Zambia Safari Guide

In 1995 Chris McIntyre (expertafrica.com) 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 GUIDEChapter 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