LUANGWA: A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO BE IN ZAMBIA

VENTURE into the heart of Zambia and discover the diverse wildlife and distinctive market culture that make Luangwa District a must-visit destination.

This journey promises an immersive encounter with nature, offering insights into the unique offerings of this area, from wildlife to the tranquillity of the riverfront of the Luangwa River.

The Luangwa River is a major tributary of the Zambezi River, and it flows through the Eastern part of Zambia and the Luangwa Valley itself is situated in the eastern part of the country, and it is known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and as a popular destination for safari tourism.

It is among the most beautiful and peaceful districts in Zambia where one would enjoy the breathtaking nature, culture, delicious fish from the Luangwa River and the mode of transport used by the locals but one has to be prepared for the poor network coverage from the Luangwa Bridge up to the Luangwa Boma town which is about 70 kilometres drive.

Yes, Luangwa is dazzling in its beauty and serenity, and is one the most densely wildlife populated areas in Zambia. It is a beautiful, sprawling location that is the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary design.

The Luangwa Valley is a vast, remote wilderness area that is part of the East African rift system. It has been a wildlife haven for centuries, and its ecosystems support a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The valley is particularly famous for its concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in the Luangwa River, as well as its large populations of elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species.

My expectation did not meet the reality as I knew Luangwa as a rural outskirt where only fish business was conducted and structures built in thatched grass.

Well, after the six to seven hours drive from Lusaka to Luangwa, we first paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Senior Chief Mburuma of the Nsenga Luzi people of Luangwa district whose heart-warming welcome made me feel at home and embraced the beautiful culture of the Nsenga Luzi people.

After paying a courtesy call on his royal highness we moved for about 68 kilometres to get to the Boma town of Luangwa where we needed to find accommodation and food to eat after the long road trip.

The road from the Senior Chief’s office to the Boma town was in a poor state full of potholes made by the locals who pretend to be fixing the potholes with stones whenever they see a car reducing its speed once it approaches the potholes so that they can source for funds as a way to feed their families since the area has no employment for the locals who are not into charcoal burning and fish farming business.

The 68 kilometres journey to the Boma town was completed and we were finally in the search for accommodation and managed to find some lodges that were manageable for a night or two but they did not meet my expectation with their names on the internet. Could it be part of advertising?

So, if you are visiting Luangwa for the first time, I would advise you not to book for accommodation online but explore the many choices available once you get there.

The lodges are strategically located to provide guests with the opportunity to observe and appreciate the region’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

Several conservation-focused efforts have been undertaken in Luangwa to protect its unique ecosystems and wildlife.

The area has also been designated as a national park to ensure the preservation of its natural beauty.

My second day stay in Luangwa I visited a number of farmers in the district as it was the main reason I travelled to Luangwa.

I learnt a lot from the farmers and I discovered that farming was mainly done by the women while the men went fishing.

Luangwa is a district that has been infested with human- animal conflict and there is need to always take caution if you are a visitor in Luangwa as the locals who do not understand that they have made their settlements in elephant corridors associate it with witchcraft and they strongly warned us of how witchcraft was badly practiced in the district.

After a successful interaction with the farmers, I then took advantage of the four hours that remained before it was dawn to visit the main harbour where fishing activities were conducted from as early as 04:00 hours when the fishermen returned from the river up until 20:00 hours when business was closed.

Currently, Zambia is still on fish ban but the fish business is conducted throughout the season as the business women and men now buy their fish from the neighbouring country, Mozambique whose tasty fish is famously called the Luangwa fish in Zambia.

The fish is very delicious and has a very pleasant smell that would make you prolong your stay in Luangwa.

Surprisingly the district practices seasonal agriculture therefore very few farmers grow vegetables and tomatoes due to the human-animal conflict that has become a common norm in the district.

The district is underdeveloped with only one fuelling station which also complained of not having petrol but only diesel for almost a month and it affected their business as the only main filling station in the district.

The food from the lodges as well as good restaurants in town was also expensive amounting between K120 to K150 for a plate of two lamps of nshima and a small piece of chicken, or two pieces of goat meat of a medium sized fresh fish with little or no vegetables as there is scarcity of vegetables in the district.

The best time to visit Luangwa, especially for an optimal safari experience, depends on your preferences and the type of wildlife viewing you are interested in. Zambia, including the Luangwa, experiences distinct seasons, and each season offers unique opportunities.

On my way back to Lusaka I noticed that all entry points at the harbour had tight security forces who patrol at all entry points to Zambia.

Each entry point had a Zambia Revenue Authority officer, an Immigration officer, a police officer and a soldier.

These men in uniform ensure that we do not have cases of human trafficking coming in or crossing the border from Mozambique or Zimbabwe using water transport.

They also ensured that everyone entering the district using the road transport was a Zambian and had a national identity card.

Once the district is fully developed it will be a tourist attraction and will bring foreign exchange in the country.

In fact, fishing enthusiasts will find Luangwa River to be a treasure trove. As night falls, the river transforms into a celestial canvas.

Stars shimmer from above and their reflections dance on the water’s surface. For anyone charting out places to see in Zambia, Luangwa is an experience that melds adventure and relaxation in perfect harmony. It’s easy to see why this River is among the most beautiful places in Zambia to visit!

However, when planning your Zambia tours, one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is Luangwa, a region that encapsulates the essence of Zambia’s natural beauty.

It is a journey through time, where every trail tells a story and every view takes your breath away.