The key to Zambia's tourist potential is its climate. Although it lies Tin the tropical belt, the country's 1,300-metre elevation produces a temperate, 'air-condition' climate with little humidity. There are three distinct seasons:

Cool, dry season
May-August, 15
degree Celsius to 27
degrees Celsius

Hot, dry season
September - November, 27 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius

Warm wet season
December-April

Although Zambia is one of the little-known destinations in Africa, it has however, enjoyed considerable growth in tourist arrivals over the last five years.

The industry is helping Zambia's economy and its conservation policy by making a major contribution to the preservation of the 19 national parks and 34 game management areas, run by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), which make up a third of the country's area.

Currently, Zambia has an accommodation stock of over 4,300 rooms. Over half of these are in hotels, with the remaining half in lodges, motels, guesthouses and camps.

The Zambia National Tourist Board estimates that tourism revenue to be about US$ 85 million in 1999, excluding revenue to Government, through airport departure tax of approximately US$ 9 million. The number of international tourist arrivals was 456,000 in 1999. According to latest figures, the Tourism Sector employs about 1 1,000 people.

As Zambia's foreign exchange earnings from the traditional sale of copper continues to decline, the Government is increasingly looking to tourism as an alternative to its mineral exports.

The Zambian Government has long recognised the economic importance of its wilderness and is acutely aware of environmental concerns: almost 90 percent of the country is given over to national parks and game reserves. Most tourism is concentrated in eight of the 19 parks Nsumbu, Kafue, Lochinvar, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, North Luangwa, Kasanka, and Mosi oa-tunya, the remaining having fewer facilities. In general, safaris are limited to six to eight persons per vehicle and are always accompanied by experienced guides, permitting the animal/bird lover to appreciate an uninterrupted peace, the African wildlife roaming through an unspoilt environment. The usual method of animal watching is from an open-topped Land Cruiser. Walking safaris are available for the more adventurous and as a precaution, these are aided by an armed guide. All the main national parks are accessible by car and plane. National Parks require an entry permit bought from the main gate during operational hours (from 0600 hours - 1800 hours seven days a week). Park entry fees range from US$ 10 - 20 per person per day.

Kafue National Parks: Situated in the centre of the southern half of the country, Kafue encompasses an area of 22,500 sq. km and is one of the biggest game sanctuaries in Africa. Noted for its beauty, the Park is bisected by the Kafue River, which attracts hundreds of species of birds and offers good fishing opportunities. The principal attraction is the prolific wildlife which include elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, antelope, sable, heartbeats, zebra and cheetah. Birdlife is also rich in variety with a recorded number of over 400 species. Accommodation is provided throughout the year at Mukambi Lodge, Lunga Cabins, Puku Pan, Musungwa Lodge and at New Kalala Camp and others. There are also seasonal non-catering camps.

South Luangwa National Park: This park offers some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa. It covers a vast area of 9,050 sq km, bordered by the Muchinga escarpment to the west and by the mighty Luangwa river to the east. The Luangwa Valley forms part of the Great Rift Valley. The scenery is dramatic, with the Luangwa river carving its tortuous course through the centre. These waters account for great profusion of wildlife, which can be seen either on guided walks or in open vehicles.

The Luangwa Valley is sanctuary to one of Africa's most important elephant populations and also boasts of large numbers of Antelope, most notably Impala, Puku, Hippo, Zebras, Kudu, Cookson's Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Lion, Thomicrofts Giraffe, Rhinos are seen occasionally, monkeys and wild dogs. The Luangwa is home to greater numbers of Nile crocodiles than any other river.
Ornithologists should note that more than four hundred species of birds are found here. Blossoming trees and exotic flowers set the scene. There are lodges at Chichele, Mfuwe, Kapani, Chinzombo, Tafika, Kafunta (all year), Luanfwa, Tundwe, Tena Tena, Kaingo Camp (dry season). There are also seasonal non-catering camps. Expected facilities include luxury double rooms in chalets, private baths and toilets, full 3 - course meals, bar facilities and swimming pools.

Lochinvar National Park: Despite its comparatively small size covering just 4 1 0 sq. km, Lochinvar is one of Africa's finest bird sanctuaries sheltering an estimated 428 species, including a number of rarities. Ngwisho Hot Springs are the site of one of the
oldest archaeological sites in Central Africa.

Nsumbu National Park: The Park preserves eighty kilometres of Lake Tanganyika's most beautiful shores, and provides a haven for the wildlife in this remote area. Hippo and Crocodiles, Flamingos and other waterbirds frequent the gently lapping waves, with the Lake stretching 700 km to the north. Take a comfortable motorboat ride along the shores and watch game on the banks, as your fishing rod spins and the shimmering lake around you turns gold with the sinking of an African sun. With an area of 2,000sq. kilometres km the Park is home to varied antelope, zebra, buffalo, lion, leopard as well as 350 species of birds.

Mosi-oa-tunya National Park: This Park was created to protect both wildlife and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. "Mosi-ao-tunya" is the name given by the local people to the falls, a graphical description meaning "the smoke that thunders." The Park is home to sable, eland, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, Kafue Lechwe, Impala, warthog, baboon, and vervet monkey. Elephants migrate to the Zambian side from Zimbabwe in the height of the dry season in search of food.

Kasanka National Park: In contrast to Kafue Park, Kasanka is one of Zambia's smallest, yet most attractive park. Since 1990 it has been privately managed, with profits from tourism channelled back into the community. It lies on the fringe of the vast wetlands of Lake

Bangweulu and within its 420 sq.km. are no less than eight lakes and four rivers, the largest being the Luombwa, which offers excellent opportunities for anglers. The wetlands also include tracts of ' papyrus swamp - a retreat for sitatunga, and rare shoebill stork. Animals include elephant, hippo, heartbeats, sable, bushbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck, hyena, warthog, baboon, jackal, leopard and the rare blue monkey which can be found in the forest that flank Kasanka's rivers. Accommodation facilities include Luombwa Campa and Wasa Camp.

Lower Zambezi National Park: Lies along the north bank of the Zambezi River, 100km down stream from Victoria Falls. The sparkling waters of the Zambezi are a focal point for the abundant wildlife which include elephant, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard, together with a great variety of birds. Game drives and walks will often reveal Big Cats and on occasion, the Cheetah. Canoe safaris, fishing of tiger, bottle-note or bream, bird-watching activities are available.

Accommodation is in Camps and lodges - Chiawa Camp, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Kayila Lodge, Sausage Tree, Potato Camp.

North Luangwa National Park: One of Africa's spectacular surviving wilderness areas. Remote and covering 4,636 sq. km, it offers unique experience for those seeking a true, off-the-beaten-track experience. The Park lies on the western side of the mighty Luangwa River, upstream of the South Luangwa National Park, and separated by a narrow corridor. North Luangwa is a primarily noted woodland park with numerous small rivers including the beautiful Mwaleshi, which runs down the escarpment in a series of waterfalls. It is particularly noted for its huge herds of buffalo, which make a great spectacle as they congregate at the river to drink, sometimes hunted by lion. Other common mammals include elephant, impala, leopard, wildcat, hyena, wildebeest, bushbuck, kudu, puku, zebra, baboon, warthog and vervet monkey. There are also a number of animals, which are unlikely to be seen in the South Park, such as Orib, Hartebeest, Reedbuck, and eland - the largest antelope. Over 350 bird species are found here including the Crested Crowned Crane, Carmine, Bee-eater and giant Eagle Owl.

EXCURSIONS
Most tourist organisations are controlled by Tour Operators and charges
of tours are fixed well in advance.

THE VICTORIAFALLS The Victoria Falls have always been considered one of the natural wonders of the world. There are few higher waterfalls elsewhere, but none equals the grandeur of the waters of the Zambezi River as they tear headlong over the 1,700 metres wide expanse down into the chasm 100 metres below. At the height of the floods, from March to May, more than 5 million litres of water surge over every second. The impact of so much falling water raises clouds of vapour that can be seen more than 30 kilometres away. One can get a panoramic view of theFalls from the Knife Edge footbridge, which spans a narrow ridge of rock between the mainland and an island downstream where you face the falls head-on. The bridge is so close to the falls that raincoats and umbrellas should be taken because of the spray. Rainbows are created, most spectacularly at night, when the moonlight is caught in the spray.

Other main vantage points are the large Falls Bridge, which is further away, the Boiling Pot, white water rafting, bunji jumping into Batoka Gorge, Canoeing on the tranquil upper Zambezi, microlight flights and courses, Scuba diving, fishing, horseback trails and houseboating.

For further and more detailed information about safaris, contact the Zambia National Tourist Board, P 0 Box 300,1,7 Century House, Cairo Road L usaka, Zambia or visit their web site - www:zntb@zamnet.zm.

The declining fortunes of the mining sector have increased the role and importance of agriculture in Zambia's economy. Agriculture directly. contributes 12 to 25 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), with agribusiness accounting for another 27 percent.

The Government recently reviewed the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (ASIP), an innovative and integrated framework designed to co-ordinate government efforts and donor assistance and aimed at achieving optimal resource use. The reorientation aims to make the programme more responsive in meeting the different needs of farmers.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
The shortfall of holiday accommodation - of all types- presents the biggest single opportunity for investment in the Zambian tourism industry. Currently, the bulk of the accommodation is in tourist camps and lodges. Hotels of international standard are to be found in Lusaka and Livingstone.

While Zambia's main target markets does not seek five-star luxury, they appreciate the comforts of private bathrooms, good cuisine, an adequate range of services and pleasant surroundings after a day spent in the wild. There is a ready demand for such accommodation, making it a particularly fruitful sector for investment, whether in upgrading existing establishments or in entirely new projects. Sites with attractive natural settings are readily available the National Parks, Game Management Areas and elsewhere.

BANKS
There are numerous banks in the major towns as well as many bureaux de change. Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9h00 to 14h30, Mondays to Fridays, and 9h00 - 1 1h30 on Saturdays. Some Banks open the first and last Saturdays of the month.

CREDIT CARDS
Most hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and the bigger shops will take credit cards. Most of the bigger banks will advance local currency against a credit card.

VAT REFUND
This facility allows tourists visiting Zambia to get a refund of VAT paid on goods purchased from retailers approved to operate this scheme, that are exported from Zambia. This facility only applies to tourists who are not residents of Zambia but have been in the country for more than 12 months or do not hold Zambian passports.

A tourist who makes a purchase from a particular retailer and buys a VAT in the normal way will be issued with an export tax invoice (form VAT 263). The tourist will then present the export tax invoice and the goods to the customs at designated exit points of export for verification of exportation. After verification the export tax invoice will then be deposited in a box provided and refund will be sent within eight (08) weeks.

DUTY FREE
The following items may be imported into Zambia without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco; One bottle of spirits and wine and 2.5 litres of beer (opened); 1 oz bottle of perfume. Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone, horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits.

BUSINESS HOURS
Government offices are open from 0800 hrs to 17:00 hrs, Monday to Friday. Closed from 13:00 hrs to 1400hrs. Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 0830 - 1430hrs Monday to Friday. Only some are open on Saturdays. Shops are generally open from 0800hrs to 1700hrs, Monday to Friday and 0800hrs to 1300hrs on Saturdays.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Monday, 1January - New Year's Day.
Monday, 12 March - Youth Day.
Friday, 13 h April - Good Friday
Saturday 1411 April - Holy Saturday
Monday, 16 h April - Easter Monday
Tuesday, 11th May - Labour Day.
Friday, 25thMay - Africa Freedom Day
Monday, 2nd July - Heroes Day
Tuesday 3rd July - Unity Day
Monday, 6th August - Farmers Day
Wednesday, 24th October - Independence Day
Tuesday, 25th Decernber - Christmas Day.

Notable progress has been made in the fields of health sector following the implementation of the Health Reform Programme, which was initiated in 1992. The Programme provides for a health system based on equity access to quality health care. The structure of the health care delivery is designed to be flexible in order to meet the challenges of changing priorities.

TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES
Zambia has several major cultural festivals which, on the whole, are rarely seen by visitors. A wide diversity of tribal nations make up Zambia's population and, while friendliness and helpfulness towards visitors are universal traits, varying traditions provide a rich tapestry to fascinate the tourist. In particular there are a number of dances and ceremonies to be seen which reflect this multi-faceted heritage. To see these festivals properly, and to appreciate them, you will need a good guide: someone who understands the rituals, can explain their significance, and can instruct you on how you should behave.

Photographers will find superb opportunities at such colourful events, but should behave with sensitivity. Before you brandish your camera,, remember to ask for permission from anyone who might take offence.

The Kuomboka Ceremony: This is the most famous of the ceremonies, and takes place in the Western Province, around February/March, just before a full moon. The precise date will only be know a week or so in advance, as it is decided upon by the Lozi King (the Litunga).

The Lozi King is closely associated with the fertile plains around the upper Zambezi River.
When dry, this well-defined area affords good grazing for live- stock, and its rich alluvial soil is
ideal for cultivation. It contrasts with the sparse surrounding woodland, growing on poor soil typical of the western Zambia. So, for much of the year, these plains support a dense population of subsistence farms.

However, towards the end of the rains, the Zambezi's water levels rise. The plains then become floodplains, and these settlements gradually become islands. Its origins date back centuries, when the tribal Chief (the Litunga) established his headquarters at Lealui, which he soon discovered became submerged when the river rose during the rainy season. As the floods threaten, a flotilla of canoes, headed by the Royal Barge (the Nalikwanda) leave Lealui for Limulunga and the journey takes almost the whole day. The flotilla is accompanied by an impromptu orchestra of local musicians. When the royal barge finally arrives at Limulunga, the Litunga steps ashore sporting the uniform of an English admiral, to spend an evening of feasting and celebrating with much eating, drinking, music and traditional dancing.

The retreat from the advancing waters - known as the Kuomboka, is traditionally led by the King himself, the Litunga, from his dry-season palace at Lealui, in the middle of the plain. He retreats to his high-water residence at Limulunga, on the eastern margins of the floodplain. The Litunga's departure is heralded by the beating of three huge old royal war drums - Mundilima, Munanga and Kanono. These continue to summon the people from miles away until the drums themselves are loaded above the royal barge.

The Nalikwanda is an enormous wooden canoe built by a German carpenter around the turn of the 19th century painted with vertical black and white stripes. Their scarlet hats are surrounded by tufts from a loin's mane, the barge is guided by a couple of 'scout' barges, painted white which search out the right channels for the royal barge. Behind it comes the Litunga's wife, the Moyo, in her own barge, followed by local dignitaries.

The N’cwala: The Ngoni people of Eastern Zambia have a religious ceremony of thanksgiving for the harvest, which takes place at Mutenguleni Village on February 24. During the ceremony, Chief Mpezeni tastes the first fresh produce of the year and, unlike most traditional ceremonies, this is accompanied by the consumption of vast quantities of beer and lots of dancing. Ngoni dancing is something of a local speciality. The traditional Vimbuza dancer, bedecked in vivid, gaudy colours dances the nyau, who are rather more difficult for the public to see, being associated with tribal cults and rituals.

Likumbi Lya Mize: This ceremony takes place at Mize, the official palace of Senior Chief Ndungu, about seven kilometres west of Zambezi Boma in the North-Westem Province of Zambia. People of the Luvale tribe gather to celebrate their cultural heritage, bringing displays of all types of handicrafts and spicing the event with traditional singing and dancing.

Umutomboka: Takes place in a specially prepared arena on the banks of the Ng'ona River in Luapula province. Here Senior Chief Kazembe celebrates the heritage of one of the great old Central African empires by dancing the ancestral war dance, the Mutomboko. It takes place on July 29 or the nearest weekend.

Shimunenga: This traditional ceremony is held by the Ba-lla tribe at Maala on the Kafue Flats in Namwala district of Southern Province and is held either in September or October on a weekend of the full moon. The ceremony expresses the people's devotion to their divine ancestors. ' .

ZAMBIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE
The genuine, welcoming attitude of the Zambian people add immensely
to visitors' holiday enjoyment.

There are more than 73 distinct tribal groups.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
This is largely to the discretion of the visitors themselves to explore a
variety of attractions.

THE MASS MEDIA
The single most significant achievement by the current administration regarding the information sector is the liberalisation of the media industry to encourage private sector participation and consequently, divergence of news, views and opinions.

Since the advent of multi-party democracy in Zambia there has been an emergence of new media institutions with the electronic media now being dominated by the private sector. Three television and seven radio stations are owned and controlled by the private sector. The three broadcasting stations are Multi-Choice Zambia, Trinity Broadcasting Network and, CASAT all in Lusaka. Radio stations are Radio Phoenix (Lusaka), Icengelo (Kitwe), Chiristian Voice (Lusaka), Radio Chikuni (Monze), Radio Mazabuka (Mazabuka), Radio Maria (Chipata) and Radio Yatsani (Lusaka).

The newspapers are :
Times of Zambia - Public
Zambia Daily Mail - Public
The Post - Private
The National Mirror - Church
The Monitor - Private
The People - Private

The liberalisation of the Media industry is in keeping with the tenets of good governance which encourage freedom of expression and wide access to information by all..