By Francis Chipalo
LUSAKA-BASED motorcycling group, the OCC Adventures Bikers Club, has challenged Zambians to become the first ambassadors of the country’s tourism sector.
The call was made in Lusaka on Thursday when the club arrived from a week-long expedition of the Northern Circuit, an initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism.
Speaking shortly after arrival, Club President Saint Musonda said the idea was born out of a simple observation, Zambians know more about foreign destinations than their own country.
“We as Lusaka-based motorcyclists came up with this idea to encourage our fellow Zambians to tour their own country. Zambia has beautiful and adventurous sites that many locals have not taken advantage of,” Musonda said.
He described the Northern Circuit as “untapped and breathtaking,” citing sites such as Kalambo Falls — one of Africa’s highest waterfalls, Lake Tanganyika — the world’s second deepest lake, the Kasama rock art and the source of the Chambeshi River.
Musonda said the roads, though challenging in parts, are motorable and the reception from local communities was overwhelming.
And Club Secretary Bupe Mamba dismissed the notion that tourism is only for the rich.
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“Local tourism is cheap and affordable. Zambians can visit some heritage sites by paying as low as K10. What is needed is just the decision to move,” Mamba said.
He noted that bike tourism is one of the most affordable ways to explore Zambia because costs for fuel and accommodation can be shared.
Meanwhile, club member Joy Kamangala linked the initiative to the national development agenda.
He said the club’s ride is a contribution towards the country’s ambitious target of reaching 5 million tourist arrivals by 2031, as outlined in the Grow Zambia Agenda.
“Government cannot do it alone. If each one of us visits one local site a year and posts about it, we will easily contribute to that 5 million target,” Kamangala said.
The Grow Zambia Agenda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, seeks to diversify Zambia’s economy through increased domestic and international tourism, job creation and conservation.
The Northern Province, despite hosting over 60% of Zambia’s waterfalls and pristine beaches along Lake Tanganyika, remains one of the least visited regions by domestic tourists, according to the Zambia Tourism Agency.
Musonda said OCC Adventures Bikers Club remains available for full route guides, budget breakdown and safety tips from their Northern trip to help other Zambians planning similar trips.
The club is expected to undertake similar tours in other parts of the country.
Pic credit: OCC Adventures Bikers Club
