Indians should explore Zambia, says envoy

New Delhi: Blessed with several breathtaking sights like the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the wild Zambezi River and vast open spaces, Zambia in Southern Africa offers unforgettable holidays. Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world for travel, Zambia is now inviting Indians to enjoy its beauty and experience the hospitality of its people. The country is also home to a thriving community of Asians, including Indians and Chinese, who number around 100,000.

"In this warm heart of Africa, you can experience the finest Safari on the planet as Zambia offers a wide range of them either in open vehicles, on foot, by boat or canoes. Walking safaris enable intense close-up encounters with wildlife," said H. Sikapale Chinzewe, Charge' d’affaires Ad Interim of the High Commission of Zambia. "Apart from Victoria Falls, one can see countless number of magnificent waterfalls. In remote rural areas, villagers still retain their indigenous and traditional customs and values. There, one can also witness daily sunsets," he said.

The country's three seasons ~ cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry from September to November, and warm and wet from December to April ~ make it an ideal all-year tourist destination. With about 30% of its 752,614 sq kms reserved for wildlife, the country's 20 national parks and 34 game management areas, South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi are among the finest in the world. Luambe, Lukusuzi, Liuwa Plain, West Lunga, Sioma Ngwezi and Nyika Plateau wildlife sanctuaries still maintain their originality. The Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoological Park, near Victoria Falls, is a habitat for antelopes, elephants, giraffes and rhinos. Isangano, Lavushi Manda, Lusenga Plain and Mweru Wantipa also attract intrepid explorers and bird-lovers. The diversity of bird species is among the highest in the world with over 700 species recorded to date. Other game parks include Kazanka, Lochinvar, Nsumbu and Sioma Ngwezi.

With a population of less than 15 million, Zambia comprises 73 ethnic groups, most of whom speak the Bantu language. About 90% of them belong to nine major ethno-linguistic groups ~ the Chewa, Bemba, Tonga, Tumbuka, Lunda, Luvale, Kaonde, Nkoya and Lozi. Most of them moved into the area a few centuries ago. They grew in numbers and many others came in search of establishing new kingdoms and farming. Even before the colonial period, the country's natural resources, copper and ivory, and also slaves were exchanged for textiles, jewellery, salt and hardware.

"Zambia-India relations are decades old with its founding President Kenneth Kaunda fighting for freedom inspired by the non-violence movement by Mahatma Gandhi. While India supported Zambia in its economic and technical development, the latter reciprocated by supporting India on issues of importance to it, such as India’s nuclear tests in 1998, terrorism, the issue of J&K and India’s admission as a Permanent Member in the expanded UN Security Council," said Chinzewe.

"But the tourist inflow of Indians is very little. Last year only 504 Indians visited the country.We expect this to reach I,000 this year. Come and exeprience the unique attractions of my country," the envoy concluded.

By Jose Kalathil
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