A few days ago, I was in a company of people when one of the ladies made a comment about an area of town that was bushy. Apparently, to her, this area was underdeveloped and instead of the grass and trees she preferred concrete buildings. I responded that we actually needed more green places in the city where people can sit and relax. I gave an example of the beautiful Harare Gardens right in the middle of town and the Monon Trail that runs through Indianapolis.
The discussion then led to how Zambians are not very good tourists. I am often shocked at how many people I meet who have never been to the Victoria Falls. Yet many foreigners travel thousand of miles to come and see the magnificent waterfalls. I am embarrassed to say that the first time I saw a lion was in January 2005.
The tourism industry in Zambia is dominated by foreigners. Hotels, travel agencies, safari companies, and even airlines are all dominated by foreigners. Imagine what would happen to the industry if Zambians started travelling and enjoyed a boat cruise on the Zambezi? If Zambians participated as consumers in the tourism industry we would see a dynamic change in the country—a lot of revenue is going to come from the tourism. We would promote the industry in such a way that local people will start seeing the opportunities in the industry and invest in it. Tourism will grow to unprecedented levels to become a major source of income for the country.
It is reasonably cheaper for Zambians to be tourists in their own country. It therefore makes economical sense to promote tourism to Zambians. Zambians should start looking at nature as part of their lives. Nature should be looked at a new way. Instead of us pushing ourselves further and further from the animals, maybe it is time we brought our animals closer to us. After all, “they” think that we live with animals in our backyards.
Monday, August 31, 2009 10:41:11 PMPost journalists face contempt
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
THE entire Post newspaper editorial staff has been summoned to appear before Lusaka chief resident magistrate Charles Kafunda in a matter of contempt following the publication of Zambian US-based Professor of law Muna Ndulo’s article on the Chansa Kabwela case. And magistrate Kafunda expressed disappointment that despite expressing his concern over the behaviour of political party cadres around the court premises, the situation had been left to deteriorate.
This is in a matter where, Kabwela had pleaded not guilty to one count of circulating obscene matters or things, contrary to section 177 1(b) of the penal code.
Kabwela, 29, a journalist by occupation, stands charged with the…
Its because the majority of Zambians cant afford and you know that very well, wesley.
Kabwela, 29, a journalist by occupation, stands charged with the offence of circulating obscene matters or things with a view of corrupting public morals.
Particulars of the offence were that Kabwela, between June 1 and 10, 2009 in Lusaka did circulate two obscene photographs tending to corrupt public morals.
Ruling on the state’s application that the Post editor be cited for contempt following the news paper’s publication of an article by Cornell University’s Prof Ndulo, entitled: The Chansa Kabwela Case: A Comedy of Errors, magistrate Kafunda yesterday said the state’s application had merit.
Magistrate Kafunda said having had an opportunity to read Prof Ndulo’s article, he was satisfied that on its face it contained contemptuous matter.
He said that being the case…
Ndalama zizachoka kuti when the culture of saving is pathetic besides some lodges descriminate against black Zambians
“That being the case I will therefore cite the author of the said article for contempt, together with the editor-in-chief,” magistrate Kafunda said. “I direct summons to be issued to the said.”
Magistrate Kafunda said he would summon the entire editorial staff of the newspaper in order to determine whether any of them might be linked to the contemptuous article.
“Summons will be returnable on Wednesday 3rd September 2009.
After the ruling Lusaka Division Prosecution Officer, Frank Mumbuna said the state was fortified.
And magistrate Kafunda said he was disappointed with the events of Friday, August 28, 2009 where some political party cadres engaged in violent behaviour on or about the court premises.
“I am disappointed that the situation was let to…
Magistrate Kafunda said as the result of the violence, he has directed that no political party cadres would be allowed around and within the court premises.
“I direct police to effect the order,” he said. “The DPO and Lusaka Province police commanding officer are to see to it that the order is effected.”
Before the matter came up for continued hearing before Kafunda last Friday, Mumbuna told the court that the state had an application.
“There is an application, your worship, bordering on repeated comments by the Post even when its clear by the record before this honourable court that a similar concern was actually raised before this court,” Mumbuna said with emphasis. “We note, as state, with serious disappointment for the Post, in this case the editor, that despite…
I am glad to say that I do tour locally as much as possible. Maybe that is because I do not have the opportunity to go the places that Wesley has written about. Isn’t it strange that Wesley first saw a lion in Kansas as recently as ’05? Is it because he had an attitude about going to South Luangwa, or nay of the national parks, before he went out of the country? Or can I ask if he has ever been there since returning to Zambia? Has he ever been to any of the places that he would like us to visit? I wish his article mentioned some of the local tourist places he has been to
Brother wesley i think you have said all.It is practically very expensive for an average zambian to be a tourist no wonder many are born and die in zambia without seeing places like the victoria falls,kafue national park and the like.If you want to see how zambians are eager to see new places then take a bus from ndola to lusaka and you will be amazed at how many people will continue looking out of the windows during the duration of the whole ride i.e how us zambians tour
There are no packages deliberately set to allow Zambians visit their national parks and tourist attraction. Zambia get far less monye on an average in that they cant afford 3 meals a day therefore it is being out of touch to think, our local guys can afford to pay the same price with the foreign tourist.
In tha carrribeans, the local people have special rates in Hotels and a good number of promotional packages. If this is implimeneted, a lot of Zambian can start to go to these parks and keep the tourist inductry afloat in the off peak periods.
That picture of the tourists at Vic Falls must have been photoshopped. I have been to that place and believe me you cant survive the currents. You can only swim there around October, when there is no flowing water
#10
there is a part of it where they can even hold wedding ceremonies and thr current is not that bad. I for one have done my share of touring Zambia also been bungee(spelling) jumping and gone hunting in lwangwa, blue lagon etc its fun but the problem is when you go there people want to exploit you when they realise you are zambian they will be like ah ni ba some of us and staff like that but i loved it
This issue of copying and pasting should stop. Why make life difficult? This is why we cannot develop. We like using the long route. Or is it just selfishness? The Post story can be found at postzambia.com slide 1. As simple as that. (The post is now free for those who dont know, until further notice)
Wezi did you proof read your article? I see a big typographical error in it. Even a blind man can see it.
Mr Author the simple reason why zambians dont tour their own is that it is expenzive for the locals. when you convert from dollar to kwacha and you will see. Secondly like the way 1 blogger put it govt hasnt put in any policy to encourage the locals to tour. thirdly all major tourist attractions are foreigner owned simply put : they dont care all they are interested in is the dollars and pounds and not that piece of paper called kwacha
How can you tour when you cannot even manage a bag of maize meal to eat
People don’t have the money to afford these tourist trips. Zambian tour operators charge amounts of money that are just ridiculous and aimed at the international tourist with deep pockets. For example chaminuka accomodation rate per night is $425 a night, for a normal zambian thats food lasting two months for a whole family. On a comparative scale with other countries zambia is too expensive , for three nights at chaminuka I can get a packagae holiday to Barbados for one week, hotel and flight included for just £600. Also trips to zed you have to factor in expenses the scavenging ba chiblulu , surprise problems, friends that take you at to expensive places and expect you to pay etc
HOW DO YOU EXPECT LOCAL CHAPS TO VISIT LOCAL TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS WHEN CHAPS EVEN FOR A KNEE PAIN THEY CANT GO TO UTH BUT FLY TO SA. IT STARTS FROM THERE . IF VIC FALLS WAS IN SA YOU WOULD BE AMAZED HOW MANY ZEDIANS WOULD GO THERE
Ba Wesley tamwaishiba ati its all about the money how can one visit those attractions when they cant even manage to feed three times a day.the tourists you see visiting work for those holidays mind you,so if one is unemployed i seriously dont think they would even think about a holiday or a trip to anywhere
Most international trips are sponsord for ordinary Zambians so touring Zambia could be very expensive to them especially when one can hardly see themselves through the month. You ask yourself “go see a Lion or save for a car or tugiligili(for some)”?
its too expensive for the ordinary zambian to visit these places… even the whites complain that Zambian lodges and hotels are too expensive. what more the poor mother struggling to find fees for her childrens school.
Zambia is such an expensive destination that one has to plan wisely.Going to Zambia for a family of 3 might cost not less than £3000 on airfares only;£2000 to visit Vic Falls and £1000 to give to our relatives.Going to Spain is £600 for a family of 3 accomodation included.I really love my country and would go to Zambia twice a year but the cost is too much!
Ba Wesley mwafeluka
Mr Wesley touring Zambia is costly. Imagine my shock when I saw a price tag of $925 a night for a room at one of the lodges. That $925 alone can buy me a European tour package, hotels included. These people in Zed should start offering packages to Zambians that are affordable. I will give you an example; Disney world in Florida has packages and discounts for Florida state residents. All they have to do is show a Florida ID at the entrance and a discount is given right there!
If you think south luanga and vic falls is what’s up then you done 0 travel, you need to catch up !!! Zambians never wanna pay for shit, that’s why you do not travel. How you gonna talk muukambi safaris when you bought your fake swagger Pa Nkongole ?
Zambia is expensive… unlike kenya where one can travel to mombasa and have a swell time for affordable prices… zambians still think that tourist ( muzungus) pick their money on the streets of london… Next holiday am going to Miami, FL.. its fun, cool and cheaper!
Well done. At least we still have sane journalists. And yes Money bags its expensive to visit zambia, but a well planned trip is worth all the SA Rands and US Dollars we earn. I have made a promise to myslef and family that at least every two years or so I will visit my motherland. Fellow zambians we can do it. Think of the castles we drink in our adopted countries, the metals we drive and the posh places we live in. Lets be proud of our country and stop crying for packages suited for Zedians abroad. Lets support our economy back home, once in 5 years is not a bad idea, two nights in L/Stone is not a bad idea, a weekend in Luangwa valley is not a bad idea. Miami is fun .. yes Money bags but who do you empower, your relatives are crying for employment back home.
i have been to many tourist attractions in zambia, and everytime i come back..am broke for another two or three months…local tourism is expensive..and talk about the racism in places like mukambi and tongabezi….its frustrating being a zambian sometimes…..its cheaper to visit windhoek or capetown and these places are just beautifull….everything in zambia is expensive…to visit the falls( for a weekend) if you live in lusaka and travelling by bus will cost you not less than 2million kwacha!!!!
Well said and for sure zed is very expensive. Maputo for a weekend is far reasonable than zed mitengo are so ridiculers, even the hospitality pa zed they will say ma some of us, they think ni bazungu, who is she! yet lm paying for the service, but in Maputo they will treat you with respect.
Dispite all this lm proundly zed rather sit in matro, home is home.