In the past year and a half, I’ve been to Zambia three times (in reality, the first time was only for half a day when I went to Victoria Falls with friends). I was in Zambia for three weeks in December 2016 and again for three weeks this past July, both times to visit Alex’s family and friends who still live in Zambia.
Basically, I’ve fallen in love with Zambia and here are three unique activities I recommend if you ever get the chance to visit.
Kundalila Falls
Kundalila is a gorgeous waterfall in Luangwa Valley in the Central Provence. These falls are a hidden gem completely off the beaten track; we spent all day there and didn’t see a single other person (aside from the park security guard). After a scenic 15-minute hike you can take a dip in the icy waters in the basin of the falls. Kundalila is approximately a 6-hour drive from Lusaka so not many people are eager to make the trek, which means Kundalila is serene and practically untouched. If you need a place to stay on the way to Kundalila, check out the small town of Mkushi!
Chimfunshi
Alex’s gran runs a world-renowned chimpanzee and wildlife orphanage in the Copperbelt Province. Chimfunshi isn’t just home to chimps. Alex’s gran rescues all animals in need; sheep, ducks, dogs, a hippopotamus (seriously, she had a pet hippo for many years), and a baby Vervet monkey who was found for sale by a poacher on the side of the road. Even if you’re not family, you can visit the orphanage and stay in one of their many guest rooms. If a short visit isn’t your style, you can spend a few weeks living on the property and volunteering.
Canoeing on the Kafue River
At 1,600km long the Kafue River is the longest river in Zambia and lies completely within the country’s borders. Lucky for us, the Kafue runs right through Chimfunshi, but more than 50% of Zambian’s population lives in the Kafue River Basin so there are countless spots to grab a canoe and hop on the river – just keep an eye out for crocs!
I’ll be back in Zambia in December so keep an eye out for more Zambian adventures! What do you recommend I get up to?
Photography by Alex Siddle
© 2016/2017 Alexander Charles Michael Siddle