5 Good reasons to visit Zambia

1.The people are awesome

Zambians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you could ever meet. Throughout both the city and the countryside, It’s not uncommon for strangers to greet you in the street and ask “Muli Bwanji” (how are you?). People who have visited for leisure or even to do charity work in Zambia in the most rural of areas have often commented on the warm, familial embrace which Zambians extend to all visitors.

2. There’s lots to do and see

Some may be surprised to know Zambia has been providing luxurious holiday experiences for a while now! One can choose to live it up in one of the traditional, but comfortably designed lodges in Livingston and enjoy local attractions such as a bungee jump off the spectacular Victoria Falls, a boat cruise across the Zambezi river to gaze at the elephants walking across the waters, maybe even catch a crocodile swimming if your’e lucky! The Capital city; Lusaka offers a generous amount of shopping malls, for shoppers to get lost in and enjoy. Clubbers can dance the night away to local beats, as well as the latest worldwide tunes in local bars and clubs. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can choose to enjoy a traditional Zambian dish of Nshima with locally reared meat, or you can opt for one of the many “Western” options such as Nandoes, Indian, Chinese, Seafood, Burgers and tasty Pub cuisine. Over 33% of the country is designated to national parks, which means you don’t need to go anywhere else to get the whole safari experience.

3. Tons of vast, magical and unique landscapes

Liuwa Plain National Park is home to the second largest migration of wildebeest in the world. It is so exclusive and remote that there is only one permanent camp, Matamanene Camp, in over 3,600km² of glorious, African land where the local lions reside. There is plenty of countryside in rural areas of Western province, Copperbelt, Central and Luapula Provinces where one can get a taste of village life, as well as enjoy being closer to nature.

4.The Culture & History is so interesting

During Zambia’s rainy season in October, the Lozi tribe celebrate their annual Kuomboka Festival. This is a colourful and Historical affair which many will travel from all over Zambia and further to observe the Royal King of Loziland on his mighty boat, observed by his tribesmen and followers crossing the river. One can also visit the Museum of Livingstone to learn about Zambia’s Colonial past, the great rise to Independence in 1964, or buy some traditional artefacts at a weekend market or one of the trade fair events, which occur throughout the year.

5.Investment

Like a lot of countries in Africa, Zambia is steadily growing as more and more investment goes into it and there are many investment opportunities available to anybody wishing to move there. The Zambian Government welcomes investors across sectors and the laws relating to investment provide incentives aimed specifically at increased levels of investment and international trade, as well as increased domestic economic growth. With a thriving private sector and access to many markets, the are many opportunities to invest and succeed. As a member state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and borders with 8 SADC nations; the largest number of bordering countries than any of the SADC countries. Zambia is also a member state of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)as well as being under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) of the United States allowing for quota preference and duty-free entry to the US market and a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

All in all, Zambia is a great place to live and work, or even just enjoy a unique holiday experience.

PICTURE OF VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA

Article written by Nasilele Ailola