The country truly does offer a singularly authentic experience of the African wilderness in and among its 750 000 square km. Zambia has about 20 National Parks, 30 Game Management areas and numerous private and state-run reserves. Two great African rivers, the Zaire River and the Zambezi River, thread their way for 2 500 km to the Indian Ocean embracing en route two of Zambia's outstanding features - the majestic Victoria Falls (Mosi-Oa-Tunya, meaning "the smoke that thunders") and the vast man-made Kariba Lake. As a wildlife destination, Zambia has until recently been eclipsed in the travel industry by neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana. Zambia's wilderness areas are undiscovered gems that have remained raw and pristine. A select number of lodges and operators are dotted throughout this magnificent country - in parks such as the world-famous, wildlife-rich Southern Luangwa, the rugged and wild North Luangwa, and the second biggest reserve in the world - Kafue. The relatively new kids on the block - the Lower Zambezi National Park, Lochinvar and Liuwa are being increasingly developed , and are a birder's delight, with superb wildlife viewing on offer. The capital of Zambia is Lusaka; cultures include 39 tribes, and Europeans. English is the offical language and the Zambian Kwacha the local currency - credit cards are not widely accepted. Please consult your local embassy with regard to visa requirements. Zambia is two hours ahead of GMT. 

Seasons: Three distinct seasons - cool and dry from May-Aug; hot and dry from Sep-Oct; and rainy between Nov-Apr. Aug-Oct are the best months for wildlife viewing (low 30s°C daily). From November to April most of the national parks are closed. 

Precautions: Tsetse Flies: Zambia has the second largest National Park in the world, i.e. Kafue (second to Selous in Tanzania) - and the South Luangwa is not small either. These parks would not be there if the tsetse fly had not made the area inhospitable to livestock and hence subsistence pastoralists and agriculturalists. Trees would have been chopped down for firewood and building as well as land clearance for pasture and grazing and the soil would have been used for a use-and-move-on type of agriculture, suffering its heaviest demands in proximity to rivers. This has not happened in these areas thanks to the presence of tsetse flies, so they should be thought of as a blessing rather than a bother! Here are a few facts to bear in mind when visiting Zambia: Although bites can be irritating, the type of Tsetse found in Zambia does not cause sleeping sickness in humans (only in livestock). Take along some antihistamine or appropriate medication if you are prone to allergic reactions from insect bites . Wear loose fitting clothing on game drives, a waterproof jacket will also help. Compulsory vaccine: None Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio Malaria prophylaxis: Indicated for the whole country throughout the year. Beware of risk of Bilharzia in lakes and still waters. Medical information supplied by Medi-Travel International.