Where the sky meets the water -Lake Bangwelu,Zambia

Zambia is an amazingly beautiful country and world famous for 'Mosi-oa-Tunya 'or Victoria falls -one of the seven wonders of the natural world. But I am not going to talk about Victoria fall, which is already so famous that 80% of tourist come to visit it only. The rest will come for safari in the country’s National parks teeming with amazing wildlife. A very small number will explore the other attractions such as the one I am going to share here - Lake Bangwelu. In local Bemba language it means ‘where the sky meets the water ’

Lake Bangewalu can be accessed through road and honestly through a very bad, pot hole filled road ,more damaged after the almost 6 months long wet season. This lake is in such a remote part of Zambia that most travelers carry extra petrol, as filing station are far and few and the terrain is unpredictable especially in wet season. Also, forget about those friendly roadside restaurants you are used to- wise and informed tourist opt to carry their own food.

Then why would one choose this place you may ask? 

Well, every true blue blooded traveler dreams of finding a gem and introducing it to the world. Road is bad yes ,but what a breathtakingly beautiful scenery !One almost enjoys the snail pace of the car as one takes in the flora fauna all around .

The road passes through one of the Zambia’s national park - Bangweulu wetlands. This spectularly beautiful national park is inaccessible for almost 6 months during the wet season.

Did I crib about food ? Maybe I mislead you there.You will find the road side hawkers selling every sort of locally grown vegetables and fruit, sundried fish ,mushrooms and what not.

All you need is a camping ground with braai(barbeque stand), which is universally available .Don’t let the word camping deceive you into thinking that you have to rough it out. There will be a nice lawn to set your tent on, a nice patio to sit and interact with fellow travelers ,clean shower and toilet units .You will find a friendly caretaker or a gardener who for small charge will help you buy charcoal, light it up and even cook for you.

Coming back to Lake Bangweulu. It has an area of 15,000 sq km. Most of the land around the Lake is inhabitable due to its inhospitable terrain.

The town of Samfya is the only town around this lake other than the small fishing villages.

Yes, there are crocodiles in the lake but not spotted around the town. So visitors choose to row, kayak, fish, swim and indulge in other water sport activities. But honestly all on your own initiative. That is the beauty of this place. Hardly any commercial touristy activities. There are couple of hotels and lodges. These hotels and lodges may offer few trips on a speed boat but other that that choose your owo pleasure.

So what do any ordinary less prepared tourist do here? You enjoy walks on the beach, play in sand, play some sport on beach , take numerous dips in water, upteen selfies and silly pictures, have chilled beer enjoy ,enjoy snacks(that you wisely packed for this trip) and in general just feel all the stress flying away.

You thank your stars which brought you to such a place which is yet to be exploited and even start planning of settling in this heaven. Then you shake yourself out of your lovely day- dream and relish the local food or do barbeque on beach.

After couple of days of this idyllic heaven you drag yourself back. The silver line is that you are going to drive through the same pothole filled road with that amazing scenery.

Once back you find many people asking you about this gem.You feel proud to have visited some place so unique and now able to encourage others to go there.A trip stored forever in your photos and memories!