Zambia

The first humans to inhabit Zambia were the Bushmen. There is evidence that primitive ‘man’ began using fire some 60,000 years ago. A development of ‘digs’ from this distant past is enclosed at the Field Museum at the Victoria Falls. Modern man probably emerged in Zambia at least 25,000 years ago. By 15,000 years ago, the Late Stone Age commenced. Their ancient rock-art is still being discovered in various parts of Zambia.

The Bushmen gave way to the Bantu people from the north. Ensuing were tribal wars and the slave trade until missionaries and David Livingstone arrived in 1840 as a medical evangelist. Imperialist Cecil Rhodes followed in their wake, and in 1911, the country became the British colony of Northern Rhodesia, with the town of Livingstone as its capital. After 10 years Zambia gained its independence as a Commonwealth Republic under Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in October 1964. In 1972 the country reverted back to multiparty politics in December 1990. The current government is committed to rebuilding the country’s economy and tourism industry in partnership with the private sector.

Despite Zambia’s vastness as a country and relatively small population, the country’s main centres such as Lusaka and the Copperbelt town of Ndola are developed and sophisticated places in their own right with reputable hotels and restaurants. Lusaka is particularly graced with international and local quality hotels and lodges.

Zambia’s craftsmen have combined their artistic skills with tradition to produce a fine range of crafts which include intricate basket weaving from Barotseland, fine ebony sculptures from the Southern Province, ceremonial masks, drums, brass, copper and malachite works of art.