ZAMBIA

Mel

Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia, achieved independence in 1964. The first president Kenneth Kaunda, KK, as he is affectionately known, ruled for the next 27 years.

Zambia is an amazing place to visit and I certainly hope to return one day. We travelled across the length of the country, entering at Katimo Mulilo, in the south west and journeying across to Katumbi in the north east.

The country side is predominantly flat and the scenery is beautiful; you feel like you are travelling in the Kruger National Park, even when you are on a main road. Zambia has an abundance of water, in the form of rivers and lakes and the soil is fertile, giving rise to the lush vegetation. Zambia utilises its vast water resources to generate all its power via hydro electric schemes, hence all its power is clean power.

Over and above the game parks, there are plenty of natural and historical places of interest to visit. The accommodation ranges from 6 star lodges (particularly in the Southern regions) to very basic camp sites. What has been a pleasure, is the opportunity for campers (like us) to use all the lodge facilities.

There are many small schools visible all over Zambia and clearly education is encouraged. I chatted to a land owner, who has 3 schools on his property; he is however, concerned that the syllabus that is taught is rote and not practical for the needs of the children, specifically in the rural areas.

There are numerous road blocks, on all roads in the country. The police are extremely friendly and helpful, always interested in where we are going and wishing us a safe trip. Never once were we threatened but in the same vein, we were just as friendly and chatted about their wonderful country. Our papers were checked regularly and it is a necessity to have them all in order. Our police force could well take a few lessons from the police here, not once were we asked for a bribe.

 By far the most impressive factor in this wonderful country are the people.  Zambians; black and white, lawyers, camp assistants, policemen and children are bubbly, friendly, honest and helpful. I so wish we could take the nature of the Zambian people, bottle it and distribute it to the rest of the world. South Africans, black and white, who are constantly moaning about their plight in life need to become aware that their neighbours up north have so much less, yet are so much happier.

Highs:

The Victoria Falls, always a major thrill; Shiwa Ng’ andu Estate; the beautiful rivers and lakes; the Zambian People.

Lows:

The bad roads; long drops.

Graeme:

Still watching this space.