Eastern Province
Zambia · Africa
About Eastern Province
The Luangwa Valley, largely covered by the Eastern Province of Zambia is, arguably, the least developed. Some say this is because it's simply the most inaccessible. However, the Luangwa Valley is notorious for failing to support former President Frederick Chiluba in either of his bids for office. Therefore, some interpret underdevelopment as a kind of punishment.
Nevertheless, Eastern Province retains one of Zambia's most precious resources — South Luangwa National Park. Possibly the best game park in Africa, South Luangwa boasts four of the Big Five (sorry, Zambia's only rhino are in Livingstone) coupled with extremely low tourist traffic (due, in large measure, to its inaccessibility). No other game park in Africa can match this combination.
Eastern Province travel guide
Getting there
By taxi Chipata is roughly 12 km from the border of Malawi along Lusaka Road. Taxis taken from the Malawian side can take you to Malawi customs, but you'll have to change once on the Zambian side.
See
Flatdogs Camp, South Luangwa National Park, Lupande Game Management Area (Follow main road from Mfuwe Airport and follow the signs). Campsite overlooking the Luangwa River within South Luangwa gamepark. You cannot approach on foot but you can get a lift. Has camping, chalets and a great bar and restaurant. They also provide game drives. Recommended.
Do
Tikondane Community Center: a community center run by and for the people in Katete. It has a community school and an adult education program. Tour the permaculture garden, take a weaving class, learn to play traditional drums, watch a traditional women's dance (interpretive dance/storytelling to teach young women coming of age) on Fridays
Eat
Nshima - staple food of the people of Zambia. Maize meal mad into a stiff kind of dough, much like polenta. It is eaten with vegetable, sauce and maybe meat. Groundnuts - peanuts! Very good. Kapenta - tiny dried fish, an acquired taste. Maheu or mageu - a type of drink made with maize, very sweet and calorific.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.