Hosting the world’s largest mammal migration, hippo population, man-made lake, and second largest wildebeest migration – not to mention one of the world’s most famous waterfalls – Zambia is gaining an increasing profile among North American travellers seeking travel authenticity.

Located south of Tanzania and north of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, massive Zambia is nearly the same size as Ontario. The country’s crown jewel is the Zambezi River’s Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, considered one of the planet’s seven natural wonders.

“Zambia is emerging as one of the premier wildlife and safari destinations in Africa, with sighting of the ‘Big Five’ virtually guaranteed on day one,” says Matongo Matamwandi, CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency.

Home to 20 national parks – some among the best preserved and most diverse in Africa – 30% of Zambia is under conservation protection. South Luangwa National Park is known as the “birthplace of walking safaris.” Naturalists have designated the southern Luangwa as one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.

The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its crescent-shaped lagoons is one of the densest in Africa, with 60 different animal species and more than 400 bird species. Located in central western Zambia, Kafue is the oldest and largest national park in the country.

Zambia boasts exceptional biodiversity, including the largest mammal migration on the planet. Between October and December, more than 10 million giant fruit bats – known as flying foxes – descend upon a tiny patch of swamp forest within central Zambia’s Kasanka National Park. With bodies the size of puppies and wingspans of nearly a yard, their migration creates a gobsmacking spectacle.

Natural wonder

The first European to “discover” the Victoria Falls was Scotland’s David Livingstone (“Dr. Livingstone, I presume”), who named it to for Britain’s queen. But for time immemorial, it’s been called “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders).

Beyond its scenic allure, Victoria Falls serves as a hub for extreme adventure such as bungee jumping. The Zambezi River offers white-water rafting among rapids considered the most intense in the world. Yet Devil’s Pool, a natural pool located at the falls’ edge on Livingstone Island, allows the unforgettable experience of calm and safe swimming just inches from the precipice.

Alongside classic and walking safaris, visitors rappel down the Zambezi Gorge and zipline over Victoria Falls. Canoeing requires no technical experience and provides up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.

Helicopter flights are also available, as is the “flight of the angel,” an aerial tour offering spectacular views of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Most visitors also spend time in the historic town of Livingstone, adjacent to Victoria Falls, and Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.

Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Zambia is rich in fascinating influences and diverse traditions. Home to more than 70 ethnic groups and 19 million inhabitants, it is recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of Africa’s friendliest, safest, and most welcoming destinations.

Visit www.zambia.travel.

Victoria Falls