| Reviews and photos of Luapula Province attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Luapula Province sightseeing. Map |
 | Luapula Province Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 11 |  |
 Fine Sand at Samfya by Bwana_Brown
The sandy bottom of this shallow lake, whose name translates as 'place where the water meets the sky', means that it is not nearly as productive for fisheries as Lake Mweru. However, it is a great lake for anglers with plenty of Tigerfish equipped with a mouth full of teeth! The huge wetlands surrounding the lake have amazing concentrations of small antelopes, such as the Black Lechwe. As would be expected, Bangweulu is also a paradise for birdwatching with an abundance of many different types of water fowl.
Because of the extensive rain and flatness of the surrounding land, the water level can vary by 3-7 feet over the course of the year, resulting in a flood plain that expands and contracts by about 45 km. The local villagers have adapted to this cycle, moving in and out to eke out a living according to the rhythm of the floods.
Bangweulu's other claim to fame is the fact that the famous British explorer of Africa, Dr. David Livingstone, died here in 1873 as a result of dysentery. His African servants cut his heart out and buried it in Africa, at Chitambo on the shore of the lake, as he had requested and then sun-dried his body for the 9-month march to the Indian Ocean. From there, Livingstone was transported to England for burial in Westminster Abbey, almost a year after his death. Leave a Comment Directions: Southern part of Luapula Province
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 Palm Trees & Village Near the
Luapula River by Bwana_Brown
All of the water carried to Lake Mweru by the Luapula River empties out at the north end of the lake, flowing onward via more rivers into the Congo and eventually joining the mighty Congo River for it's final destination in the Atlantic Ocean. Leave a Comment Directions: The Zambia-Congo border leading into Lake Mweru for much of it's length
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 Preparing to Go Boating on
Lake Mweru by Bwana_Brown
Since my travelling companion was new to the country, my old fisheries officer buddy in Nchelenge arranged for a day-trip on Lake Mweru for us! It was good to see Sebastian again as a 'banana boat' was prepared for launch on our excursion!
This trip was mostly around the mouth of the Luapula River where the fishing concentration was greatest. We saw several dug-out canoes ('mokoros') used by the locals for fishing these rich waters (see my Local Customs tip for a pic). Even the long 'banana boats' are used for this activity, to a lesser extent. Leave a Comment Directions: Lake Mweru
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 The View Down into the Luapula
River Valley by Bwana_Brown
It was not long before we came to the 'escarpment', the dramatic sudden drop-off point where the Northern Plateau of Zambia abuptly drops off into the Luapula River valley. The highland moors and forests of this upland area retain the rainfall well, providing an abundant supply of water for the rivers and numerous waterfalls that can be found in this 'forgotten' part of Zambia. Check out my 'Northern Province' page for a few of the waterfalls that I saw there, including one which is the 2nd highest in Africa! Leave a Comment Directions: About 15 km west of Kawambwa and running parallel to the Luapula River valley.
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 Fred and Sebastian Checking
the Catch by Bwana_Brown
Here, the 'Ikana' has anchored at one of these locations while Tom's two Zambian assistants, Fred and Sebastian, pull in the nets to see what has been caught. In the background is the tender that 'Ikana' towed along between it's two catamaran pontoons.
The four of us had a great old night out on the 'Ikana', talking about life and watching the sun set over the lake. It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, this is really different!! Leave a Comment Directions: Lake Mweru
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 On the Shore of Lake Mweru by Bwana_Brown
Here, I'm on the lake shore at Nchelenge with a couple of the Canadian volunteers who actually worked in Luapula Province. On this occasion, we were only out for a day trip but I returned about 2 months later to actually go on a fishery patrol of the lake on a government boat.
The construction of a paved road to Lake Mweru in 1987 led to a greater influx of people and it is now reported that the shoreline is so packed with village houses that it is difficult to get close to the lake. Leave a Comment Directions: Northeastern Zambia, on the border with the Congo (Zaire)
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 Congolese Fishing Boat at Rest by Bwana_Brown
It was a bit funny to see the reaction of some of the many small dug-out canoes that were used for fishing when they saw us bearing down on them. Frantic paddling and various things going over the side before we got there! Just trying to keep them 'honest'.
This Congolese fishing boat was simply stationary, with little sign of life. It had spent the night anchored out on the lake like we had. Leave a Comment Directions: Lake Mweru
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 A Smaller Waterfall above
Ntumbachushi by Bwana_Brown
Along this stretch is a smaller waterfall and several deep pools that are suitable for swimming. We spent a great afternoon here enjoying the sun and water along with a few Lion Lager and Castle beers!
The photo shows me wading in this part of the river. Leave a Comment Directions: Ntumbachushi Falls
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 'Ikana' Patrol Boat at Anchor by Bwana_Brown
Here, the Zambian government fisheries boat 'Ikana' is at anchor at the mouth of the Luapula River as we prepare to depart. This catamaran was quite roomy, sleeping four of us below decks and also equipped with a nice galley where we could cook our meals. Wow, it was fun having contacts like this! Leave a Comment Directions: Northeastern Zambia, on Lake Mweru which is shared with the Congo (Zaire)
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 Torben Checking out
Ntumbachushi Falls by Bwana_Brown
This waterfall has a 40-m drop (130 feet) with a main stream of water and a finer 'bridal-veil' stream beside it. The Zambians believed that this waterfall was a sanctuary for spirits. The waters of the Ng'ona River, which feed the falls, were used to bathe chiefs before they were installed on the throne in order to cleanse them of any bad karma they might be harbouring!
On this day, a bunch of us in two cars stopped here for an afternoon of swimming and picnicing (see next tip). Leave a Comment Directions: About 18 km west of Kawambwa
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