ZAMBIA SAFARI VACATIONS

Zambia is an exciting land , part of what was once called 'darkest Africa', the land in which Livingstone died and a land of mighty waters. In the north lies Lake Tanganyika, second deepest lake in the world, where the waters at the bottom of the lake never mix with the upper, and in consequence may have lain there for twenty million years. In the south is Lake Kariba, a vast lake created by what was once the largest ever man-made dam. The lake contains one of the best game fish available to the angler, the tiger fish, whose strength and courage make for an exhilarating contest. Yet Zambia's most famous 'mighty waters' are those shared with Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls.

Known by the local Kololo tribe, in the nineteenth century, as 'the smoke that thunders', the immense scale of the Victoria Falls is absolutely breathtaking. At the height of the wet-season five hundred and fifty million cubic metres of Zambezi water roar over the edge of a basalt cliff into a dramatic gorge over one hundred metres below.

The Victoria Falls area is becoming known for adventure-sports. White-water rafting and bungi jumping are both available here for those seeking the adrenaline rush. After a white-knuckle ride you could take a gently relaxing canoe trip. Variety is the spice of life! There is also an excellent craft village nearby where you may buy the beautifully figured green malachite which the Zambians use to such effect. Intricate jewellery and wood carvings are among the host of other curios and crafts you may buy or even barter for.

Zambia is deservedly famous for its diversity of wildlife. Both the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks are ideal for game viewing. Created in 1938, the South Luangwa is green and fertile and boasts lush riverain forest near the banks of the Luangwa River. The Lower Zambezi is a wonderful wilderness area where many take to canoes in order to enjoy a tranquil and close-up wildlife experience. Both areas offer an abundance of hippos, buffalo, good numbers of elephant and much other game. The big predators are also here, including the hard-to-find leopard and there is an amazing concentration of bird life. Zambia is terrific for walking safaris - scouts are armed and highly skilled. Zambia is definitely the place to try for a closer look at flora and fauna.