If there is anything that I will forever remember and always cherish during my three year stay in New Zealand, Auckland are it’s people the KIWIS. Kiwis are simply a wonderful and warm people to live with. They are very kind and extremely accommodating people. When I used to live in Auckland NZ, I once found a parcel of fresh chicken deposited on my door steps by one good Kiwi friend of mine Robert for good wishes. As if this was not enough, one day I found my front lawn nicely cut by Robert for free! Well New Zealand has a lot of natural tourist sites worth visiting. But during my stay there, I realized that what made the visit to any tourist site worthwhile are its people, the Kiwi tour guides. They are ever smiling, welcoming and extremely accommodating people. This is what makes their tourism industry a popular destination to most people the world over.
Well I guess the same can be said about the Zambian people being an extremely happy and welcoming lot to strangers. Zambian society is predominantly African. Zambia offers visitors some enormous attractions: the great national parks teeming with wildlife; the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, and last but by no means least the Zambian people. Most people in Zambia are very friendly and easy-going towards foreigners. This is despite the massive social and economic ills that besets many Zambians. Despite this relaxed disposition of the Zambian people, certain behavioral acts are frowned upon. Things like display of public nudity such as wearing extremely short see-through skirts, public display of affection among people of the same or opposite sex such as kissing in public are frowned upon. A few straight-forward courtesies go a long way in enhancing social harmony, especially in rural areas. Handshakes and pleasantries are taken seriously, and it is essential to greet someone entering or leaving a room. It is customary to offer a smile or a wave, even if you are just passing in a vehicle.
Zambia is one of the best tourism destinations you should consider visiting any time soon post COVID-19. In 2020, it was voted among the best top 20 destination in the world worth visiting by CNN Travel. Zambia is relatively safe and unthreatening, friendliness and generosity are encountered far more often than hostility. As one transverse across the vast Zambian territories to see some exciting tourism attraction sites such as the mighty Victoria Falls, one is greeted by waiving and smiling children all along the way. Please spare an effort to waive back as these makes these children happy to see international visitors around their areas.
When you check-in at your hotel or lodge, rest be assured that you will be given that hearty Zambian welcoming smile. Zambian’s important tourist asset are its People. Ever smiling and welcoming, just like KIWIS of New Zealand.
