Zambia’s most famous attraction is the Victoria Falls, or as the locals call it, “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, “The Smoke That Thunders”. One of the largest in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders, it is truly a stunning vision, one that has to be seen to be believed.

Another draw of Zambia is its rich, vibrant culture, with a harmonious melting pot of over 70 different historical tribes making up its populace. Each of the tribe’s traditions can be experienced during the many celebrations Zambia holds throughout the year.

Zambia uses the new kwacha (ZMW), and while Visa is accepted at most establishments and ATMs, it is useful to have cash on you.

In Zambia, there is a rainy season from December to March then a dry season from April to November. It is coolest from May to August, with temperatures dropping to near freezing in some places, and hottest from September to November with peak temperatures of 35°C.

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka is Zambia’s main port of entry. There are direct flights from around Africa, as well as the Middle East. Visitors from within the region headed for Zambia’s south can fly directly into Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone as well.

Most first timers to Zambia will head straight for the Victoria Falls and its various islands and Devil’s Pool. But they should also explore the surrounding area in general, the Zambezi Basin. Zambia is in fact named after the Zambezi River, which legendary explorer David Livingstone referred to as “God’s highway”. Adventures include cruising down the river at sunset, whitewater rafting its rapids, then heading inland on an epic game drive.

There are also wildlife reserves to the northeast worth exploring. South Luangwa National Park offers some of the best game viewing in the world, with a high concentration of leopards as well as zebras, giraffes and hippos.

Kafue National Park, meanwhile, is Zambia’s oldest and largest, spread across over 20,000 km², with great herds of antelope, the rare cheetah, and over 500 species of bird.

The Zambian diet revolves around maize. Nshima, a type of maize porridge rolled into balls, is the staple of most meals and is dipped into a variety of tasty stews and relishes. Then there is maheu, a refreshing drink made of fermented maize, and Chibuku, the local beer made of maize and sorghum.

Those feeling brave might like to try the delicacies of ifinkubala (caterpillar) or kapenta (dried baby sardine from Lake Tanganyika) eaten whole. Tantalising street foods, meanwhile, include vitumbuwa breakfast doughnuts and michopo goat kebab.

Zambia has one of the richest cultural scenes in Africa. Annual gatherings include the ancient Kazanga thanksgiving of the Nyoka held at harvest time, with colourful singing and dancing; the Kuomboka procession, as the King of the Barotse floats down the Zambezi River from one palace to another with the change of seasons accompanied by local chiefs and drummers on ornate barges; and the Likumbi Lya Mize celebrations of the Luvale to mark the transition of their children to adulthood, as dancers don famous makishi masks that represent their ancestors.

There are two Minor Hotels brands in Zambia. Both The Royal Livingstone Hotel Zambia by Anantara and Avani Victoria Falls Resort are located at the foot of the falls. The resorts are themselves magical, with zebras and giraffes roaming free across their lawns.