ZAMBIA'S NATIONAL PARKS
Vast areas of unspoiled and virtually undiscovered protected wilderness areas make Zambia an undisputed favorite amongst dedicated safari fans
Covering 22,500 sq. km. - the size of Wales - Kafue is one of the world's largest National Parks. The Kafue River and its tributaries contribute to the great diversity of landscapes making this one of the most interesting and rewarding African parks. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and a large range of antelope can be seen here, as can 400 species of birds. Much of the park consists of woodland, which opens out at intervals into wide grassy areas known as "dambos", grazed by sable, hartebeest, wildebeest, buffalo and zebra. The northern section of the park is dominated by a vast, rolling floodplain fed by the Lufupa river system, which recedes in the dry season, stranding large herds of hippo in shallow pools. This is one of Kafue's richest wildlife areas attracting a diverse range of antelope including the red lechwe and, living deep in the swamps, the sitatunga, its wide-splayed hooves enabling it to walk on floating mats of reeds. This profusion of game attracts the big cats, notably cheetah and lion although the elusive leopard is also sighted regularly. Birdlife is also rich in variety. The lush strip of riverine vegetation on the banks of the Kafue River, is home to crocodile, water monitor lizards, hippo and bushbuck.
In contrast to Kafue, Kasanka is one of the country's smallest, yet most attractive National Parks. Since 1990 it has been privately managed, with profits from tourism channeled back into the community. It lies on the fringe of the vast wetlands of Lake Bangweulu and within its 420 sq. km. are no less than eight lakes and four rivers, the largest being the Luwombwa, which offers excellent opportunities for anglers. Kasanka's wetlands also include tracts of papyrus swamp - a retreat for sitatunga antelope. The rare shoebill stork, which, with its bulbous bill has the appearance of the dodo, has also been spotted here. Other interesting habitats include small pockets of swamp forest. During the rains more than one million fruit bats come here to roost. The park also supports elephant, hippo, a range of other antelope species, as well as warthog, bushpig, baboon, vervet monkey, civet, jackal, hyena and leopard. The rare blue monkey can be found in the forests. Kasanka is of particular interest to birdwatchers since it attracts a number of unusual species not usually found in the Southern Africa region.
Lying to the south side of the Kafue Flats in Zambia's Southern Province, Lochinvar National Park is divided into three distinct zones, the northern floodplain, the central grassland and the southern woodland. On the |
floodplain, graceful, water-loving lechwe antelope graze in their thousands. There are more than 30,000 of these animals in Lochinvar, which move seasonally according to the flood level. The central grassland, typified by scattered termite mounds and grassy plains, is grazed by buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and oribi. The so-called "candelabra" tree is a feature here. The woodlands of the south are inhabited by kudu, bushbuck, baboon, vervet monkey and bushpig. There are also some hot springs surrounded by lush vegetation. Despite its comparatively small size -covering just 410 sq. km. -Lochinvar is one of Africa's finest bird sanctuaries sheltering an estimated 428 species, including a number of rarities.
This, the most recent of Zambia's National Parks, was for many years a forgotten wildemess. But now the 4,092 sq. km. of superb game country welcomes visitors from around the world. It lies along the northern bank of the Zambezi River some 400 km, downstream of Victoria Falls. The sparkling waters of the Zambezi are a focal point for the abundant wildlife which includes elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, various antelope species, baboon and vervet monkey, together with a great variety of birds. Canoe safaris have become a popular way of exploring the Lower Zambezi, enabling visitors to get close to the wildlife in its natural habitat, although a look-out needs to be kept for the large crocodiles which live in its waters.
This park has been created to protect both wildlife and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. "Mosi-oa-Tunya" is the name given by the local people to the Falls, a graphical description meaning "the smoke that thunders." The crashing waters not only create a deafening noise, but also clouds of vapor that can be seen up to 30 km. away. Rainbows are created, most spectacularly at night, when moonlight is caught in the spray. A few kilometers upstream of the Falls is the Zoological Park which runs along a strip of riverine forest. The park is best known for its giraffe but it also contains buffalo, zebra, sable, eland, wildebeest, Kafue lechwe, impala warthog, baboon and vervet monkey. Elephant migrate to the Zambian side from Zimbabwe in the height of the season - from August to September - in search of food.
This park is less well-known than its southern counterpart, but nevertheless is one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas. Remote, and 4,636 sq. km., it offers a unique experience for those seeking a true, off-the-beaten-track experience. Walking safaris, which allow visitors to get really to the natural world, are a specialty. The park lies on the western side of the mighty Luangwa River, upstream of the South Luangwa National Park, and separated by a narrow corridor. The
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western boundary is marked by the Muchinga Escarpment, which soars 1,100 meters above sea level. The jewel of the park is the Mwaleshi River, which runs down the escarpment in a series of waterfalls. North Luangwa is primarily a woodland park. It is particularly noted for its huge herds of buffalo, which make a great spectacle as they congregate at the river to drink, sometimes hunted by lion. Other common mammals include elephant, leopard, wildcat, hyena, wildebeest, bushbuck, kudu, puku, impala, zebra, warthog, baboon and vervet monkey. There are also a number of animals which are unlikely to be seen in the South Park, such as oribi, hartebeest, reedbuck and eland - the largest antelope.
This park, to the far north of Zambia, boasts 80 km. of the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika, which ranges from sandy beaches to vertical cliffs and rocky coves. In all the park covers an area of 2,020 sq. km. extending southwards across rugged, hilly country with deep valleys rich in wildlife. During the dry season herds of elephant head for the lakeshore. Bushbuck, warthog and puku are among the other animals which frequent the shore while the lake itself contains some of the most prized sports fish. Nsumbu has a diverse range of wildlife. The magnificent roan, sable and eland antelope are found here as well as hartebeest, buffalo and zebra. The park is good lion country and leopards are common. The rare blue duiker and the sitatunga, may also be seen. Flamingo visit the lake during their migrations. This park is widely acknowledged as offering some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa. It covers a vast area of 9,050 sq. km. bordered by the Muchinga escarpment to the west and by the mighty Luangwa River to the east. The Luangwa Valley forms part of the Great Rift Valley which cuts a vast channel down the backbone of Africa. The scenery is dramatic, the Valley floor nestles some 800 m. below the surrounding plateau with the Luangwa River carving its tortuous course through the center. The Luangwa and, its tributaries are the lifeblood of the region. These waters account for the great profusion of wildlife, which can dry be seen either on guided walks or in open vehicles.
The Luangwa Valley is sanctuary to one of Africa's most important elephant populations. There are also large numbers of antelope, most notably impala, puku, kudu, bushbuck and waterbuck and other mammals. Lion covering are common and the park is also famous for leopard.
The Thornicroft's giraffe and the Cookson's wildebeest are both unique close to the valley, while rhino is occasionally seen.
The Luangwa also boasts greater numbers of Nile crocodile than any other river. Four hundred species of birds are found here.
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What could compare, in terms of awe-inspiring majesty, with the Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders? The mighty Zambezi runs through the country, its name alone evoking images of the spirit of Africa. Tourism is playing an ever greater role in the Zambian economy and top priority is being put on ensuring the transport and accommodation infrastructure meets the demands of the international traveller.
