A Room With a View: Radisson Blu Open Resort on the Zambezi
World-renowned hotel business, Radisson Hotel Group, has brought its brand of luxury tourism to Africa. Their newly announced resort in Zambia will serve as the flagship for the company’s long-term expansion on the continent.
The opening of their first African safari destination marks a key step towards the company’s goal of opening 150 hotels in Africa this decade. They wish to have opened or have under construction at least 150 African hotels by 2025.
Just one mile south of Livingstone, the Radisson Blue Mosi-oa-Tunya is well connected to transport links whilst only being two and a half miles from the glorious sights of Victoria Falls – of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
The glorious Victoria Falls is just a few miles away
The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Zambia’s greatest attractions. Remarkably, the falls are the world’s largest sheet of falling water and are almost double the height of the famous Niagara falls and half a kilometre wider. With the resort located on the Zambezi river, tourists can see the awe-inspiring falls and enjoy beautiful vistas whilst being surrounded by unique ecological diversity.
Tourists can now visit the hotel and its wonderful surroundings with ease. Zambia is a safe, beautiful, and increasingly prosperous destination for foreign tourists. Visitors from the EU, UK, USA, and China no longer have to worry about troublesome visa fees either since President Hichilema’s government removed such barriers to entry in November of last year.
The environment is a fundamental part of Zambia’s beauty, diversity and history. Environmentally conscious travellers can rest assured they are making a responsible choice staying at Radisson’s new resort. The resort has signed the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge, as part of Radisson’s global “Responsible Business” program and it has earnt EDGE green building certification. The certification reflects an impressive 20% increase in energy efficiency, water reduction and use of sustainable materials when compared to similar local properties.
The incredible views available at Mosi-oa-Tinya
The Mosi-oa-Tinya resort has 200 top-class rooms, suites and villas including some with panoramic views across the Zambezi river. The resort also offers a range of facilities including a gym, a bar, and a swimming pool. If you get hungry they boast six restaurants some inspired by local African cuisine while others set to serve a more European taste. If you’re thirsty there are a number of bars including the Mopani Bar and Lounge. And if you need to catch up on some work Radisson also offers boardrooms and meeting rooms. You can also host an event for up to 250 people in their impressive ballroom.
There are a number of activities throughout the national park including helicopter rides over the falls, rafting, canoeing and game drives. You may also catch a glimpse of the rare White Rhino or the more common elephants, giraffes, hippos and bird species that surround the hotel.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is a haven of African wildlife that has seen an impressive regeneration in recent decades following crucial reductions in the levels of illegal poaching.
The World Bank recently announced they would be investing $100 million to boost tourism in Zambia. For a country of such natural beauty, it remains an underutilised path to prosperity. Indeed, tourism minister Rodney Sikumba has described himself as “extending an olive branch” to potential investors as he seeks to continue his program of communications and infrastructural improvements in order to create as smooth and relaxing a tourist experience as possible. President Hichilema, too, has called for greater regional integration of east and southern African tourist routes in order to better showcase the beauty and cultural diversity of the region.
The entrance of Radisson Blu to Zambia represents a significant step. With over 75 years of hospitality experience, 1,100 hotels, and billions of dollars of revenue Radisson will bring world-class hospitality to the Zambezi.
Shaun Wheeler, General Manager of Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia, expressed his excitement at the company’s expansion in Zambia. “I am thrilled to lead the team as we open this magnificent property which allows us to offer visitors memorable moments and exciting experiences such as discovering one of the Seven Wonders of the world (The Victoria Falls), which is a short distance from the hotel”.
Having already established a hotel in Zambia, the company are doubling down on their faith in the country’s prospects and attractiveness to foreign tourists. Mr. Wheeler continued “Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia represents a unique destination for our guests to discover and explore,” says Tim Cordon, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group. “The expansion of our presence in Zambia demonstrates our belief in the country’s potential. This hotel is our second property in Zambia, following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, with a third hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, due to open in 2023.”
With visa fees out the way and world-class providers like Radisson placing their faith in the country, is it time you invested in the future of Zambia?
Thinking of investing in Zambia’s tourism industry? Sign up for our investor briefing or get in touch at info@zambiaisback.com
Thinking of visiting? Why not explore zambiatourism.com for more information.
How One NGOs Drive for Conservation is Boosting Zambian Tourism
The NGO Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), in conjunction with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has led a remarkable rejuvenation of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. With wildlife rebounding, new riverside boutique campsites have the potential to bring back more tourists and economic growth to the Zambezi.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of the country’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, home to extraordinary elephant populations, lions, and much more. The park now appears as a haven of extraordinary African diversity. Yet it was not always so.
From the 1970s through to 2016, the park experienced an epidemic of poaching. According to one local guide, this was a time “when we were being hammered by poachers, animals were rapidly disappearing.”
While the park witnessed a number of tragic losses, it was elephants that were particularly targeted. “When I started flying down here 20 years ago, I’d take off and see 20 poachers’ bushmeat drying racks in a morning, lion prides were moving from one carcass to another,” comments Ian Stevenson of CLZ. “We were being hit hard. In 2015 alone, which was the peak of the crisis, we lost 107 elephants,” he continues.
DNPW and CLZ have led the charge to protect the park and have overseen an impressive transformation. Founded in 1994, they have contributed significantly to stabilising elephant populations and the growth of sustainable tourism. In conjunction with the DNPW, their patrols act as a visible deterrent to potential poachers. In 2021 alone, they supported 14,378 man-days worth of anti-poaching patrols and apprehended 214 suspects.
The government of Zambia has removed visa requirements, and their consequent fees, for travellers coming from the EU, China, and the US. The increase in ease of access to Zambia as a holiday destination is designed to boost the number of foreign visitors, making it all the more important that tourism and sustainability come hand in hand.
NGOs have undertaken fantastic work in Zambia to this end. Ian Stevenson, CLZ’s CEO, was nominated for the Tusk Conservation Award in 2020. Tusk, one of Africa’s largest conservation charities, recognises those doing extraordinary conservation work on the continent. The charity’s patron, Prince William, personally thanked CLZ and Ian Stevenson for this work.
Working in partnership with like-minded stakeholders is a crucial part of CLZ’s success. CLZ is partially dependent on tourism for its activities. Safari companies are reliant on the beauty and biodiversity of the park to sustain their business. They, thus, support CLZ’s conservation work by contributing up to $1,000 a month and often consult with their experts on how to mitigate the impact of their visitors.
Beks Ndlovu, founder and CEO of African Bush Camps, describes the views of the Zambezi as "like being in an oil painting" and is eager to share its natural beauty with the world. From your room at Lolebezi, one of African Bush Camps' newest sites, you can watch buffaloes run down the riverbanks, leopards lick their wounds in the trees, and hyenas gorge on scraps.
Time + Tide, a luxury safari company, has established a tented camp on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi river. With 8 tents located right on the riverfront and a number of experiences on offer, Time + Tide brings tourists close to the action. Their extraordinary offering includes walking safaris, boat trips on the river, and sleepouts under the stars. Dining under the Albida trees, the work of CLZ means guests can see elephants at an extraordinarily close range as they seek to graze on their favoured snack of Albida pods.
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has recently called for more investment in the sector as he perceives untapped potential to spur economic growth. The hospitality, retail, and catering sectors all benefit from increased traffic at tourist sites. The Minister said he was "extending an olive branch to would-be investors" to explore the natural beauty of the country.
Furthermore, the World Bank recently announced they would be investing $100 million to boost tourism in the country. Specifically, the project is set to renovate airstrips and bridges in Liuwa Plain National Park. This will help the delegated infrastructure accommodate a rise in tourists. The project is part of a broader plan to develop and better integrate the western tourism circuit in the country.
Mr. Sikumba wishes to see further investment in communication networks between popular tourist destinations to extend the stay of visitors to Zambia. His sentiment is echoed by the president who, on a recent trip to Tanzania, emphasized how African nations should be doing more to package their tourist offerings not as individuals, but as a packaging opportunity to stay longer, explore the region as a whole, experience the culture and diversity of the landscape while bringing more revenue to help both sustainability initiatives and the wider economy.
With the conservation work of CLZ and many others continuing, it is hoped that the Lower Zambezi National Park can continue to flourish while attracting tourists from around the world.
Minister Calls for Further Investment in Tourism
Rodney Sikumba, the Minister for Tourism, has called for increased investment to spur the sector. His statement comes amidst a number of steps by the New Dawn administration to boost tourism in Zambia.
Mr Rodney, speaking at the Western Province Tourism, Trade and Investment Expo, described the government as “extending an olive branch to would-be investors” because “there are a number of places which need investment in the sector.”
The ministry would is aiming to generate more activity in the South-west tourism corridor by encouraging visitors to the famous Victoria Falls to stay in the country for longer. To this end, a bridge is set to be built across the Luanginga river to link Kalabo and Liuwa. Increasing accessibility in Zambia is perceived as crucial to boosting tourism across the country.
The New Dawn administration is also in the process of securing a $100 million USD loan from the World Bank in order to help fund infrastructure projects such as Kasaba Bay and Liuwa National Park. It is hoped that this loan will not only boost tourism but also catalyse local economic growth through its related employment opportunities.
In the recently published budget for 2023, it was announced that visa charges have been dropped for tourists from more than 35 countries. Visa fees have been removed for visitors from the EU, United Kingdom, United States, and China amongst others.
Image via Twitter @SikumbaRodney
Lusaka July 2022 to drive Zambian Tourism: in Partnership with the Zambia Tourism Agency
Mwebantu, August 24, 2022
OVER two million viewers will be tuned into Diamond TV to witness the fashionable gathering of 300 influential Zambians and networking enthusiasts at the 7th annual Lusaka July event on 3 September 2022 at the Lusaka Polo Club. The 2022 edition of the event is themed “Emeralds In A Zambian World” – a celebration of Zambian excellence through fashion, art and lifestyle. Following the six years of successfully hosting the event, PR Girl Media has partnered with Zambia Tourism Agency to co-present the Lusaka July as a platform to promote local and international tourism for Zambia.
Speaking at a press briefing held to officiate the launch of the Lusaka July 2022 event, Minister of Tourism P.S Mr Evans Muhanga stated that “the Lusaka July is Zambia’s leading fashion networking event which has attracted mass publicity across Africa. As the Ministry of Tourism, we are proud to witness the growth of a Zambian product beyond our borders. The entertainment industry must play an active role in the promotion of Zambian tourism – the success of the Lusaka July and other local productions in art, fashion and media is an indication that Zambians are truly capable of producing quality content for foreign markets.”
In addressing the media at the press briefing held at Lusaka’s Hilton Garden, CEO of Diamond TV Mr Costa Mwansa said, “as a media partner we have supported the Lusaka July for the last four years. The event showpiece has grown the quality of content on the Diamond Media platform and is a major calendar event in our annual programming. We are proud once again to partner with PR Girl Media in delivering a TV showcase to millions across the world, in our quest to promote Zambia’s pop culture, art and tourism”.
Acting CEO of Zambia Tourism Agency Mr Chavunga Lungu has confirmed the endorsement of the Lusaka July event as a tourism activity. “We are excited to partner with PR Girl Media in the expansion of the Lusaka July into the tourism sector. The entertainment industry is a vibrant addition to our tourism portfolio and we are thrilled to be a part of a colourful event that highlights our beautiful people, culture and food”.
Zambian Breweries Brand Manager Ms Mwila Matoka added that Zambian Breweries has supported the Lusaka July for five consecutive years. “We are proud to be part of an event that has generated public and media interest in the country and beyond our borders. We are passionate about the fashion and arts industry, empowering women and youth who use their creativity to showcase Zambia.” Ms Mwila said that Zambian Breweries is encouraged by the Lusaka July partnership with Zambia Tourism Agency. “There is a natural connection between tourism and entertainment, we hope this partnership yields many positive results for the Zambian market in boosting local enterprise.”
Also speaking at the press briefing, Ms Bridget Kambobe highlighted the importance of corporate participation in the fashion and arts industry. “There is so much potential in initiatives such as the Lusaka July and as Big Tree Beverages, we support the recognition of the event as a key tourism platform”. Ms Kambobe further stated that the “Lusaka July is a Zambian product that is deserving of corporate investment, we believe in its ability to drive local and international tourism for Zambia and in turn boost our economy.”
The Lusaka July 2022 is supported by Zambia Tourism Agency, Zambian Breweries, Big Tree Beverages, Manda Hill, Nederburg Wines, Inverroche Gin, Hilton Hotel, Proflight Zambia and Orca Deco. The event will feature Zambian fashion designers among others from Namibia, Botswana, Uganda and South Africa including some of the continent’s biggest lifestyle influencers. The Lusaka Polo Club will have a one-day tournament of polo which as per event tradition as a backdrop to a lavish afternoon of networking. Lifestyle and fashion enthusiasts are invited to purchase tickets at K3,000 per person from Manda Hill Information Desk. Further details of the event can be found via the PR Girl Media social profiles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #LusakaJuly2022..
South Luangwa: A Top Destination For Wild Dogs
Tracks4Africa, July 26, 2022
South Luangwa National Park is famous for its untamed atmosphere. But did you know it’s a top destination for wild dogs? Photographer Peter Geraerdts shares an update on the painted dogs.
South Luangwa National Park could be called the Valley of the Wild Dogs. In 2018, the Zambian Carnivore Programme announced that the Luangwa Valley is home to the country’s largest wild dog population. When I started guiding for Track and Trail River Camp in 2010, I didn’t witness nearly as many sightings. But the period from 2017 up to now has seen a noticeable increase.
From our camp just across the Luangwa River from the park, I lead regular game drives into this pristine environment. I have fallen in love with the beautiful landscape and its ebony groves, mopani woodlands and leadwood forests. The Luangwa River, which we often admire from the camp’s elevated pool, is the lifeblood of this ecosystem. It draws high concentrations of game, particularly during winter and spring. And where the game go, so do the predators.
In fact, it’s been an action-packed season as far as wild dogs are concerned. A pack of 20 wild dogs shows up regularly in the open areas of Mfuwe towards Chichele Hill. It’s such a pleasure to see these dogs do what they do best, completely oblivious to the spectators.
Wild dogs are extremely efficient hunters with a success rate of about 75%. The female puku in the photograph falls in the 25% that got away. She was too quick and too smart for the dogs. She even leapt over the attacking dogs a couple of times to get away.
Wild dogs are fleet-footed and efficient hunters, but sometimes their prey manage to give them the slip.
Recent wild dog sightings
Winter is denning time for the dogs and most pregnant females have settled in at a burrow. The Alpha female can give birth to over a dozen pups at a time. One caretaker always stays behind with the pregnant female while the other pack members hunt and bring back food to the burrow.
We find that pack formations change every year. Some packs are joined by members from other packs, even crossing the Luangwa River to join a new pack in another territory.
Also called painted dogs, each pack member has a distinct coat pattern.
Hyenas and wild dogs are not the best of friends, to put it mildly. First of all, hyenas can be a threat to the young pups. Secondly, hyenas are the ‘pirates of the bush’, always ready to steal a kill from other predators. But if the hyenas are outnumbered, they risk a painful nip or two. The dogs are quick to snap away when a hyena is trying to escape. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve had a few of these hyena vs wild dog sightings.
A showdown between wild dogs and a hyena, one of the thrilling encounters recently experienced in South Luangwa.
How to prepare for a wild dog encounter
Lots of travellers no longer bother bringing fancy cameras and heavy equipment on their holidays. Nowadays smartphones can get good results if your subject is not too far away from the vehicle. What does make a difference is catching that specific moment in the right light. Wild dogs are mostly active in the early mornings and late afternoons as this is when they hunt. Fortunately, this is the same time when the light is most interesting for pictures.
Golden light picks out the outlines of a wild dog.
The best chance of catching wild dogs on a hunt is to ‘Track and Trail’ them. Locate them during the day while they are resting. Stay with the pack and look for signs that they are getting ready to hunt. The dogs will begin with stretching their muscles and grooming. After a quick shuffle here and there to relieve themselves, it is game on.
At this point, make sure your camera settings are right, particularly for action shots. Dogs are fast and antelope in flight even faster. Blurry dogs can be an obvious result if the camera settings are overlooked.
Keep your camera at the ready, because when the wild dogs go over into action, things will happen quickly.
When it’s hot, the dogs hunt at dusk from 17:30 till 18:00 (September till January). During the colder months of the year, from May till September, they can start hunting a bit earlier, from 16:30 onwards. When the moon is out, they can continue hunting into the night.
Travel tips
Driving from Lusaka to Mfuwe via Chipata takes around 9-10 hours. The road conditions have improved considerably over the past few years. These days overlanders can travel along a tarred road all the way, bar some potholes here and there.
Although Track and Trail River Camp offers luxurious en-suite accommodation like many other South Luangwa Lodges, we also have camping. The campsite has BBQ stands and electricity, as well as ample ablution facilities. What’s more, campers can use the bar/restaurant, bush gym and elevated pool.
The campsite barbeque islands and ample shade. Something different is the raised platforms where you could also pitch your tent for $15, the same price as camping.
Situated on the riverbank, the pool is a favourite spot for its incredible views over the Luangwa River.
The roads within South Luangwa National Park are fairly good once graded by the wildlife authorities. This is mostly done by the end of May. Note that you require a 4×4 vehicle to cross sandy riverbeds.
For more sightings from South Luangwa National Park, follow @petergeraerdts on Instagram.
Image: Peter Geraredts
Zambia's Kafue National Park Steps Up Its Tourism Game
Travel Weekly, July 23, 2022
Kafue National Park in western Zambia has stepped into the tourism spotlight in the past few months with several new eco-focused developments.
The park is situated in the world's largest transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi, which straddles five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is among the world's most important natural heritage sites and is home to elephants, large predators, 21 species of antelope and 515 species of birds. It is said that Kafue holds the potential to become one of Africa's most exceptional tourist destinations.
In July this year, the government of Zambia signed a 20-year agreement with African Parks to secure the protection and effective management of Kafue National Park, promising greater investment in all aspects of park management, from biodiversity to socio-economic development.
Zambia Ministry of Tourism permanent secretary Evans Muhanga commented on the agreement, saying this was a new and exciting chapter for Kafue National Park. Projects on the card include upgrades of roads to improve visitor access, development of community facilities and projects and an upgraded communications network.
According to African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead, the partnership marks the beginning of the process to fully restore Kafue as one of Africa's greatest conservation areas. "In addition to investing in Kafue's exceptional landscape and the conservation of its biodiversity, it also enhances Kafue's value for communities and its economic contribution to the country," he said.
Eco-focused safari lodges
Many of the lodges in Kafue National Park have adopted an ecological approach to safaris. One of them is Green Safaris' Ila Safari Lodge. Built in 2016, Ila was the first lodge to introduce electric game-drive vehicles in Zambia. But the property took the electric safari vehicle concept to the next level when it introduced "solar safaris" on the Kafue River with an e-boat.
From environmentally friendly, locally sourced building materials to solar-powered electricity, Ila is a truly environmentally conscious safari experience. The lodge is powered by a huge solar bank providing the vast majority of power. Hot water is generated by solar water heaters, and the main boma (communal area) is made from materials sourced locally and sustainably, with the walls having been built using sandbag technology that only requires a small percentage of cement.
Unspoiled wilderness areas
Farther north in Kafue National Park is Busanga Plains, one of the most untouched wilderness areas in Africa. The area, which is particularly known for its rich lion populations and abundant birdlife, is probably best suited to second- or third-time visitors to Africa who have already been to the Kruger and/or Botswana.
The plains are positioned on an ancient lake bed and undergo regular flooding during the rainy season from November to April, so camps are mostly seasonal, open from June to October.
Green Safaris offers an e-mountain bike experience at its Chisa Busanga Camp. Travelers can experience the wonders of Busanga quietly and at a comfortable pace from the seat of an electronic mountain bike, with an experienced guide sharing their knowledge of the bush.
Chisa is the Nyanja word for "birds nest," so fittingly the rooms were inspired by weaver bird nests. The camp features four "Nests," which are built about 13 feet off the ground and shaded by terminalia trees.
For avid safari-goers who are on the lookout for a unique and authentic wilderness experience, Kafue National Park is definitely a destination worthy of consideration.
Image: Andrew Beck
“We Are Aggressively Marketing Zambia,” ZTA Says
ZNBC, July 22, 2022
Paul Shalala-The Zambia Tourism Agency -ZTA says it is working with both the public and private sectors to aggressively market Zambia and increase tourism arrivals.
ZTA Acting Chief Executive Officer CHAVUNGA LUNGU says his organisation and the Ministry of Tourism are engaging the private sector to ensure that they market Zambia in a unified way.
Mr LUNGU says the engagements are ongoing and the need to woo more tourists is paramount because of the benefits that tourism brings to the country.
Meanwhile, Mr LUNGU says the listing of the Lower Zambezi National Park as one of the best 100 places to visit worldwide is an exciting achievement.
Mr LUNGU says Time Magazine is a credible publication whose profiling is likely to woo more American tourists to Zambia.
The Acting ZTA Chief Executive Officer said this when he featured live on the TV1 13:00hrs news.
Image: Arpit Rastogi via Unsplash
The Zambian Government Makes Historic Commitment to Protect Kafue National Park
African Parks, July 2, 2022
Lusaka, Zambia: On the 1st of July 2022, the Government of Zambia and conservation non-profit organisation, African Parks, announced the signing of a 20- year-agreement for the Kafue National Park in a landmark commitment to secure the protection and effective management of one of Africa’s ten largest national parks. This significant new partnership will deliver greater investment in all aspects of Kafue’s park management, to realise its exceptional value to biodiversity, socio-economic development and the people of Zambia.
The agreement follows the successful conclusion of a 16-month Priority Support Plan (PSP), initiated in February 2021 by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and African Parks, to provide technical and financial support for Kafue. Funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund grant, and supported by The Nature Conservancy and the Elephant Crisis Fund, the PSP has been central to concluding this momentous full-term mandate.
Speaking during the event in Lusaka, Zambia Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga stated, “Following nearly two decades of collaborating with African Parks, the Government of Zambia is confident that this partnership will protect Kafue’s valuable landscape for the benefit of the country. This is a new and exciting chapter for Kafue National Park and we look forward to the socio-economic development and other opportunities that come from expanding sustainable tourism through effective park and wildlife management. We also greatly appreciate the support provided by the Dutch Postcode Lottery for this project.”
Through the PSP, African Parks has laid the foundation for the ongoing development and management of Kafue. During this period US$3.6 million was invested into park infrastructure and operations, including: the construction of a new law enforcement centre; rehabilitation of existing infrastructure at Chunga and Ngoma; grading of 2000 km of roads; aerial support to law enforcement operations with both helicopter and fixed wing; completion of an aerial census for the entire landscape; and the creation of 150 permanent jobs. It also included US$800 000 in law enforcement salaries, which were reimbursed to the Government of Zambia.
The new agreement provides a full mandate to implement a holistic management plan, including a continuation of the work set out in the PSP. Priorities for 2022 include further upgrades of roads to improve visitor access, development of community facilities and projects, an upgraded communications network and the operationalisation of the state-of-the-art law enforcement centre.
African Parks’ CEO, Peter Fearnhead said: “Through the conclusion of this management partnership, the Zambian Government sets in motion the process to fully restore Kafue as one of Africa’s greatest conservation areas. In addition to investing in Kafue’s exceptional landscape and the conservation of its biodiversity, it also enhances Kafue’s value for communities and its economic contribution to the country.”
Spanning 22,400 km2, Kafue National Park is situated in the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA TFCA), which straddles five countries - Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The park is amongst the world’s most important natural heritage sites and an essential water source for the region. One of the last vast expanses of the iconic Zambezian ecoregion, and home to elephant, large predators, 21 species of antelope and 515 bird species, Kafue holds potential to become one of Africa’s most exceptional tourist destinations.
The Government of Zambia first partnered with African Parks in 2003 in Liuwa Plain National Park and subsequently in 2008 in Bangweulu Wetlands. Kafue National Park is the 20th park to join African Parks’ portfolio.
This is made possible by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund grant, a 16.9 million Euro contribution awarded to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Peace Parks Foundation and African Parks to assist KAZA partner states in securing the TFCA through integrated initiatives. The long-term mandate will continue to be supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund.
“The Beginning of a New Era for Travel from Lusaka!”
Airport Suppliers, February 10, 2022
National Aviation Services (NAS) and NAC2000 Corporation launched their Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia on Tuesday. The lounge located at the new terminal is part of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited’s (ZACL) efforts to upgrade international airports in the country. Last June, ZACL awarded a five-year tender to NAS and NAC2000 to build and operate an exclusive departure lounge catering to passengers travelling out from Lusaka. The 588 square meter Pearl Lounge includes comfortable seating, food and beverages, free Wi-Fi access as well as a children’s play area among other facilities.
A number of dignitaries including Mr. Frederick Mwalusaka, Zambian Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr. Gabriel Lesa, Director General of Zambia Civil Aviation Authority and Ms. Maggie Banda, Acting MD of ZACL attended the launch event. In his speech at the opening, Mr. Mwalusaka said, “I would like to applaud this joint venture between NAS and NAC2000. This is a good example of local and foreign partnerships that create more quality products and services and employment opportunities in Zambia. It is the hope that such ventures within our new airport are the beginning of a new era for travel from Lusaka.”
All international flights out of Lusaka will fly from the new terminal at KKIA, which opened in August 2021. This includes leading international airlines including Air France – KLM in partnership with Kenya Airways, Airlink, Air Tanzania, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Proflight Zambia, Qatar, Rwanda Air and South African Airlines. Zambia Airways, the recently relaunched national carrier is operating from this airport and other airlines are also expected to open routes into Zambia.
Guy Michel Yazbek, Group Director, Lounges & Meet and Assist Services at NAS highlighted “We are excited to be working with the ZACL and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics in Zambia. The launch of our new Pearl Lounge is significant. Not only because it is located at the largest airport in Zambia but also because we won this tender in the middle of a global pandemic when the aviation industry was on a downturn. The KKIA airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights and the new lounge is the perfect space for passengers to relax and unwind or catch up on last minute work before they fly. We would like to take this opportunity to thank ZACL for the confidence and trust invested in the NAS and NAC2000 partnership. We also would like to emphasize on NAS’ commitment to Zambia and our willingness to expand our participation in the Zambian aviation industry.”
National Aviation Services (NAS), a leading airport services provider in emerging markets partners with NAC2000 Corporation, a key ground services company in Zambia to operate this Pearl Lounge. The new Pearl Lounge is one of over 50 lounges operated by NAS across its network in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. NAS’s extended portfolio of services includes comprehensive ground handling, cargo management, technology solutions and training among others, currently serving over 100 airline customers across more than 60 airports.
Jonathan Lewis, Managing Director of NAC2000 Corporation added, “We as NAC2000 are honored to share participation in this joint venture with NAS and to work with ZACL to deliver world class lounge service and hospitality through the Pearl Lounge at the new terminal facility at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.”
NAC2000 Corporation, a Zambian company serves all the international airports supporting airlines as well as ad hoc operators for the last 20 years. It is the only ISAGO registered and certified ground services provider in Zambia and offers warehousing, and cold storage while continuing to evolve and become an industry leader in the service of support logistics relating to the movement of cargo and passengers.
Kazungula Bridge: Elevating Africa to World-Class Status
Zinhle, who has been travelling to Zambia by road for the last eight years, recalls her experience of crossing the Zambezi River from Botswana to the Zambian border on a pontoon as ‘agonising’. But, like many other travellers, the opening of the new state-of-the-art Kazungula Bridge in May 2021, has given Zinhle high hopes and a sense of pride for African countries.
Life before Kazungula Bridge
Eight years ago when I first travelled to Zambia by road, I used a pontoon to cross the Zambezi River, from Botswana to the Zambian border.
The pontoon was nothing more than a slab of steel used to ferry people and vehicles across the river. It felt like an adventure, but once was enough. I have travelled on that route several times since then and sharing the old rusty slab with trucks made the experience agonising.
In 2019, I witnessed the construction of the Kazungula Bridge; a partnership between Botswana and Zambia.
Two years later, with bated breath, I embarked on the trip again. I had heard that the bridge had started operating and that it had officially opened about six months earlier (May 2021). The yearning made the 16-hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa to the Zambia-Botswana border seem longer than usual.
The state-of-the-art engineering of the bridge exceeded even my wildest expectations. It is a feast for the eyes.
Elevating Africa to World-Class Status
I beamed with pride at the testament of what African countries could achieve if they worked together. I imagined how similar feats across the continent could elevate Africa to world-class status.
The partnership between Botswana and Zambia also includes one immigration stop in a shared building.
With Zimbabwe rumoured to be coming on board, the bridge joining the three countries and the quick and efficient immigration protocols from a central location promise a melting pot of tourism extravaganza.
On the Botswana side, about 10 kilometres from the bridge, there is Kasane; a town rich with wildlife. Across the Zambezi River about 70 kilometres from the border, the tourist town of Livingstone in Zambia, boasts arguably Africa’s most prestigious attraction, the Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), popularly known as the Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls stretches across to Victoria Falls Town in neighbouring Zimbabwe; less than 20 kilometres from Livingstone.
I cannot even begin to fathom the endless possibilities brought about by the bridge: the transformation of the sleepy Kazungula town into a vibrant getaway, the economic boom, job creation opportunities, quick and efficient delivery of goods between countries and a window to the rest of Africa.
You could have breakfast on a boat cruise in Zambia, a tour of the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and an afternoon game drive in Botswana, all in one day.
Before the bridge, a pontoon ferried people and vehicles across the Zambezi River. Image by Maxime Mugabe
A recent picture of the Victoria Falls in Zambia, by Maxime Mugabe
Working Together
When countries work together, the possibilities are endless. The construction of the Kazungula Bridge is a testament to that. Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are well-positioned to become Africa’s tourism hub.
I remain optimistic that Namibia, the missing puzzle of the quadripoint will come to the party.
Words by Zinhle Mugabe
“We Are #ReadyForTakeOff”, Zambia Airways
Today, (1 December 2021) Zambia Airways will return to the skies with its first flight to Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Ndola and a second flight to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.
The commencement of the airline’s operations comes as great news to the tourism industry, while Zambia Airlines welcomes the public to join as they take to the skies on their inaugural flight!
Tickets can be booked via zambia-airways.com