Zambia Safari & 100 Birthday Memorial

Today July 29, 2005 is the 100th birthday of Dr Dag Hammarskjoed, the late Secretary General of the United Nations who died in a plane crash on September 18, 1961 near Ndola in Zambia. He was on a peace mission to resolve a civil conflict that had just broken out in a newly independent (1961) African country, the Belgium Congo, now D R Congo.

A 67 year old Margaret Ngulube of Twapia Township, a suburb of Ndola and near the crash site recalled recently, “It was a terrible experience. I saw a ball of fire in the sky and later heard a loud bang.” She was 23 years old in September 1961. She said no one was allowed to go to the site of the crash until the following morning.

“We found bodies mutilated. Only the body of Dag Hammrskjoeld and that of another colleague were intact. The rest were in peaces,” she said while remembering the tragic accident. Records show that Hammarskjoeld body was found in a sitting position on a small anthill. To day a small monument marks that spot on the anthill.

The Dag Hammarskjoeld Crash Site now hosts a museum and a community school. The site is located in a pine forest. The area is supplied with electricity and every year in September annual commemorations of his death are held. Officials of the United Nation Systems and the Zambian government hold speeches on world peace and the purpose of the United Nations.

In 1986 the Zambian government demolished the Dag Hammarskjoeld Stadium. It was to be replaced by a modern one for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament that was to be held in Zambia in 1988. The former site was in the suburb of Itawa. Now plans are afoot to rebuild a new and modern stadium with a shopping mall at the crash site where there is ample space. This will support Zambia safari.

Hammarskjoeld was born 100 years ago of Hjalmar Hammarskjoeld, Prime Minister of Sweden during the World-War-I years and his wife Agnes. He was born in Jenkoping south-central Sweden. Hammarskjoeld was awarded a degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1930. And in 1933 he gained his ph D degree from the University of Stockholm the university that later made him an assistant professor. 100 years celebration is also part of the “Visit Zambia 2005” campaign.


Dr Hammarskjoeld was elected United Nations Secretary General on April 7, 1953 and unanimously re-elected for a further five years in September 1857. He died in that fateful plane crash in September 1961 one year shy of the end of his second term as secretary general. Had he lived he would have been 100 years old today!

Zambia Safari Graces Mutomboko Ceremony

This Friday, July 30 2005 signals the start of the Umtomboko Ceremony. And Zambia safari will be at hand to give homage to senior Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people. The chief will lead his people in celebrating this year’s Mutomboko at his Royal Palace, at Mwansabombwe village and Zambia’s largest village…

Already the Lundas are fired up and geared to start the traditional songs and dances. Well, lets not forget to mention the eating of that tasty, traditional chicken and of course the fish. Why “Mutomboko” and the fish? Most of the Luapula Province lies along a river valley of the same name (Luapula River). The river drains the Lake Bangweulu Africa’s tenth largest wetland and home to the endemic black lechwe.

But about the fish taste; one Lunda friend of mine told me once that he could eat fish every day of the week so long the dish is “concocted” differently every time.

But I digress…

Right now scores of Lunda people are preparing enthusiastically for the ceremony…and they get very excited by now. It’s as if it never happens every year.

And what is it all about “Mutomboko”? It’s significance? The ceremony is an annual celebration to remember the victories of Chief Mwata Kazembe when his great kingdom migrated en masse into Luapula Province of Zambia. He probably was under pursuit from the present day D R Congo in the second half of the 19th century.

On the day of the ceremony and this year it will be at the weekend, the chief gets dressed in a colourful long dress. He’s carried on a special chair attached to two poles. It is tastefully designed with royal colours. Men are specially chosen to carry the chief into the main arena. And the crowd, expectant and primed for the ceremony, will be waiting.

At the main arena His Royal Highness Chief Mwata Kazembe dressed in bright blue, white and red colours will gracefully rise from the royal chair after it’s been put on the ground. Then he will start his royal dance. His dancing around the arena will be followed by the booming sound of a muzzleloader gun. On the other side young dancing girls in blue skirts and white blouses busy ‘doing their thing,’ …dancing gracefully. This will be after many days of training in dancing the Lunda way...

Mutumboko is one of Zambia’s major traditional ceremonies.

“Likumbi Lya Mize” a Zambian Safari

Livingstone, Zambia’s tourist capital shall this year hold a special mini Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony in support of the "Visit Zambia 2005" campaign. The mini ceremony will be held at the "Mize" grounds on Linda-Maramba road in Livingstone from August 5th to 7th, 2005. Traditions and the people make ecotourism sustainable. And so support Zambia safari.

The Luvale people of Chief Ndungu are from Zambezi town located on the banks of Zambezi River in North Western Province. They celebrate "Likumbi Lya Mize" annually during the last weekend of August. This year’s annual ceremony is scheduled as usual at end of August.

His Royal Highness Chief Ndungu will himself travel to Livingstone to grace this occasion. And the funfair will reach its climax at his attendance. It’s the dancers and traditional wear that make it all colourful and unforgettable

The traditional ceremony is held to appreciate themselves as Luvale people and to recognize themselves as a people. While having fun and enjoying the moment "Likumbi Lya Mize" also promotes Zambian tourism.

Sun International Vouches for Zambian Tourism

Russell Binks now general manager for Sun International Hotels in Zambia harbours great plans. To support the country become an international tourism destination. Speaking at the Royal Livingstone after taking his new appointment Binks said Zambia had all the required resources, such as the recipe and the location that would ensure improvement in the tourism sector.

Now, that’s one big statement of fact. The improvement is that of Zambia’s safari and its ecotourism. That’s because Zambians are friendly and always exhibit the warm African welcome. They constitute the peace haven (no war has taken place here) and continue to host refuges from countries in civil strive. It’s a tradition of Zambia and you’ll be well looked after in the same way.

It’s no wonder Russell Binks has only superlatives for the future of Zambia safari, “What you have in this country is absolutely phenomenal in terms of beauty, in terms of scenery, in terms of the activities and there is so much potential... The Zambian staff are very enthusiastic and friendly and I am excited...to enhance their development.”

But then that’s what the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has already recognized about Zambia. That it’s the No 1 emerging African tourism destination.

Sun International Hotels can vouch for it. In April 2001 they opened their newest hotel resort at Victoria Falls in Zambia. Two brand new hotels, one the Zambezi Sun a three star hotel with modern conference facilities only a few metres from the Victoria Falls, the other the Royal Livingstone, a five star luxury on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Zambia Commercial Show for Zambia Safari

At the end of July Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city, will hold the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Society (ZACS) show. The Society chairman Kenneth Chibesakunda recently announced. This is Zambia’s 'finale' of all commercial shows in the year. The Mining and Agriculture show was held in Kitwe on the Copperbelt in May and the International Trade fair in Ndola in July. Other towns have already held theirs too.

The Lusaka show is a one stop commercial window for various Zambian products, traditional dances and modern Zambian music. That’s one BIG Zambia safari in a few days. Present will be Zambian traditional dancers including those from neighbouring countries.

Chairman of Agriculture Museum Rene Lourens announced a special event: a show within a show of old tractors since the 1930’s. The museum depicts technological advance and development in agriculture machinery. But vintage cars will not be left out. Old cars rehabilitated to their old décor will be on display too.

The Show will run from July 28 to August 1st, 2005 and all roads will lead to Lusaka!

During the show days the main arena will host traditional dances and all sorts of spots such as horse racing, parachute jumping, calisthenics, war games, motorcross races, animal husbandry shows, polo sports, etc.

And the real purpose: trading, entertainment and educating... It is Zambia’s showpiece.

Livingstone City ‘Rehabs’ for Zambia Safari

The Livingstone City has geared up to support Zambia safari. The civic ‘fathers’ have contracted J.J Lowe a construction company to start rehabilitation works in Livingstone. Town Clerk George Kalenga and the ministry of Local Government and Housing have confirmed this.

But why Livingstone? …Because Livingstone city is Zambia’s tourist capital and the campaign "Visit Zambia 2005" focuses on the town.

The rehabilitation programme, which is financed by the World Bank Support to Economic Expansion and Diversification (SEED), will cover extensive overhaul of the infrastructure to accommodate the expected expansion of business in the tourist capital. And the international arrivals (tourists) too!

The rehabilitation works will involve constructing new public lavatories, overhauling the sewerage and the drainage systems, providing new equipment for museums, rehabilitating the tourism centre, Mukuni Park, training of curio (artifact) dealers, etc. This will add a new face to the city.

Other works on the cards are total resurfacing and the applying of asphalt on roads, repairing bridges and relocating the taxi ranks in order to decongest the town’s central business district. And the municipal council will receive a new grader too, for on going repair works.

By next year, said George Kalenga, the town will have new roads to support the promotion and marketing of Zambian tourism and to receive visitors.

Zambia Safari at Japan Expo 2005

Zambia Safari attended its national week through trade and culture at the bi-annual Expo 2005 in Haichi, Japan. Zambia’s participation was to showcase her potential in tourism, trade and culture. The Zambian delegation used the Expo 2005 in Japan to enhance the Visit Zambia 2005 campaign.

The Zambian Local Government and Housing Minister, Sylvia Masebo and the Okasaki Mayor Justina Wake were expected to attend a luncheon to mark the twinning of Zambia’s Lusaka and the Japanese city of Okasaki.

The Zambian delegation was also expected to hold a business forum dubbed the "Zambia Business Seminar" to discuss trade between the two cities as well as between Japan and Zambia.

Meanwhile the Zambia National Dancing Troupe who were part of the Zambian delegation sent Japanese fans agog with their dance antics and songs during the Zambia national week.

Thousands of Japanese audience could not hide their excitement as they watched dances and listened to songs by the Zambian dancing troupe at the African arena. The Vimbuza and the Nyau dances which are part of Zambia’s traditional ceremonies moved the crowds into the dance floor.

The Japanese now know what Africa’s best kept secret is…Zambia safari!!

Zambian Managers Boosts Zambia Safari

Sun International has confirmed 19 senior positions previous held by expatriates to Zambian professionals. Boris Borman Sun International general manger said recently. …And the company has turned into a truly Zambian entity. He said, "…This is in recognition of the competence level of the Zambian staff." That’s one more Zambia safari enterprise run by Zambians!

Some of the positions taken up by Zambians are Sales and Marketing Manager, Public Relations Manger, Human Resources Manager, etc. So the US $ 200,000 budget Sun International has set aside for community development will be run by Zambians. Now it’s Sun International for Zambia safari…

Meanwhile Sun International has opened offices in China, Scandinavian, Russia and India. That will boost tourist arrivals from Europe and Asia for Zambian tourism.

Umtomboko Ceremony and Zambia Safari

Umtomboko Ceremony takes place during the month of July at Mwansabombwe, Zambia’s largest village. The time for the ceremony is drawing close and all are in celebrative mood. Chief Mwata Kazembe the senior chief of the Lunda people will lead the Umtomboka Ceremony. This ceremony is one of Zambia’s well known traditional ceremonies besides the Ku-omboka (February/March) of the Lozi people and Nc’wala (end February) of the Ngoni people.

This year’s ceremony will take place in the last weekend of July 2005. Already there have been and continue to be fund raising activities in order to support the traditional ceremony. Scores of Lunda people are preparing enthusiastically for the ceremony.

What does it signify? The ceremony is an annual celebration to remember the victories of Chief Mwata Kazembe when his great kingdom migrated en masse into Luapula Province of Zambia from the D R Congo in the 19th century. The chief gets dressed in colourful long dress. Blue, white and red colours are prominent. Young dancing girls will be in blue skirts and white blouses. Chief Kazembe dances around the arena followed by the booming sound of a muzzleloader gun.

Before the dance at the main arena the people follow the Chief when he visits sacred places for prayers. Then he pays homage to ancestral spirits at a sacred river. Women bring cooked / braaied (barbequed) meat and chicken to the chief. He throws the food into the water to feed the spirits. Young boys have a field day! They jump into the water to collect the food. The smartest come up with the bounty ...and that’s part of the fun.

The celebrations include drinking locally brewed beer, eating traditional food, traditional dancing, and merry making of all sorts. The ceremony is a crowd puller as it’s one of the more popular traditional ceremonies in the Zambia safari calender. Visitors are welcome to 'join in'.

Procession of Largest Traditional Burial Starts

The traditional burial procession of the late paramount chief of the Bemba people in Zambia started on July 15, 2005. Mutale N’gandu Chitimukulu Chitapankwa II died 12 months ago and as per tradition his body lay in state for the whole one year. After his death (one year ago) the chief’s body was embalmed and then wrapped in a skin of a bull.

A special right time is awaited and chosen for the burial... and that’s now!

Specially chosen pallbearers called ‘ba Shichingo’ carry the chief’s remains using a secret route in the dead of the night. The procession travels only at night to avoid meeting people. It is believed that people met by the procession get ‘killed.’ That's why the pallbearers have special points on the route to rest during the day.

The largest burial procession left the chiefs palace near the town of Kasama and will travel to the royal chiefs’ burial grounds at Mwalule in Chinsala district, over 100 kms away.

As traditional dictates the Bemba people, the largest tribe in Zambia have survived the past one year without a leader. There has been only an acting one as no replacement can be considered until the burial of the late paramount chief, ie one year later!

African Queen and Zambia Safari Boat

The African Queen is a special boat that plies the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. It’s a boat with inbuilt luxury and majesty. The African Queen Cruise Company launched it on May 7, 2001. When in Livingstone you may choose to have the time of your life. Take a cruise ride on the African Queen. Dinner with cool drinks and accompanying music… and of course, stargazing is quite popular. It’s plain sailing in luxury.

This year on May 7 the African Queen Cruise Company celebrated the fourth anniversary of the African Queen’s launch. On hand to honour this was the boat’s patron Her Royal Highness Anna Siloka I Bedyango XVIII. HRM is the chief priestess of the Toka-Leya who live near the Victoria Falls locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” the smoke that thunders.

Bedyango exercises a high ritual influence on the land of Toka-Leya. She performs rituals to avert disaster during wars, drought or epidemic. She officiates during births, marriages and deaths. Bedyango has a final say on the choice of a new chief. Talk of absolute power!

Other functions Bedyango does are the blessing of participants at the Lwiindi Traditional Ceremony of Chief Mukuni of the Toka-Leya. This takes place in January every year.

During the celebrations locally brewed beers and lagers are drunk. "Mosi Lager” is the most popular. There are a few other Zambian brands but all lagers are named after important ’things’. "Mosi" is short for "Mosi-oa-Tunya" and "Rhino Larger" is named after that endangered mammal species, the rhinoceros. "Eagle Lager" after the African fish eagle which is the country’s national emblem.

The safari luxury boat, the African Queen, is named after her and she blesses it every year on its anniversary. And guess what? The general manager of African Queen Cruise Company, Daan Brink, gets his blessing too during the anniversary cerebrations.

Zambia Safari and 3rd Zambezi Power Station

The Zambezi River has been harnessed for electricity at two points. At Kariba Dam in Zambia and at Cabora Bassa in Mozambique. Both hydropower stations are in Lower Zambezi. Now Zengamina hydroelectricity power station is under construction on the Upper Zambezi near the town of Mwinilunga.

The site of the power station is at the Zambezi rapids locally called "Mpola Yamusangala". The Zambezi passes through these rapids just before it enters Angola.

Work to install two turbines and two generators started last year. The construction of the canal that will divert water to the turbines is progressing well. Mwinilunga Ventures Limited project manager Ezron Yosa confirmed that the power supply will cover the town and public institutions such as Kaleni Mission Hospital and schools: Ikelenge, Sakezhi and Kaleni.

Kaleni Hills is near the source of the Zambezi River and Mwinilunga town will finally enjoy electricity from their own river. Zambia safari will also benefit from the electricity that visitors will enjoy at the Zambezi River Source camping site.

Zambia Safari’s Newest Game Park

The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) is to establish a new national park near Lusaka. This park will be in Shantumbu area only minutes south of Lusaka. So far work of setting up the latest game sanctuary is progressing well, Hapenga Kabeta director general of ZAWA recently announced.

The planned Lusaka National Park is on 6,000 hectares of land donated by a local chief. In Zambia about 90% of land is under the jurisdiction of chiefs. The traditional royal highnesses on whom birth bestows the leadership weld real power, that of ownership of land. …And who doesn’t know any conflict caused by land disputes?

Shantumbu has no natural rivers, so ZAWA has planned to drill boreholes to supply water to wildlife. In part ZAWA is inviting investors in hospitality business to construct lodges. This latest park will be just minutes from Lusaka so it will attract lots of people.

ZAWA will manage the wildlife and provide protection from poachers who kill animals without authority. Armed Game Guides will be on hand 24 hours 7 days a week (24/7). ZAWA is looking at the Quasi-Government / Private sector arrangements to manage the said park.

The park will also be used as a sanctuary for orphaned wildlife so that they could be helped to re-start their life on a better footing. That will enhance Zambian tourism.

A Kudu for Zambia Wildlife Authority

Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has recorded the first birth of a black rhino calf in the North Luangwa National Park. Two years ago the black rhino species was re-introduction in the park following its demise from poaching. The rhino was literally extinct!

The re-introduction of the black rhino in the park was a joint operation between the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) through the North Luangwa Conservative Project (NLCP).

ZAWA public relations officer Maureen Mwape said the birth of a black rhino calf was the first in the last 20 years, since poaching made the rhinos extinct like the Dodo in the 1980s. Rhinos have been pursued to their death due to the international demands for rhino horns for ornamental dagger handles and medicine. Both are just a fraud and greed of man.

ZAWA director general Hapenga Kabeta enthused that, "the birth of the calf in Zambia is a signal that the Authority's efforts to re-introduce the animals in the park are finally bearing fruits." He said this programme to increase the breeding population of the endangered large mammals is on going.

The North Luangwa Conservation Project, the ZAWA and the FSZ, have been working together for the past two decades to improve security in order to re-introduce rhinos.

The baby rhino and its parents are protected within the electrified fence of the park's rhino sanctuary. ZAWA has now the best anti-poaching field forces in the North Luangwa National Park. The North Luangwa is a lot more wild than the southern neighbour the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier game reserve.

Now Government Supports Zambia Safari

The government of Zambia recently held a meeting with all stakeholders in tourism to audit the 'Visit Zambia 2005' campaign. They agreed on the need for strong private/public sector partnership in Zambian tourism promotion.

Present were Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB), Zambia Police, Immigration Depart, Zambian Airways, Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), among others. ZSIC who sponsored the consultation launched the their Tour Pack a credible insurance cover for travellers and operators alike.

Patrick Kalifungwa, Zambian minister of tourism, environment and natural resources said that in order to encourage further investment in the tourism sector the government has put in place the following measures:

• Visa waivers,
  
• Tax zero rating on accommodation facilities in Livingstone,
  
• Zoning of areas for potential tourism investment,
  
• Pursuing more focused marketing activities,
  
• and formulating the hospitality bill to improve the tourism sector.

ZNTB managing director Charity Lumpa said the visit 'Zambia 2005' campaign has recorded remarkable and increased publicity in source markets. The FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa offers the best opportunity for Zambian tourism to market its safaris.

Zambian Airways managing director McDonald believes Zambian should be proud of having the Victoria Falls, which has put the country on the world map of tourism. Zambia is not a stereotype, neither is it America nor Europe. It is its country’s unique pristine wilderness, the wildlife, the landscape, and the whole natural state that must be marketed. He said Zambia had the most polite immigration officers compared to most western countries.

Zambia Police Service director for community service Susan Malundu said the service has created a tourism police to protect tourists and their property and to provide information on crime awareness in the country.

Jo'burg-Livingstone Boosts Zambia Safari

Last weekend the South African Airways (SAA) launched its direct flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone. SAA will use Airbus 319 to service this route. The shuttle flights, and it’s a short hop really, will be three times a week. By the way, Livingstone is the capital of Zambian tourism and it’s the southern Africa Adventure Centre.

The launch was on Saturday July 2. SAA officials said they had decided to connect Johannesburg to Livingstone because of the increased tourist travels that Zambia safaris continue to attract. Livingstone is home of the Victoria Falls the flagship of Zambian tourism. But then Zambians are renowned world-class as happy welcoming souls. That’s what makes Zambia as a destination become so popular!

...And Sun International Hotel public relations office Joy Chimba was happy that the hotel resort would take a piece of the ‘safari pie’ ie take care of the visitors’ needs including their accommodation and their palate. Wow!

Livingstone Tourism Association chairman Nicholas Katenekwa described the development as good. The flights will have a positive impact on Zambian tourism. Just imagine what a boost this is to Zambia safari.

Hey...and accommodation must now rise to the challenge ie meet the needs of the happy visitors. Would you like to add the extra magnificent lodgings and sumptuous meals to match the expected increase in visitors to Zambia safari? Why not take this challenge while the competition is still in its infancy? Tourism opportunities are still going begging!

Women in Tourism and Zambia Safari

The Association for Women in Tourism (AWIT) is to set up a "tourism cultural village" on the shores of Lake Bangweulu in the town of Samfya Chris Chilongo executive director for AWIT has said. That is the Zambian women now ‘dig into’ the Zambia safari.

You see, Bangweulu in Luapula Province is the home of the colourful Umtomboko Traditional Ceremony of the Lunda people. The traditional ceremony is due to take place some time in July. But then no fixed date has been picked yet. The chief chooses the date based on traditional beliefs and the times. Call it "sniffing in the air," looking at the weather or watching the moon’s position… but the chief knows what to look for and it works all the time.

Lake Bangweulu is surrounded by the No 10 largest wetland in Africa and the largest in Zambia. Do you know the greatest surprise…? The sands on the beach of this inland natural lake are the whitest found in Zambia. As a result it’s a target for developers of safari lodges. And AWIT has acquired a piece of land from one of the chiefs near Lake Bangweulu to build a "tourism cultural village." Apart from the white sands the surrounding swamps are home to the endemic red lechwe that fill the flood plains.

Mr Chilongo said the Association for Women in Tourism plans to set up another tourism cultural village…a twin to be built in Chief Bundabunda’s area in Chongwe district. That’s about 60 kilometres east of Lusaka. Both tourism villages will showcase the local culture under the concept of community tourism.

The Chongwe village will be established at the Chinyunyu hot springs found in a small valley. The concept is a tourism village surrounded by lodges and tourist facilities. So investors are invited.

Are you game? There are many other tourism opportunities in Zambia.

Cultural tourism is different. It is not wildlife tourism which is common everywhere. Cultural tourism is as unique as the people themselves. And Zambian culture is unique and that is what the tourism villages will strive to provide visitors.

Japanese Film “Paradise” Supports Zambia Safari

Six Japanese filmmakers arrived in Livingstone to film a documentary on Zambia safari and tourism. Effectively the Japanese have joined the "Visit Zambia 2005" campaign.

Film producer and delegation leader Makoto Kawamura said his crew was making a film for a national-wide broadcast to the Japanese. The film will be called Marvellous View Paradise and will be aired on the biggest television network Tokyo Broadcasting Systems (TBS). The target: 15 million Japanese viewers during prime watching times.

Mr Kawamura said the programme would introduce some of the most beautiful sites from all over the world. And the Victoria Falls has been selected. As one of the world’s natural ‘beauties’ the waterfall will be introduced to the Japanese public through TBS Channel Six.

The Japanese film will include the five star Royal Livingstone Hotel because the world's celebrated Hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman and Arnold Schwarzenegger stayed there.

In the movie, the Japanese actor Naomasa Musaka visits the Victoria Falls, enjoys the wonderful view, is fascinated by the Zambia safari as Africa's great nature and captivated by the pure mind of local people who are living with nature in their traditional way. Musaka also enjoys the gorgeous facilities, delicious cuisine of charming hotel and meets other travellers.

This 20 minutes footage on the film "Marvellous View Paradise" will include shots from around Livingstone and from both sides of the Victoria Falls. The film will also include some of the adventure activities offered by the southern Africa Adventure Centre.

Zambia National Tourist Board Livingstone services manager Jocelyn Mutinta said, "We are happy that bigger markets such the Japanese and the Chinese were opening up…for more tourists and investors..." in Zambia safari.