comfortable.

Website : www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/lakes/lake-kariba

Livingstone is a historic colonial city on the southern border of Zambia. Also known as Maramba, the town was incorporated as part of Northern Rhodesia under Cecil John Rhodes, and gained prominence in the 19th century as a trading hub for passage across the Zambezi River. As trade and industry in the region has declined, the town has embraced the tourist trade that comes naturally to it. Located just six miles (10km) from the Zambezi River, Livingstone is a popular gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls and has benefitted from the hordes of tourists that flock there every year. Its colonial past means the city has a number of historical buildings, and several decent museums devoted to archaeology, history, ethnography, geology, railways, and of course the town's namesake: David Livingstone. Livingstone also has a surprisingly festive nightlife, with a number of bars and clubs frequented by tourists and expats. Its thriving backpackers' scene makes it a favourite with budget travellers. That said, there are also some luxury lodges nestled into gorgeous riverside settings.It is the perfect base for whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and visiting the falls. It is also well situated as a gateway to the abundant nature and wildlife of southern Zambia. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers bird watching and game safaris, and a number of game cruises are available along the Zambezi River.

The majestic Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), are located on the Zambezi River, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explorer David Livingstone named the falls for Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the falls have been attracting travellers and adventure seekers for decades; its pounding waters creating a mist that can be seen for miles and the sound of the falls, especially in the rainy season (November to April), make it difficult to hear anything else. There is a trail that runs along the cliff adjacent to the waterfall which visitors can use to reach the scenic viewpoints, and a helicopter tour is a phenomenal way to see the falls from above. Although it is only accessible at certain water levels, and is certainly not for the faint of heart, there is also a natural pool right above the falls called the Devil's Punch Bowl; swimming just above the lip of the pounding waterfall is an amazing thrill. Guided tours to the falls are available from Livingstone, but it is easy to explore without a guide. Many tourists like to see the falls from the Zimbabwean side as well (especially during the dry season when the Zambian side gets quite dry) and crossing the border is usually quick and painless as the officials are accustomed to visitors popping over just to see the falls.