Zambia,
2 weeks

If there is one park in Africa I will never forget, it’s South Luangwa National Park. I spent 3 days in the park and loved every minute of it. Leopards and African wild dogs hunt in the dense woodlands, spotted hyenas are found rooting in cadavers, impalas, zebras, waterbucks and buffaloes wander on the wide-open plains and there are lots and lots of elephants 😍. Don't miss this park!!

The spectacular Victoria Falls...one of the most iconic sites of Africa. They are really awe-inspiring. I was blown away, the Falls are truly nature at it’s best. I went in the rainy season and the entire length of Victoria Falls is a thundering wall of falling water (March). The spray was so heavy it was like walking in a thunderstorm. Un-for-get-table.

Tip!

Do not use the free shuttle from your hotel/hostel. Go as early as you can to avoid the crowds and have the Falls all to yourself.

When you think of Zambia, what comes to mind? Spotting hippos on the Zambezi and searching for leopards in one of the country’s vast national parks? What about the people and daily life? Exactly, I did not know either!

I visited a rural area and got a peek into daily life. It is a very, very simple life, it includes getting your water from a bore hole, cooking over a charcoal fire, bathing out of a bucket, going to the bathroom in an outdoor "outhouse", and sleeping under bed nets to keep the mosquitoes and spiders at bay. The people believe that everything has a soul or spirit, including animals, plants, rocks, mountains, rivers, and stars. Witchcraft is also part of their culture.

Aren’t they the cutest? These orphan elephants were rolling in the mud, teasing each other and having a good time. Such fun to watch! But the story behind it, isn’t a happy one. 

The Lilayi Elephant Orphanage (45 minute drive from Lusaka) offers sanctuary for abandoned and defenceless elephant calves. 

Kabesha Market is in no guide, but it is a must see when in Lusaka. It’s a small unofficial live stock trade market, where proud small scale farmers or peasant farmers sell their chickens, hens, pigeons, pigs and goats. It's primitive to Western standards, so maybe not for those with a slightest interest in animal welfare. The farmers loved to get their picture taken!

Tip!

Combine your visit with Comesa Market just across the street, the best market to find a variety of styles, colours and prints of chitenge (a colorful-print wraparound cotton fabric).

The birdlife in South Luangwa National Park is phenomenal. The park boasts more than 450 species and you can see more than 100 in one day!

I am not really into birds, but found myself checking off some of these (with some help from the safari guide 😉): African fish eagle, kingfishers, golden waever, southern ground hornbill, herons, bee-eater, lilac breaster roller, merops nubicoides. It got my interest, but lions and leopards are still number one. Sorry birdies, you are beautiful though.