World Report

If Africa were to have a heartbeat, it would be pounding in Zambia. A mosaic of natural splendour and ancient cultures, the country’s overwhelming attractions make it a legend today

ambia, the land of the legendary African walking safari, the earth's biggest waterfall, the wild Zambezi River, breathtaking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness, has been capturing the imagination of the world since David Livingstone first glimpsed the majestic glory of Victoria Falls in 1855. Today Zambia is acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit and offers travellers an exotic land of ancient traditions and mystical legends, warm people, glorious sunsets, and of nature at its wildest and most exquisite.

The Zambezi River, from which the country has taken its name, winds down from the west of the country and forms a large part of Zambia's southern boundary.

The celebrated British explorer David Livingstone travelled the river in the 1850s, searching for a route into the interior of Southern Africa, hoping to introduce Christianity and European civilisation to combat the horrors of the slave trade. Working with the Kololo tribe, Livingstone had plans to establish a system of fair trade for the natives, promoting ivory and cotton among other goods. But this plan was contingent on finding an export route that would enable the goods to be transported in bulk to the coast. Livingstone believed the Zambezi may provide such a route, and during his travels towards the coast, he discovered Victoria Falls. Although the Zambezi was subsequently dismissed as un-navigable, the explorer returned to Britain with tales of wonder of the glorious falls he had seen.

British explorer David Livingstone travelled the Zambezi River in the 1850s during his journey of African discovery

Livingstone eventually returned to Zambia where he died and was buried in 1873 near Lake Bangweulu.

Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular plunges. Described by the Kololo tribes living in the area in the 1800s as Mosi-oa-Tunya – the Smoke that Thunders, columns of spray from the falls can be seen miles away as 20 billion cubic feet of water plummet over a 1.2 mile edge each minute into a steeply walled gorge 328 feet below. The wide basalt cliff, over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a wide placid river to a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges. Facing the falls is another sheer wall of basalt, rising to the same height and capped by mist-soaked rain forest. A path along the edge of the forest provides visitors with an unparalleled view of the never-ending spectacle.

The pulsating heart of deep Africa, Zambia has one of the lowest population to land ratios on the continent (10 million people inhabit a country that is half the size of Europe), and offers visitors a taste of real Africa. Blessed with seven waterfalls and 19 wildlife reserves, Zambia offers some of the world’s finest safaris, and plentiful choices for an adventurous and scenic holiday, including world class river rafting, the world's longest bungee jump (364 feet) from the Victoria Falls Bridge, canoeing safaris down the Zambezi, river surfing, fishing, diving and bird watching.

Ethnic diversity and tribal pride, the keys to Zambia’s character

In recent years, Zambia has seen a revival of its traditional customs, with tribal ceremonies playing a central role

Zambia is a culturally diverse country that boasts more than 35 ethnic groups and over 75 languages and dialects. Although Bantu tribes moved into the area that is now Zambia around 400AD, most Zambians descend from ethnic groups that arrived in a series of migratory waves from present day Angola and Congo DR between the 16th and 18th centuries. The main tribes that make up Zambia’s current population of nearly ten million are the Lozi, the Bemba, the Ngoni, the Tonga, the Luvale and the Kaonde. Perhaps because of its great cultural diversity, Zambia has very little tribal animosity. There is no dominant ethnic culture and contemporary Zambia is a blend of the values, norms and spiritual traditions of all of its tribes. Most Zambians live in urban areas, nearly two-thirds of the population are Christian, although traditional animist beliefs are often combined with this religion, and English, which is widely spoken even in remote areas, is the official language of the country. Still, Zambians have made an attempt to maintain their traditional customs in recent years with the revival of tribal ceremonies throughout the country.

The early history of Zambia’s peoples is rich and fascinating. There is evidence of human presence in the country as far back as the Stone Age; prehistoric sites have been found in the Victoria Falls area in the south and near Kalambo Falls in the north, where evidence of the use of fire 60,000 years ago has been found. Early Bantu tribes led an agricultural existence in the East and South East, and were the first to mine copper in the area, using the metal for jewellery and currency. When Arab-Swahili slave traders began to arrive around 1000AD from their city-states on the eastern coast of Africa, the Bantu tribes were already organised into chieftainships.

By the 18th century, an established trade of copper, ivory, rhino horn, wax and slaves was in full swing and trade links were strong from the Atlantic coast to the eastern shores of the African continent. Portuguese explorers who followed the routes of the Swahili-Arab slavers from the coast into the interior were the first Europeans to arrive in Zambia. The Chewa tribe was dominant in the east, the Lozi in the west and the Bemba and the Lunda in the north.

At the same time, tribes fleeing the aggression of the Zulu nation to the south, moved north, crossing the Zambezi to escape repression and violence. A Sotho clan, the Kalolo, was one of the first to escape, along with two other groups of Ngoni peoples, warrior tribes from South Africa who moved into east Zambia. The Kalolo crossed the Zambezi in 1835 and moved north as far as the southern end of Lake Tanganyika, displacing the Tonga population and taking over the Lozi territories. During this time, the tribe made the acquaintance of Scottish explorer David Livingstone and helped him in his epic journey up the Zambezi. In 1865 the Kalolo established themselves permanently in Zambia's western provinces.

The creation of chitenges, lengths of colourful printed fabric, is a traditional art

Arts and crafts galore

The diversity of Zambia’s culture and its plethora of ethnic groups understandably produce a wide variety of traditional arts and crafts that can be found in abundance throughout the country. Zambia boasts some of the finest basketry in Africa. The materials used usually depend on the area of the country where the artisans live, and include bamboo, liana vines, roots, reeds, grasses, rushes, papyrus leaves, bark and sisal. The baskets are normally decorated with symbolic designs using traditional dyes made from different coloured soils, roots, barks and leaves. The Lozi and Mbunda people in the Western Province are particularly skilled in this craft.

Woodwork is another outstanding art in Zambia, and men from the Lunda tribe are some of the most admired carvers in the country. Woodworking is usually only performed by men, who carve canoes, furniture, walking sticks, utensils and bowls, as well as masks, drums and animal figures. Potters, on the other hand, are usually women, and clay forms are fired on open fires and pits. The creation of chitenges, lengths of colourful printed fabric, is another traditional art. Produced in a variety of geometric designs or with specific patterns that identify the wearers to their communities, chitenges are typically worn by Zambian women as wrap-around skirts and turbans, but are also used to carry babies and as covers and decorations.

Dance and music are never merely a form of entertainment, but a form of communication

Dancing to the beat of ancient rythms

Music and dance in Zambia can be both quietly mesmerising and joyously frenzied, ranging from a breathless acrobatic spectacle amid energetic drumming to fine subtleties of sound and movement. Traditional Zambian music is quite often heavily rhythmic, and nearly always includes drumbeats. Indeed, the construction of musical instruments is one of the country’s renowned arts, and other traditional instruments include the mbira (thumb piano), whistles and the kalimba (a type of xylophone).

Dance almost always accompanies music in Zambia, and is never merely a form of entertainment but rather a form of communication that serves as a mirror of life and thought over the centuries. Movements convey turmoil and peace, tension and confidence, retreat and advance, conquest and defeat, and serve to recreate historical events and strengthen spiritual beliefs. Often dramatic masks are worn, along with costumes or body paint to portray well-known spirits, tribal heroes, or folkloric figures, such as the Chikishikishi, a monster who eats those members of society who do not behave themselves. Zambia’s most famous dancers belong to the Nyau group of the Ngoni tribe. The Nyau warrior dancers learn demanding and difficult routines that test their endurance, and each year one Nyau performer is chosen as the Vimbuza dancer – the most accomplished dancer in Zambia.

Before the arrival of Europeans in the country in the 18th century, Zambia was divided into chieftainships, each with its own musical style and traditional beats for tribal ceremonies. With the advent of mass copper mining in the country in the 1920s, and the subsequent urban concentration of the population, as well as the effects of centralised rule, new styles began to emerge that were a blend of these different tribal rhythms. One such example is the kalindula, which became the generic Zambian style of music in the 1980s. Today, the influence of the west and the rest of Africa is well entrenched in the musical tastes of the younger generation in Zambia, and on a typical night you can hear the sounds of Kwela and rumba blasting out from the nation’s nightclubs and roadside shebeens.

Symbolic rituals: Zambia’s intriguing dimension

There are more than 20 annual traditional ceremonies held throughout the year in Zambia, which manifest customs, social life, rituals, oral history and spiritual culture, and offer a valuable insight on the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many tribal ceremonies throughout Zambia have been revived since Independence in 1964, when the government began to place increasing importance on the role culture plays in the overall development of a nation. Faced with a decline in traditional customs due to increasing western influence and the melting pot of tribes in urban areas, institutions to protect and promote Zambia’s culture were created, including the National Heritage Conservation Commission.

Most of Zambia’s ceremonies are deeply meaningful. In many cases, they are designed to invoke memories of the transformation from childhood to adulthood. The ceremonies that are open to visitors are those that commemorate ancient times, when new kingdoms were being founded by ancient chiefs, and are usually splendid, colourful affairs with symbolic dancing and drumming. Perhaps Zambia's best-known festival is the Kuomboka. Held each year near Mongu in Western Zambia towards the end of the rainy season, the Kuomboka festival is the Lozi tribe’s ceremonial move to higher ground. The tribal chief and his family are paddled in massive war canoes across the Zambezi floodplains from their palace at Lealui to Limulunga. When the tribe completes the six-hour journey, the successful move is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing.

In late February, the Ngoni N'Cwala festival is held at Mutenguleni. In this festival, the chief of the Ngoni people samples the year's first fresh produce and commemorates the Ngonis entrance into Zambia in 1835. The event is marked by feasts, music and some of the best dancing in the country.

The Mutombuko festival, celebrated by the Lundas in July, is an annual reminder of the victories of Chief Mwata Kazembe, when he led his people into Luapula from the Congo earlier this century. According to legend, Kazembe decided to lead the tribe out of the Congo after they were ordered by chief Mwata Yamva to build a tower to the sky in order to bring him the sun and the moon. Many were killed while engaged in this futile task, as the tower understandably collapsed repeatedly, and people were forced to flee from the repression. Today, the brightly coloured cotton skirts worn by the chiefs in the festival symbolise gifts of cloth received from the Portuguese in the 18th century.

A colourful and varied basket production is amongst the country’s finest crafts

Zambia’s buzzing centre of activity

At the heart of Zambia lies the modern and vibrant capital city Lusaka. Underlying the bustling chaos of the city is a charm that represents all of Zambia – where the country has been and where it is headed. A city bursting at the seams, Lusaka vibrates with energy, and is as representative of the ‘real’ Africa as the nation’s natural parks and scenic beauty. The colourful and lively atmosphere of the city is reflected in its markets. A hive of activity as each day thousands of stalls are filled and emptied, and smiling and friendly vendors hawk wares and services to the locals that range from spare auto parts to haircuts, Lusaka’s markets offer visitors a rich and enjoyable slice of the daily life of the city’s inhabitants. There are three main markets in the city; one is the Soweto Market near Cairo Road, a second is located opposite the Tazara building on Independence Avenue, and a newer, covered market can be found on Freedom Way.

For those who prefer more upscale shopping, Lusaka also has a variety of new shops and shopping centres spread throughout the city, and more under construction. Cairo Road is lined with interesting boutiques, and is also where most of the banks and bureaux de change are located. The Manda Hill shopping centre has an excellent range of shops and boutiques, and for gemstones and fine jewellery, Jagoda has two shops in the city located at the Holiday Inn and the Intercontinental Hotel.

A city bursting at the seams, Lusaka vibrates with energy

Lusaka is also a good place to find Zambian handicrafts. Zambia has a number of traditional artisan products, and items such as woodcarvings, copper crafts, native spears and masks, and local batiks, called chitenges, can be found in shops throughout the city. Zambili on Luanshya Road sells handicrafts, as does the Book House shop in the Manda Hills Shopping Centre. Zintu Handicrafts is located at the Holiday Inn, and Moore Pottery on Kabalenga Road has an excellent range of ceramics. Zintu Za Nyimba on Panganani Road sells a wide variety of locally made wooden furniture, batiks, candleholders, lamp shades, hand-dyed cloths and carvings. There is also a craft market in the suburb of Kabulonga on the last Saturday of each month.

Snapshot information for visitors

Best times to visit:
l Zambia has three distinct seasons: December to April (warm and wet), May to August (cool and dry), and September to November (hot and dry). Average temperatures in summer range from 25° C to 35° C, and in winter from 6° C to 24° C. If you want to spot wildlife, the dry season from June to October is best, and within that period, August to October is when wildlife sightings are greatest. For cooler weather and greener landscapes, visit during the cool, dry months of May to August. During the November to April rainy season most of the national parks are closed, animals are harder to spot because of the lush vegetation, and getting around is more difficult since many rural roads become impassable due to flooding. However, lodges often offer attractive off-season rates during this period, and the landscape is a spectacular profusion of greens and reds that makes it worth your trouble. For birdwatchers, this is the best time of the year, especially from November to December. Victoria Falls is its most spectacular between April and May, right after the rainy season.

What to wear: Zambia has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Whilst on safari, keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral colouring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent are a must.

Useful information and addresses:
· Currency: As of October 2004 US$1 = Zambian Kwacha 4800
· Time: Zambia is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
· Shopping Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 1pm.
· Banking Hours: Monday - Friday 8:15am - 2:30 pm.
· Internet Cafes:
- BusiNet Café - Kabelenga Road, Lusaka.
- Zulunet - 116 Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone.
- Cyberian Outpost - Livingstone Adventure Centre, 216 Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone.

ZAMBIAN HIGH COMMISSION
2 Palace Gate, Kensington, London, W8 5NG.
Tel: 0870 005 6987 -
Fax: 0207 581 1353
http://zambia.embassyhomepage.com/index.htm

BRITISH COUNCIL ZAMBIA
34571 Heroes place, Cairo road, Lusaka Zambia.
Telephone +260 1 223602, 228332/3/4
http://www.britishcouncil.org/