Most Interesting Facts about Zambia and Zimbabwe
1. The massive Victoria Falls at a height of 354 feet resides in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its traditional name is “Mosi-oa-Tunya” meaning “smoke that thunders” which is a direct reference to the appearance of the cascading falls.
2. Victoria Falls are not only the largest single sheet falling waterfall in the world but also one of the world’s 7 natural wonders!
3. And while we are on the things that the two countries share, let us not forget Lake Kariba which is a huge lake catering to hydropower electricity and fishing in both the neighbouring nations. Not just any lake, but the world’s largest man made lake!
4. Speaking of things that are massive, the termite hills in the country can actually go as high as a small house!
5. Amongst Zambia’s big wonders is also the Zambezi River which is the longest river flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa. At a stretch of 1,390,000 sq. km. it is the longest east flowing river in the continent and the 4th longest overall. And before you think that the river has been named after the country, it is actually the other way around.
6. Prior to its independence in 1964, it was actually called Northern Rhodesia. This prior name was an attempt to fight off the discriminatory laws that prevailed in Southern Rhodesia.
7. And before the onslaught of the Europeans, the Khoisan people, i.e., the bushmen lived in this country.
8. The country’s main exports are tobacco, cobalt, flowers, electricity and copper.
9. The country is home to a very vast wildlife. In fact, it is one of the countries where the big 5 can be spotted. Its South Luangwa National Park is not only large in size but also in the abundance of species it is home to, such as 400 species of birds!
10. It is one of the only 6 countries in the world to be home to the endangered wild dogs.
11. On an average, a woman in Zambia may bear 5-6 children. But they are still regarded as crucial bread-earners of the family with many of them running shops and businesses. Go Zambians!
12. Unfortunately, like us they too still have social custom of dowry called “lobola”. In their case, the reversal is that the groom has to pay the dowry to the bride’s price (which still doesn’t mean that it ought to be abolished). “Nsalamu” is a practice in which the groom brings plates full of money to the bride’s place to mark the confirmation. In rural areas, monetary dowry is replaced with livestock.
OHOT’S Recommendations:
1. Victoria Falls! It is after all one of the 7 natural wonders in the world and it has earned that status with good reasons because when you visit it from a helicopter or a microlight flight it really does resemble a water curtain of sorts!
2. If you have a zeal for all things mad and fun, then its time to go white water rafting, kayaking in national parks and even gorge swinging! Yes, Zambia is home to all such activities for our adrenaline junkies.
3. For wildlife lovers, the South Luangwa National Park not only has great wildlife but also runs along the Luangwa River. Moreover, it is considered the birth place of walking safaris, so, don’t miss out on the thrill of walking into the wildlife!
4. Kafue National Park is another big one known for good sightings of wild animals.
5. Needless to say, this country really is a gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond the regular safaris there’s the walking safari and guess what’s next? Canoeing for a safari in the Zambezi River!
6. Chishimba Falls are yet another waterfalls to explore for those who just can’t get enough of gushing falls!
3. For wildlife lovers, the South Luangwa National Park not only has great wildlife but also runs along the Luangwa River. Moreover, it is considered the birth place of walking safaris, so, don’t miss out on the thrill of walking into the wildlife!
4. Kafue National Park is another big one known for good sightings of wild animals.
5. Needless to say, this country really is a gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond the regular safaris there’s the walking safari and guess what’s next? Canoeing for a safari in the Zambezi River!
6. Chishimba Falls are yet another waterfalls to explore for those who just can’t get enough of gushing falls!
How to Reach:
Generally, reaching Zimbabwe may have 2 or more layovers from either Dubai, Doha, Nairobi or Johannesburg.