In 1995 Chris McIntyre ([...]) crossed the Zambezi with trepidation. He left behind him prosperous Zimbabwe, where he had lived for nearly three years. Ahead was the unknown: Zambia. McIntyre had been able to find little about the country's attractions and expected problems. But backpacking around, he found kindness and friendliness in a great country. He marvelled at the Victoria Falls, ventured into national parks, canoed on the Zambezi and dined under the stars. The result was the first travel guide to Zambia, published by Bradt. Since then, the prolific travel-guide author has often explored Zambia, initially with his backpack, then driving many a 4x4 and occasionally taking to the air – discovering hidden waterfalls, private reserves, the colonial extravagance of Shiwa Ng'andu and superb birding on Liuwa Plain. McIntyre now shares Zambia with his family and, as managing director of the specialist tour operator Expert Africa, sends visitors there too.

Susie McIntyre grew up in Zambia's Copperbelt and in Saudi Arabia. From wild childhood explorations from Luangwa Valley to Kafue; Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba, via to remote 4x4 driving trips to the country's Western Provinces and northern reaches, to more decadent fly-in trips across the country's main safari destinations, she has travelled extensively across Zambia by virtually all means of transport. She has spent the last two decades promoting responsible global travel, both as a PR and marketing consultant specialising in travel and tourism, and as an author and journalist. She is passionate about southern Africa: its people, wildlife and diversity. In Zambia, she been involved in the PR and marketing of independent safari camps in the main national parks, plotted and drafted national-park maps, and assisted her husband and co-author Chris McIntyre with previous editions of Bradt's Zambia.

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 History, Politics and Economy

History , Government and administration,

Economy

Chapter 2 People and Culture

Population overview, Ethnic groups, Religion, Education, Festivals

Chapter 3 The Natural Environment

Physical environment, Flora and fauna, Conservation

Chapter 4 Zambia Wildlife Guide

Mammals, Reptiles, Birds

Chapter 5 Planning and Preparation

When to go and highlights, Tourist information, Public holidays, Organising a safari, Red tape, Getting there, What to take, Maps and navigation, Photography and optics, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Food and drink, Shopping, Communications and media, Cultural guidelines, Travelling positively

Chapter 6 Health and Safety

Health, Safety

Chapter 7 In the Wilds

Driving, Bush camping, Walking in the bush, Canoeing, Minimum impact

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 8 Lusaka

History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Getting around, Where tostay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Banks and changing money, Communications, Other practicalities, Sport and activities, What to see and do

Chapter 9 Livingstone and the Victoria Falls

History, Geology, Livingstone, What to see and do, Safaris around the Falls area

Chapter 10 Lake Kariba and the Lower Zambezi

Livingstone to Lusaka, Lake Kariba, Lusaka to Chirundu, Lower Zambezi Valley

Chapter 11 The Luangwa Valley

The Great East Road, South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa National Park, Luambe National Park, Lukusuzi National Park

Chapter 12 Bangweulu Wetlands Area

The Great North Road, Around Mpika, Kasanka National Park, Around Kasanka and Bangweulu, The Bangweulu Wetlands, Isangano National Park

Chapter 13 Northern Zambia

Getting organised, The Great North Road to Mpulungu, Lake Tanganyika and environs, Nsumbu (Sumbu) National Park, The road to Mweru Wantipa and Kaputa, From Mbereshi to Kasama

Chapter 14 The Kafue River Basin

Towns around Kafue National Park, Kafue National Park, Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon national parks

Chapter 15 Western Zambia

Southwestern Zambia, Barotseland, Northwestern Zambia

Appendix 1 Tracks and Signs

Appendix 2 Languages

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index