Zambia is a state in Central Africa with an area of 752,618 km². Until 1964, Zambia was a protectorate of Great Britain, and today it is part of the British Commonwealth. The country has a population of 15,972,000 (2017). The official language is English. Zambia is generously endowed with nature. Basic moments The capital of Zambia - Lusaka - a young modern city, built in 1931-1935, with comfortable quarters in the European style. The city of Livingston in the far south of the country is the "tourist capital", thanks to its proximity to the Victoria Falls. The city has an anthropological museum and a village-museum of African life. Other large cities (mainly industrial and administrative centers) are Ndola (known for international fairs), Solwezi, Mongu, Kasama. Approximately 50% of the country's inhabitants profess Christianity. The other half are considered adherents of Islam. At the same time, people who call themselves Christians also adhere to traditional African beliefs. And most of them are part of African sects. About 85% of the population of the republic lives on hard peasant labor, fishing and crafts. The rest of the country's inhabitants are employed in industry. The main wealth of Zambia is called copper and cobalt. It is on the territory of this African state that the famous "Copper Belt" is located. Zambia attracts a huge number of tourists looking for new experiences. Hundreds of thousands of extreme recreation lovers visit the country every year, because here you can try to jump into a gorge more than 100 meters deep, go down the majestic Zambezi by boat, or you can take an exciting safari on the back of an elephant. Climate and weather The climate in Zambia is subequatorial. A feature of the country's weather conditions are pronounced three main seasons. It is warm and rainy in the country from November to April. From May to July, Zambia is dry and somewhat cool. And from August to the end of October, dry and incredibly hot weather sets in the country. The average daily air temperature ranges from +15 °C in June to +27 °C in October. The best time to visit Zambia, many consider the period from May to July, when tourists do not have to suffer from daily heavy rains and sweltering heat. But to visit the main attraction of Zambia - Victoria Falls - the beginning of spring is perfect. It is at this time that the waterfall reaches full flow. And in the rainy season in the national parks of the country you can watch an amazing sight - the seasonal migration of animals. Nature Most of the territory of Zambia is occupied by a plateau with a height of no more than 1,500 m. At the same time, there are individual mountains and flat depressions. Almost the entire territory of the country lies in the Zambezi River basin. It is on this river that one of the largest waterfalls in the world - Victoria Falls - is located. The north of the country is covered by numerous lakes of tectonic origin. The most famous of them are Tanganyika, Mweru and Bangweulu. Slightly less than half of the territory of Zambia (almost 40%) is covered with humid tropical and tall grass dry forests. In the latter, such an amazing tree as myobo grows, as well as palm trees, ficuses and creepers. The rest of the territory is dominated by savanna with acacias and baobabs. To protect the pristine nature in Zambia, about 18 national parks and reserves have been created, in which such large animals as elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, antelopes, rhinos and other representatives of exotic fauna are preserved. In addition, several rare species of animals listed in the Red Book live on the territory of the reserves. Among them, for example, savanna elephants, black rhinos, dwarf crocodiles, yellow duiker. Interestingly, one of the most ancient fish on Earth is found in the Zambezi River - the lungfish protopter. The world of insects in Zambia is diverse. However, you need to be careful with these representatives: dangerous tsetse flies and malarial mosquitoes are widespread here. Attractions Zambia has a large number of different attractions that have recently become the subject of close attention of foreign tourists who want to get completely new impressions of their holidays on the hottest continent on the planet. The hallmark of Zambia is called one of the largest waterfalls in the world - Victoria. The waterfall was named after the famous British queen. It amazes with its majestic dimensions: the height is more than 120 meters, and the width is almost 2 kilometers. Not far from the Victoria Falls, there is a small archaeological museum, whose unique exposition will impress even those who are not particularly interested in history. In the capital of Zambia there are numerous museums and galleries. The best of them are the Henry Teyali Visual Art Gallery, the Mpala Gallery and the Zintu Community Museum, which, by the way, contains objects of the country's traditional applied art. Fascinating excursions are organized by the Museum of African Life, where you can get acquainted with the history and culture of the peoples, occupying the territory of Zambia. The second most popular city in the country is Livingston. This village is the starting point for a trip to the majestic Victoria Falls. There are several important museums and galleries in the city. The most popular among foreign tourists is the Railway Museum. It presents several types of rolling stock that have no analogues in the world. The National Museum of Livingston presents a huge collection of the rarest anthropological and archaeological relics. The main exhibit of the museum is a copy of the Neanderthal skull, whose age scientists estimate at 100,000 years. Fans of mysticism and magic will find the unique exposition of various accessories for witchcraft interesting. A hundred kilometers from Lusaka is the small town of Siavonga. Next to it is the Chirundu Fossil Forest. In this place you can see numerous traces of prehistoric trees, as well as objects from the Stone Age. In Zambia, great attention is paid to the protection of nature. About 18 national parks and reserves have been created here. The most visited park is Munda Vanga. Its territory has become a habitat for elephants, tigers, lions, rhinos and other mammals. Kitchen Zambia's location away from historical trade routes has allowed the national cuisine to preserve unique traditions that have been lost over time in many African countries. The most common dish in Zambia is nshima, which is made from corn kernels. Many locals consider this food to be a luxury. It is customary to eat nshima with your hands, rolling the porridge into balls, and then dipping it in vegetable or meat sauce. The second most popular dish is bambara. This treat is rice porridge seasoned with peanut butter and sugar. The hallmark of Zambian cuisine is baked Nile perch. As a rule, this incredibly tasty dish is served with lemon-mayonnaise sauce and a side dish of rice, potatoes or other vegetables. In restaurants in Zambia, you should definitely try the delicious ifisashi dish. It is a mixture of stewed vegetables generously seasoned with peanut butter. Usually such a treat is served as a side dish for fish or meat dishes. Fans of alcoholic beverages will be able to try the local moonshine chibuku in Zambia. This corn drink is considered sharp enough for an unaccustomed European. Usually people from the Old World prefer light varieties of homemade wines and liquors. The most popular Zambian drink is corn maheu. This unusual drug resembles beer with a taste of yogurt. The cost of food in Zambia is incredibly low - by European standards. Here, in first-class restaurants, you can dine for only $15–20. In large cities there are fast food establishments. In such cafes, you can refresh yourself for an even smaller amount - about $ 5-10. Entertainment and recreation One of the most popular activities in Zambia is, of course, the famous safari. Many national reserves and parks offer tourists a unique opportunity to get to know the unique nature of the country. Jeep safari in the South Luangwa and Chaminuka national parks is considered the most popular type of recreation among foreigners. The cost of such walks, depending on the services offered, will cost from $2,000 to $7,000. The most popular excursion in Zambia is the trip to the famous Victoria Falls. Next to it, on the Victoria Falls Bridge, there is the world's highest attraction, the "bungy jump", which we have received distribution under the name "bungee". Interestingly, here the separation point is located at an altitude of 111 meters. Rafting is one of the most popular activities in Zambia. A large number of foreign tourists come to the country to make the most unforgettable canoeing and rafting near the Victoria Falls. Some tourists tend to come to Lake Tanganyika, where you can go scuba diving and admire the unique beauties of the underwater world. In addition, this lake has quite cozy beaches, which are recognized as one of the safest in the whole country. Many people call the Zambezi River the best place for fishing. It is home to more than 50 species of African fish, among which tiger fish, Nile perch and trout are especially popular. The most successful fishing season in the Zambezi is from September to December. The Nyika mountain plateau attracts numerous climbers. It is here that the highest point of the country, Mwanda Peak, is located. It is worth noting that Zambia offers a large number of sports activities. The country has a large golf club Chainama Hills Golf Club. Various competitions, including those of international importance, are regularly held here. shopping The main shopping centers in Zambia are the main city streets of large population centers, along which there are numerous shops and shops. Feature of the Zam trading system bii is considered to be a wide distribution of street markets. The most famous of them are Lusaka City Market and Soweto Market. Here you can buy food, clothing, various souvenirs and even jewelry. You should be especially careful when buying souvenirs and jewelry from annoying merchants who can sell a cheap fake at exorbitant prices. The most popular souvenirs from Zambia are African ritual masks, which, in addition to aesthetic value, also have a magical meaning (you should definitely clarify which one before buying the sample you like). In souvenir shops you can buy ivory products and original African drums (budima and djembe). An excellent gift from Zambia will be handmade jewelry using precious stones. The working day of shops in Zambia starts at 8:00 and ends at 19:00 on weekdays. On weekends, most retail outlets close at 5:00 pm. And only large supermarkets are open around the clock. Payments for purchases are made both in national currency and in US dollars. You can exchange foreign banknotes for local kwacha at any exchange office. Transport The transport network of Zambia is well developed. Automobile transport has gained particular popularity among the local population. True, foreigners prefer to refrain from traveling by buses and minibuses of the country. The composition used for intercity transportation is somewhat outdated, lacks minimal comfort, and is often overcrowded. For a trip in major cities, you can use the services of a taxi. True, their cost is quite high compared to public transport. For one trip in the capital of Zambia, Lusaka, you will have to pay about $ 5. A trip to Livingston will cost $3. Renting a car in Zambia is the most expensive, but also the most exciting way to get to know the customs of the country. True, driving on the roads of Zambia can be a special test for a foreigner. Very rare local driver adheres to the rules of the road. The quality of country roads leaves much to be desired. The country's main highways are paved, and unpaved road sections often become difficult to pass even for large SUVs during the rainy season. The cost of renting a car in Zambia is about $60 per day. An international driver's license and passport must be presented in order to draw up an appropriate rental agreement. The Republic of Zambia has a fairly developed air transport. All domestic flights are operated by Proflight Zambia. Air communication connects the largest cities of the country: Lusaka, Livingston, Mfuwe, Kasami, Kitwe and others. It is worth noting that traveling around the country by plane is quite expensive, especially since there are separate tariffs for foreign citizens that are twice the cost of tickets for local residents. For example, a flight from Lusaka to Livingston will cost $200. Railways are widespread in Zambia. The Tazara line, which connects the hinterland of Zambia with the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, has acquired strategic importance. It is worth noting that in Zambia it is not customary to purchase travel documents for trains in advance. Tickets can be booked at the station ticket office or purchased immediately before departure. The cost of a trip by train is determined by the class of the carriage and the distance of the trip. For example, a trip from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam will cost $40. There is a ferry service on major lakes and rivers in Zambia. One of the most picturesque water routes is made by a ferry on Lake Tanganyika. A ferry crossing will cost the traveler from $1 to $8, depending on the travel distance. Security If you compare Zambia with neighboring countries, you can call it a relatively safe country. There is no constant terrorist threat or armed confrontation, there is no rampant crime and there are no large centers of epidemics. True, Zambia, as one of the poorest countries in the world, is fraught with many unpleasant surprises for foreigners. Trusting tourists need to be very attentive to their belongings so as not to become a victim of cunning pickpockets and clever scammers. Valuables, large sums of money should be left at the hotel. At night in the cities of Zambia there is a high risk of armed attacks on tourists. Therefore, you should not leave the territory of the hotels alone after 22:00. As in any tropical country, Zambia has a high risk of parasitic, infectious and viral diseases. The country is considered a natural focus of tropical malaria, yellow fever, leprosy, and schistomotosis. Therefore, all tourists arriving in Zambia are required to undergo the necessary preventive vaccinations. It is worth noting that Zambia has one of the highest percentages of AIDS cases. About a quarter of the population are carriers of this incurable virus. Tourists should pay great attention to address hygiene issues. Poor Zambia cannot boast of the proper quality of drinking water. The lack of running water requires foreigners to have bottled water and disposable tableware, which are recommended to be thrown away after use. Food purchased in the markets or in stores in Zambia should be thoroughly washed and heat-treated before use. In Zambia, there is a great danger associated with meeting wild animals. And not only carnivores (crocodiles and lions), but herbivores (elephants and rhinos). Tour operators urge foreign tourists not to explore the local nature of the country on their own. It is better to use the services of experienced guides. Business In 2011, Zambia was recognized as one of the most favorable countries in Africa for investing and doing business. Thanks to the increase in oil and copper production, the Zambian economy has recently experienced a significant recovery. Simplified financial legislation is attracting the attention of large foreign investors, who prefer the development of mining, transport and tourism industries. Ease and speed of registration of the company, low taxation force businessmen to make a choice in favor of Zambia. The growing interest in the country's natural resources every year makes the tourism industry quite profitable, which requires significant infrastructure modernization. Many investors prefer the construction of new large hotels, entertainment centers, recreation parks, which will soon bring them huge profits. Real estate Despite the status of one of the poorest countries in the world, the economy of Zambia began to develop rapidly, which makes buying property in the country a fairly profitable investment. The low standard of living, extreme climatic conditions are not conducive to buying a home in your own possession. As a rule, the acquisition of residential premises in Zambia is carried out for their subsequent resale or for the organization of a small hotel or hotel. Today, the real estate market is actively developing in the capital of Zambia, Lusaka and in Livingston. The cost of housing in the capital of the republic is quite high. Buying a three-room apartment through an auction can cost $1,300,000. The rent of apartments in these cities is focused mainly on workers coming to the country. The rental housing market is also striking in its high cost. Daily rent for a comfortable apartment in Lusaka ranges from $40 to $75. A cottage with a large plot in the suburbs of the capital will cost $4,500 for one month. Travel Tips For an exciting, full of only positive impressions, and most importantly, a safe holiday in amazing Zambia, you must clearly follow some recommendations regarding your stay in this interesting country. When traveling around Zambia and wanting to capture all the most interesting moments, it is worth remembering that it is strictly forbidden to take photos and videos of government buildings and military installations in the country. For a safari, it is advisable to use the services of experienced guides. You must always follow their instructions. You can not swim in the rivers of Zambia, which are inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. Most tourists traveling to hot Zambia choose light-colored wardrobe items, which is highly undesirable. Blue clothing, which attracts deadly tsetse flies, should be especially avoided. When purchasing souvenirs in Zambia, you must remember that it is forbidden to export unprocessed gems (aquamarine, emerald, amethyst and malachite), which are considered a strategic commodity, outside the country. Ivory products can be exported only in the amount of one unit and with special permission from the authorities. The skins of wild animals and souvenir coins are exported abroad upon execution of the relevant documentation in the store. Any amount of foreign currency can be imported into Zambia, however, only after its declaration.