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Smoke that thunders and other wonders

They say Zambia is a country every human being on earth should visit at least once in a lifetime. It…

Smoke that thunders and other wonders

Walking leopards is a unique experience only Zambia can offer (Photo: SNS)

They say Zambia is a country every human being on earth should visit at least once in a lifetime. It houses one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls.

The waterfall, locally known as Mosi-ou-tunya, meaning 'the smoke that thunders', has the world's largest curtain of falling water; because of the spray from the falls, the rainforest nearby is the only place on earth that receives rain 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What do tourists do at the falls?

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You can bungee jump or dive into the natural swimming pool, fondly known as the Devil's Pool. Also gaining global attention is the world's wildest white water rafting in the Zambezi River, amongst long and violent rapids created by millions of cubic metres of water thundering down the 100-metre Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls can simply be described as sacred, mysterious and beautiful.

That's not all. Zambia also houses Kalambo, which is Africa's second deepest falls. Kalambo is also a cultural site rich in archaeological bounties.

The country is blessed with the lion's share of water resources from across the whole of southern Africa. There are more than 10 waterfalls in Zambia, from the south to the north. This makes Zambia a tempting place to visit because of the large areas that are untouched by man; tourists can, hence, get a feel of what private tourist sites would feel like, including key assets such as pristine national parks and game management areas, which are home to a great diversity of wildlife and flora and fauna ~ simply heaven for any Nature lover.

Besides the above, Zambia is a favorite destination for adventures, indulgences and 'magical Zambian moments'.

The country boasts of unique and excellent water surfing opportunities, for all abilities, along with spectacular and breathtaking sunset views. For example, the white sand beaches in the Luapula Province offer a glimpse of the vibrant Zambian culture and serve as a secluded and romantic getaway. In terms of accessibility, getting to the Zambia nowadays is no longer an arduous task. From India, hop over to Dubai and connect directly to Zambia's capital Lusaka.

Nairobi to Lusaka is only two hours 46 minutes by air.

Harare to Lusaka is 30 minutes. Johannesburg to Lusaka is one hour 45 minutes. Addis Ababa to Lusaka is four hours nine minutes. Dar- es-salaam is two hours four minutes. Windhoek is two hours while Lubumbashi to Lusaka is exactly one hour.

While Zambia may be small in size, it is big in terms of products and sights it offers to discover. The country is the birthplace of the legendary walking safari.

It has several world class safari camps and lodges for walking safaris, offering expert advice, unbeatable quotes and efficient service delivery, full of warm receptions.

Zambia now has many specialists in mobile wilderness walking safaris in the Kafue, South and North Luangwa National Parks. In terms of safety of the tourists, for the thousands who do walking safaris every year, they know the risks, but, there is no better way of seeing the African bush as it is done in Zambia, where safety is 100 percent guaranteed.

Indian businessmen have an opportunity to partner with Zambian nationals in the redevelopment of the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the development of an ultra modern multi- purpose conference facility in Livingstone, building more lodges in Kafue National Park to a count of over 250, and in Luangwa South which requires an additional 120 beds.

One would only conclude that Zambia is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful, friendly, diverse and unspoilt countries on the entire African continent.

Diplomatic Editor Ashok Tuteja (ashoktuteja@thestatesmangroup.com)

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