About Zambia
Geography
Land & Terrain
Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa covering 752,618 square kilometres. It is mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains, with altitudes ranging between 910 to 1,370 metres above sea level.
The country is bordered by eight nations: the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the south-east, Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, Namibia to the south-west, and Angola to the west.
The landscape is characterized by vast savannah woodlands, river valleys, and marshlands. The Zambezi River, one of Africa's greatest rivers, flows through the western and southern parts of the country, creating the magnificent Victoria Falls at the border with Zimbabwe.
Highest Point
Mafinga Hills (2,339m)
Major Rivers
Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa
Climate
Tropical, 3 Seasons
National Parks
20 Parks & 34 Reserves
Climate
Zambia has a tropical climate modified by altitude, with three distinct seasons:
Cool Dry
May - August
Temperatures 15-27°C. The best time for game viewing as animals gather at water sources.
Hot Dry
September - November
Temperatures up to 40°C. Very hot, especially in the valleys.
Warm Wet
December - April
The rainy season with thunderstorms. Lush vegetation and bird migration.
Natural Wonders
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) — "The Smoke that Thunders" — is the world's largest sheet of falling water, 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres tall. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Lake Kariba is one of the world's largest man-made lakes, created by the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River. Lake Bangweulu and the Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the rare shoebill stork and sitatunga antelope.
Zambia has 20 national parks covering approximately 63,000 sq km (8% of the country). The South Luangwa National Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, famous for walking safaris. Kafue National Park is one of the largest parks in Africa at 22,400 sq km.