Joanna James
You may know Zambia for its exotic wildlife, rugged terrain, and huge national parks, but did you know that over 70 languages are spoken there? It's one of the amazing details you will discover in this list of surprising facts on Zambia.
Cutlery is pretty much left in the drawer when it comes to enjoying traditional Zambian food. A staple and one that is eaten daily is nshima, a form of paste made by adding mealie meal or finely ground cornmeal into boiling water. The resulting soft paste or porridge is kneaded into bite-sized balls, dipped in curry, and popped in the mouth. For all this, you will use your hands, so enjoy a lovely treat seated around the table—sharing not only the delicious food but also the friendly company. Nshima is also often served with meat, fish, or vegetables.
If you are a foodie, keep in mind that one of the top things to do in Zambia is to explore traditional meals like nshima, chikanda (made from wild orchids), ofisashi, and others. A popular attraction in Zambia centred on traditional food and dance is Mukuni Boma, a cultural event hosted by Avani Victoria Falls Resort. Set in Livingstone, the experience offers open-air dining, Zambian rituals to observe, and the thrill of dining beside the mighty Zambezi River.
English is widely spoken in Zambia since it was once a British colony; however, the nation still holds onto its strong roots and boasts over 70-plus tribes that dwell on Zambian land. Each of these tribes has its own language, making the nation a multicultural destination where several dialects are spoken. So if you are planning a holiday at a Zambia hotel overlooking the spectacular Victoria Falls, you can try to learn a few words in Lozi or Tonga, which are popular dialects in South Zambia. Hello in Tongan is a melodic malo e lei le, while in Lozi it's lumela.
Although a landlocked area, Zambia is home to Africa's largest wetland. The Barotse flood plains, located on the Zambezi River, are a natural phenomenon that will take your breath away. Made up of tiny islets, the wetlands are home to over 200,000 of Zambia's population living a very traditional lifestyle. Ritualistic traditions take place when their homes become submerged during the summer floods, and the people move out to alternate accommodation options on higher ground. The process is so old that this moving-out effort is a ceremonial ritual called Kuomboka.
Home to several lakes, Zambia is also home to the deepest lake in Africa. Tanganyika Lake is not only the deepest, but also the longest on the African continent, stretching a total of 670 km, while its deepest part measures 1,470 metres. The lake crosses borders and meanders through parts of Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Before Livingstone discovered the Victoria Falls and named the cascade in honour of his Queen, the local Lozi tribes were amazed by the natural phenomenon and gave it a name that aptly describes this natural marvel. "The Smoke That Thunders" is the original name of the famous falls, better known in the local dialect as Mosi oa Tunya. Do you agree that the name draws up the perfect image of the thundering cascades that resemble billows of smoke?
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
