MARTINA'S WORLD TRIP

ZAMBIA June 24 - 26, 2004

Your Dictionary

(Übersetzungshilfe)

Martina's Travel Diary

For daily reports of my adventures, please click on the links below.

Picture Gallery

Sorry, no pictures of Zambia!

Thursday, June 24th, 2004 - Arriving in Lusaka, Zambiai

Friday, June 25th, 2004 - Lusaka, Zambia

Saturday, June 26th, 2004 - Leaving Zambia - or the worst day ever

Final conclusion about this country:

It almost seems presumptuous to draw a conclusion after barely spending 72 hours in this country. Therefore, I am going to focus on the very essentials:

1) A ride on the Tazara train is definitely a highlight and greatly recommended for reaching Zambia. Just keep the windows shut at night, arrange for a visa in advance and make sure you carry a yellow fever certificate. As long as you don’t fall for one of the scams (including shady money changers who offer you Zambian Kwacha for a horrendous exchange rate!), it is a safe and relaxing journey.

2) Zambia seems a relatively safe and friendly country to travel. Even Lusaka, although occasionally labelled ‘dangerous’, left a positive impression with me. Just never leave your drink unattended!

3) For a long time, Zambia’s National Parks have been called Southern Africa’s best-kept secret. I can’t judge if that’s true or not but if you are NOT looking for a safari, it seems there is not much else to do here.

4) Since most travellers ignore Zambia on their routes, the country is relatively unspoiled by tourism. On the other hand, this means independent travelling in Zambia is definitely a challenge. Or as Lonely Planet puts it: If you like your travel trouble-free you may want to avoid this country. “But if you enjoy a raw edge, Zambia could be just the place you’re looking for.”

5) Last but not least: Do NOT - and I mean NEVER EVER – rely on taking a bus from Lusaka to Lilongwe!!!!!!!!!!

To return to the general Africa Section :

AFRICA

from Cairo to Cape Town

April 25th - August 13th, 2004