Zambia
and the Zambezi River The name
"Zambia"
is derived from the Zambezi River, which forms the country's
southern boundary, and flows down from its Northwest border
with Angola. Other neighbors are Congo, Tanzania, Malawi,
Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Zambia's three
great natural lakes are Lake Tanganyika, second deepest
natural lake in the world, plus Bangweulu and Mweru. Lake
Kariba on the southern border, the largest man made lake in
Africa, flows from the historic, spectacular Victoria Falls
. Its generally high elevation provides Zambia with a more
pleasant climate than that experienced in most tropical
countries, with three basic seasons - cool and dry from May
to August, hot and dry from September to November, warm and
wet from December to April. Our Observations:
Mighty Mosi-O-Tunya, " the smoke that thunders," was
an awesome sight, and our travels on the Zambezi river
beyond Victoria Falls by canoe safari, motor launch, car
ferries and the African Queen, left an impression we will
remember vividly and talk about for years. Our ATA delegates
experienced two great destinations in one country, many
enjoying post congress tours and safaris. One factor that
stood out in my mind immediately, was the wide selection of
quality operators, representing wilderness camps, lodges and
game reserves throughout the land, once known as Northern
Rhodesia. Thanks to the Zambia National Tourism Office, we
had the opportunity of visiting several camps and game
lodges, with such musical names as Chaminuka, Protea, Mfuwe,
Kanyemba and Chiawa. The ATA 28th International
Congress was a Double Header - or what American humorist Al
Capp would have called a "Double Whammy" in terms of
excitement, anticipation, enthusiasm, networking
opportunities and the magic of serendipity!
Zambia's
outstanding success as a host country has laid a firm
foundation for future marketing achievements across North
America and beyond. Both
Lusaka and Livingstone lived up to their advance billing as
host cities by way of hospitality, attractions, location and
guest facilities. The
Zambia National Tourist Office operated as true
professionals, from their pre event tour of the USA, to the
day we said good-bye at Lusaka International
Airport. This week's
mail included a "good news" letter from Alexis and Maria at
Alendo Travel Tours
and Car Hire in Lusaka. Following our trip throughout
Zambia, by coincidence we left the Lusaka International
Airport on the same aircraft, as they were off for a trip to
Australia. We just received news about a new baby girl in
their household. More late
news: Chris Wood of Maplanga, the Wilderness Camp
Operators, has just relaunched his company's website
http://www.maplanga.co.za
. Their new e-mail address is mapad@cybertrade.co.za
.
webTel/Fax: 011 794 1446. (Click
for large version of Zambia map)
Profiles
of Zambia in World Media
Africa Travel
Magazine's Zambia "Success Story" will continue to grow in
length and depth all year, as our reams of notes, treasured
photos and mementos become transformed into words and
pictures for broadcast, print and Internet media.
The
message
(below)
from Zambia's genial Minister of Tourism and Natural
Resources, Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa (right)sets the
stage for "Ethno Tourism." His warm personality combined
with his ministry staff's dedication, won friends and
influenced people before, during and after the congress.
These efforts signal greater rewards to come for Zambia
Tourism, as ATA members spread the word about this exciting
destination near and far.
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