ZAMBIA TOURISM

VICTORIA FALLS

	BY 1855,Scottish missionary and explorer David Living stone had already spent years trekking across Africa-a continent then largely unknown to the rest of the world.As he traveled eastward along the mighty Zambezi River,local tribesmen spoke with awe regarding the immense waterfall ahead.Because of the tremendous noise and vapor it caused,the tribesmen called Mosi-oa-Tunya,meaning "The Smoke That Thunders."Livingstone resolved to see the falls,now called Victoria Falls,at close range.Describing his first view,he wrote: "Creeping with awe to the verge,I peered down into a large rent which had been made from bank to bank of the broad Zambezi,and saw that a stream of a thousand metres broad leaped down thirty metres and then became suddenly compressed into a space of fifteen to twenty metres.
At almost 2 kms wide and 103 metres deep,Victoria Falls,a World Heritage Site,is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.Although it is shared with Zimbabwe,the acknowleged best view is from Zambia. The area surrounding the falls is also stunningly beautiful.Designated as a national park,it is home to a wonderful variety of trees and plants, besides fascinating animals-including hippos,elephants,giraffes, wildebeests,zebras,and even lions.
	Beautiful birds such as eagles and rare taita falcons make their homes on the rocky cliffs. In Livingstone's words,"no one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England.It had never been seen before by European eyes ;but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angles in their flight."
The town of Livingstone offers a wide range of activities for the adrenaline seeking adventurer,the birdwatcher,or for those wanting a holiday of a lifetime.
	In addition to rafting the most challenging oneday stretch of white- water rapids in the world,you can take a spectacular bungi jump off the Victoria Falls bridge 150 metres above the Zambezi River. Try a microlight or high wire across the Batoka Gorge.Go abseiling, river boarding,kayaking,jet boating,or gorge swinging.Perhaps partake in amore sedate river canoe safari,or game drive in the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park,or enjoy a horseback or elephant back ride along the banks of the Zambezi.
Accommodations range from the most basic and inexpensive for the overlander,backpacker,and budget traveller,to a standard of luxury that rivals anywhere in the world.Livingstone and Victoria Falls are not to be missed.

NGONYE FALLS

On a hot,dry November day,about two years before seeing Victoria Falls for the first time,Livingstone arrived at Ngonye Falls,also known as Sioma Falls.He wrote :"The islands above the falls are covered with foliage as beautiful as can be seen anywhere.Viewed from the mass of rock which overhangs the fall,the scenery was the loveliest I had seen." Visitors to Ngonye Falls today heartily concur with Livingstone's assessent. Livinstone related :"For many kilometres below,the river is confined in a narrow space of not more than one hundred metreswide.The water goes boiling along,and gives the idea of great masses of it rolling over and over,so that even the most expert swimmer would find it difficult to keep on the surface."

LUMANGWE FALLS

Many of Zambia's other waterfalls are isolated and unspoiled.They vary greatly in size.Lumangwe Falls looks like a miniature Victoria Falls.The falls are not at all tiny.One waterfall there drops approximately 30 metres and spans over 100metres.Mist from the falls even sustains a small rain forest.

KALAMBO FALLS

Kalambo Falls,the highest in Zambia,flows off the high plateau and down into Africa's Great Rift Valley.It drops more than 200 mtres straight down sheer rock cliffs,where rare gaint marabou storks breed in the dry season. "Kalambo is thus the second highest uninterrulted waterfall in Africa (after Tugela Falls in South Africa) and the twelfth highest in the world - more than twice as high as the Victoria Falls." Even though this waterfall is difficult to reach,one can describe it as 'one of the unforgettable sights of Africa.'Predictions :'It will be a long time before it is on everyone's circuit.....Only the chosen few ever get to Kalambo." Indeed,many of Zambia's waterfalls and other natural attractions are well off the beaten path.Some are only reached by Landcruiser on difficulty country,others only on foot.Of course,that is part of what makes these places special.

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