Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're interested in experiencing village life or just want a break from the road, con-
sider a stay at the friendly Community Centre's Guest House. The rooms are small and
simple; meals, such as chicken and
nshima
(ZMW30), are provided and internet access is
available. You can visit the school, hospital community projects, take a guided walk up a
nearby mountain or see a traditional dance performed - either Chinamwali (girls initiation
dance) or the mens' Ghost Dance.
Chipata
POP 320,000
The primary commercial and urban centre in this district, Chipata is a traffic-clogged town
in a valley surrounded by a fertile agricultural region. For travellers, it's simply a stop on
the way to South Luangwa National Park or Malawi, which is only 30km away. There are
a few decent accommodation options, petrol stations, banks with ATMs and a large Spar
supermarket to stock up on food and other supplies.
Sleeping
Mama Rula's $$
( 0977 790226;
www.mamarulas.com
; campsite per person ZMW35, s/d incl breakfast
ZMW248/315; )
Owned and operated by Andrea, a friendly South African (she also
happens to own the Spar supermarket and will fill guests' grocery lists upon request), and
her family, this long-running operation is in a leafy compound around 4km out of Chipata
along the road to Mfuwe. Simply furnished rooms with mosquito nets are in a low-slung
building by the pool; out back is a huge grassy garden campground popular with overland
groups and nearby are small but clean cheaper rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
(Tired of wildlife? Five dogs and two cats wander the property.) Meals (T-bone steaks or
schnitzel with chips and salad ZMW90) are served in the large dining room or more in-
formal bar festooned with pennants and flags; there's also a lantern-lit lapa with a firepit.
Transport to and from Chipata airport can be provided.
CAMPGROUND, HOTEL
Deans Hill View Lodge $
( 0216-221673;
www.deanshillview.com
; campsite per person ZMW25, r without bath-
room per person ZMW50)
This small lodge run by a friendly British expat is perched at
the top of a hill with great views of the valley and Chipata below. There's little to distin-
CAMPGROUND, LODGE
