Zambia, Botswana & Rwanda Holidays
With 18 waterfalls, including the magnificent Victoria Falls, and five lakes, Zambia has the largest water resource in southern Africa. With eight main national parks, wildlife is abundant, whilst there are still many remote, undeveloped areas giving visitors a rare glimpse into traditional African life.

Whilst once reliant on diamond mining and beef export for its economy, Botswana has since discovered tourism. There are three national parks, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve being the second largest game reserve in the world, covering almost 53,000 km².

Once renowned for its political and bloody battles, Rwanda, over the last fifteen years is now enjoying the attention of tourists, who flock to the country to see its wild mountain gorillas, volcanoes and waterfalls.

Weather
The summer months in this region run from October to April, with temperatures reaching anywhere from 25 to 50 degrees, depending on the altitude. Storms are common in the afternoon and evenings remain pleasantly warm. November-March is the rainy season.

In winter (May-September), the days remain warm, usually measuring between 20-25 degrees, although it can feel considerably colder in the evenings, sometimes even dipping down to zero.
By Day
With so much sightseeing to do, there will never be a lack of things to do in this region of Africa. Safaris, walking tours, mountain hiking, white water rafting and village visits will take up most of your time, although you should always put aside a few hours each day – and simply relax and soak up Africa’s beautiful tropical sun.By Night
Night time and game viewing expeditions are regularly organised throughout the area, although the more lively hotels and resorts do entertain their guests with traditional singing, dancing, music and acrobatics. Many visitors, however, simply choose to watch the beautiful African sunset, sipping a glass of wine and relaxing.Top Attractions
• Victoria Falls, Zambia – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – one of the most concentrated areas of wildlife in Africa
• Kalahari Desert, Botswana – covering around 900,000 square metres and containing several wildlife reserves
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana – dedicated to saving the rhino but also home to many different species of wildlife
• Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Centre, Rwanda – although now a ruin, the centre was made famous in the film “Gorillas in the Mist”
• Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda – the largest forest in central Africa, has thirteen species of monkey
Events
Kwanga Festival (Oct), Lwiinde Ceremony (Feb), Maitisong Festival (Apr), Flamingo Migration (Mar-Jun)Local Flavours
The national food in Zambia is nshima, a dish made from maize and corn and served with grilled meat – even mice, which are served to special guests! Chinaka, a sausage dish is also a traditional delicacy. In the north of the country, caterpillars and grasshoppers are commonly used in recipes, although thankfully, resorts provide delicious meals more appetising to the European tourist!

In Botswana, vegetables play a large part in cooking, as does fresh fruit, fish and rice. Dishes tend to take the form of soups or salads.

Finally, in Rwanda, meals are based on fresh fruit, pulses, sweet potatoes and porridge. Families in rural areas rarely eat meat, although beef and chicken are eaten more often in urban areas.
Size & Location
The country of Zambia, in South Africa, covers over 290,000 square miles. It is completely landlocked, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.

Botswana spans over 224,000 square miles, with around 70% of the country being taken up by the Kalahari desert. It is bordered by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, meeting Zambia at a single point.

Rwanda , although relatively small, barely covering 10,000 square miles, has the densest population in Africa, being home to almost ten million people. It is situated to the north of Zambia in the Great Lakes region of central Africa and is bordered by Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.