Tourism Development in Zambia

Zambia is recognized internationally as a leading destination for outdoor and safari tourism, boasting dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. However, there is still plenty of development ahead in order for our country to achieve its full potential.

I was the Chairman of the Luangwa Safaris Association (LSA) for more than ten years and was lucky enough to be involved in discussions at a national level for the development of the Zambian tourism industry. Some of the key areas for additional development that have been identified include expansion of infrastructure, and diversification of accommodation offerings.

Over 30% of Zambia’s land is designated as either national parks or game management areas (GMAs). We are blessed with several major river systems, and around 40% of sub-Saharan Africa’s water rises in Zambia spawning waterfalls galore, among them the famous Victoria Falls. The result is an astonishing landscape and a rich habitat for some of the world’s most endangered wildlife species. We have large areas of intact forest and a number of welcoming local villages that promote cultural tourism experiences to compliment the nature-based tourism for which we are famous. However, Zambia is a large country with significant distances between some of its well-known attractions. The limited infrastructure creates some challenges for visitors who wish to take full advantage of what our country has to offer.

Zambia has a reputation (I would say an unfair one) for being an expensive destination. However, on a like for like basis, our mid- to upper-range products offer great value for the money. If you wanted to stay at a camp in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania or even Zimbabwe of equal quality to camps

View from the skies above the Lower Zambezi National Park

By: Adrian Coley – Flatdogs Camp Photos: Andrew Muswala Photography

in Zambia, you would pay significantly more. In fact, Flatdogs Camp in the South Luangwa National Park (SNLP) just won the “Best Value Safari Property in Africa” at the 2017 London Safari Awards.

We do need to improve our offerings for the lower-end of the market. Areas of parks that currently have very little or no development would benefit from the addition of affordable hotels that would add to the diversity of available lodging. There are prime opportunities in parts of the Kafue National Park (KNP) and SNLP, for example, that are not currently attractive to investors due to lack of infrastructure, low wildlife numbers, and the high start-up costs. But given the proper incentives, these areas could be developed into prime wildlife destinations. They would also add value to neighboring attractions. For example, an established camp in the northern section of the SNLP could attract visitors to other northern-circuit sites such as Lake Tanganyika, Kasanka National Park, and Bangweulu.

This new level of infrastructure could also provide protection to local habitats currently under threat, as owners will naturally want to take part in the conservation of the areas that they are promoting. By partnering with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in this effort, more of the beautiful Zambian landscape can be developed, maintained and preserved for eco-friendly tourism.

As existing investors, we understand that additional planned developments are beneficial to our country. When properly planned and executed, this kind of expansion generates jobs in the local economy, heightened awareness of the importance of conservation, and creates an opportunity for even more visitors to enjoy the spectacular natural resources that Zambia has to offer.