Northern Province has a wide variety of attractions that can be used for tourism ventures. Tourism promotion can be undertaken from any of the breathtaking, unexplored natural and man-made features. These natural water bodies are very important in many aspects, such as boating, kayaking apart from agriculture and hydro-power generation.

The Ministry of Tourism & Arts, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) and Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), offers concessions and licenses to investors in all the tourist sites available for development. Some of the sites being offered for concession are Chishimba Falls, Lumangwe Falls and many others.

The sector is also gaining prominence through the promotion of the Northern tourism circuit initiative. The development of the Northern Tourism Circuit presented an opportunity to not only diversify the economy away from Copper as the country’s economic backbone, but also the tourism sector away from the focus of the South Circuit as the main Centre of tourism activities.

This is evidenced by the promotion of a number of spectacular tourist attractions such as the Kasaba bay, Mpulungu harbour, waterfalls like Kalambo, Chishimba, Kabwelume and Lumangwe waterfalls. The Province also boasts of Nsumbu National park as well as cultural ceremonies such as the famous Ukusefya pa N’gwena traditional ceremony of the Bemba speaking people, Mutomolo of the Mambwe among others.

Kasama District in the Northern Province of Zambia has the highest concentration of rock paintings in Southern Africa. Dating more than 3000 years, the Mwela rock paintings at Kasama are symbolic of early human settlement and art in the Province.

The paintings are supported by various local artifacts such as sculptures, steel, iron and copper tools, mats, baskets fish traps, ropes, bark cloth (Icilundu), ochre (Inkula). The iron and copper kilns indicate mining and exploitation of minerals by the early residents, for making hunting tools such as spears and arrows, and farming equipment like axes and hand hoes. However, more still needs to be done in this sector for it to contribute significantly to the growth of the country.

Lakes and Beaches

Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and is the second deepest after Lake Baikal in Russia. The immense depth is due to the fact that the lake lies in the Great Rift Valley. The clear fresh water hosts more than 350 different fish species and is well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling.

The need for more hotels and lodges in the Northern Province cannot be over emphasized. With its abundant tourism attractions and growing number of business travelers it is imperative for the Province to have a bigger variety of hospitality facilities.

At the moment there are only fifty quality establishments with a capacity of only 350 rooms. The Province lacks a 5 stars Hotel. Therefore, a good return on any investment in the hospitality industry in Northern Province is almost guaranteed. The increase in tourism activities in Northern Province has created a very high demand for lodges and camp sites.

Hotels and Lodges

The need for more hotels and lodges in the Northern Province cannot be over emphasized. With its abundant tourism attractions and growing number of business travelers it is imperative for the Province to have a bigger variety of hospitality facilities.

At the moment there are only fifty quality establishments with a capacity of only 350 rooms. The Province lacks a 5 stars Hotel. Therefore, a good return on any investment in the hospitality industry in Northern Province is almost guaranteed. The increase in tourism activities in Northern Province has created a very high demand for lodges and camp sites.

The above areas present opportunities for investment in the Tourism industry. If all is well packaged for tourism purposes, it would bring in a good return on any investment put forth. Below are some of the major opportunities for investment in the Tourism Sector in the Province.

• Water rafting for water bodies with rapids

• Boat cruises

• Construction of Hotels, Lodges, Chalets, Guest houses

• Construction of Chalets, guest houses and holiday resorts near

• or within the vicinity of National Game Parks and Game

• Management Areas (these areas have been subdivided for concession).

• Tourism Packaging

• Game Ranching/Photographic tours

• Setting up of fast foods and Restaurants