Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN ZAMBIA
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Western Zambia is at the bottom of some travellers' itineraries and at the top of others': if
you're after easy access, lots of other tourists and well-known attractions then you should
look elsewhere. This western area is dominated by two huge rivers, the Kafue and the up-
per waters of the Zambezi, and the woodlands of central Zambia thin out here as the soil
becomes sandy - this area is an extension of the Kalahari Desert in neighbouring Namibia.
Kafue National Park is the biggest single park in Africa, and is truly magnificent with all
the big mammals, great birdwatching, and a thousand different landscapes that include
river systems offering the chance to float past a leopard stretched out on the shore, a fish
eagle perched imperiously on a branch above the water or a 500-strong buffalo herd lap-
ping noisily at its cool waters. It's the only place in the country where you can track lions
on foot and have a great chance of finding them.
Other highlights are thundering waterfalls and tremendous views of flood plains; a
chance to experience even more remote wilderness areas such as Liuwa Plain National
Park, which sees few visitors but is a majestic patch of Africa; an exploration of Barotse-
land, home of the Lozi people and site of the colourful Kuomboka, which is Zambia's best-
known traditional ceremony; and easy access to Botswana and Namibia with world-class
national parks such as Chobe to explore.
DRIVING IN WESTERN ZAMBIA
The road from Livingstone to Sesheke is in very good condition and sees little traffic; it's tar all the way, and about
200km in distance. From Sesheke north to Mongu, you need to check road conditions before you set off. As of late
2012, nearly 60% of the 220km had been paved. From Sesheke to Sitoti it's paved in parts only (targeted comple-
tion date is mid 2013). But it's the 23km stretch of road between the Sitoti pontoon ferry and Senanga (the bridge at
Kalongola that will replace the ferry should be finished by mid-2014 if not earlier) that is questionable. During the
floods (January to the end of May) it's underwater and so the ferry shuts down. The road is in good condition the
remainder of the way from Senanga to Mongu.
Along the Great West Road, the stretch from Lusaka to Nasalunga Gate (Kafue National Park) is excellent, and
it's also in very good condition through the park (beware of a series of speed bumps). From the western gate
(Tateyoyo) to Kaoma road conditions worsen considerably, so keep your speed down; it's bumpy: there are dips and
hiding-in-the- shadows potholes. The road then, from Kaoma to Mongu, is quite good, with few potholes.
