Land-locked Zambia shares its borders with eight other African countries, yet it remains a remote place with untamed wilderness areas, tranquil scenery and friendly, easy-going people. There are natural wonders such as the majestic Victoria Falls, which it shares with neighbouring Zimbabwe; the serene Zambezi River; and great national parks brimming with masses of wildlife. Zambia’s remoteness has preserved the strong culture of its people, who still observe ancient tradition ceremonies.

May to August when the weather is cool and dry

Heading out to the Zimbabwe boarder to Victoria Falls-don’t forget your raincoat Bungee jumping off the Zambezi bridge Paddling down the tranquil Zambezi River past yawning hippopotami and getting great views of the riverside wildlife Playing a round of golf at Ndola in the Copperbelt district Driving out to the Salvation Army-run hospital in Chikankata to see the amazing work being done in the community

Read the collection of home-grown short stories in A Point of No Return by Fawanyanga Mulikita or writer-politician Dominic Mulaisho’s The Tongue of the Dumb and The Smoke That Thunders

Listen to Zambiance, or for a more traditional collection try Sounds or Zambia

Eat nshima (dough made from maize), chibwabwa (pumpkin leaves), inkoko (cooked chicken) and fungo (wild plum-like fruit)

Drink chai (tea),chibuku (local beer) and stick to amenshi yakunwa (drinking water)

Muli shani (‘hello’ in Bemba)

The might Zambezi; amazing Victoria Falls; wildlife parks; religious outposts; the lovely, smiling Zambian people

For a country that has gone through so much upheaval during the last century the Zambian people have kept a strong sense of pride in both themselves and their country; these people are very friendly and offer hospitality beyond your expectations

Zambia caters well for all types of visitors, from hardened shoestringers to high rolling tourists seeking total exclusivity. You can camp, stay in simple guesthouses or hide away in luxury lodges.

Africa should not come gift-wrapped, and for many that is Zambia’s real attraction. Lf you like your wilderness neatly bundled, then much of Zambia may not appeal, however if you enjoy a raw edge, Zambia could just be the place you’re looking for.