Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
guish the rooms, which are very simple, and the shared ablutions are generally kept clean;
camping is out on a nice big sloping garden. Meals are served in a small dining area.
Coming from Lusaka, take the first right after the welcome arch, just before the Total pet-
rol station.
Protea Hotel Chipata $$
( in Lusaka 0211-254605;
www.proteahotels.com/chipata
; Great East Road; r incl
breakfast ZMW585; )
Compared to other choices in town, this Protea, up to the
standard of others in the chain, is absolutely luxurious. A rather grand lobby and rooms
with hardwood floors, an outdoor pool with lounge chairs and a somewhat formal dining
room can feel like quite a jolt after a long drive or stay in the bush.
HOTEL
Katuta Lodge $$
( 0216-221210;
www.katutalodge.com
;
s/d ZMW 120/150; )
This sprawling com-
pound set on nicely landscaped grounds is the closest accommodation in Chipata for the
run to Mfuwe. There's a range of spacious rooms with varying degrees of luxury (such as
cane couches, fridges and cable TV), though not a whole lot of character as might be ex-
pected from a place marketing itself as a conference facility.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
Of the handful of bus companies offering services to Lusaka, Johabie (ZMW130, seven
hours, 5am, 6am, 8am & 2pm) is easily the most recommended. Touts from competing
companies can be very aggressive in trying to steer you, or rather manhandle you, towards
their waiting vehicle. Really, only the 5am departure leaves on time but it's best to arrive
an hour early to guarantee a seat. Always choose the bus closest to being filled, otherwise
you might have a long, uncomfortable wait.
The main bus station, also the departure point for minibuses to Mfuwe (around
ZMW150, 3½ hours, 11pm) for South Luangwa National Park, is located in the tangle of
streets about 1.5km north of the town centre. A taxi, official or otherwise, to Mfuwe
(ZMW450, three plus hours) is a better option, especially as the minibuses arrive in
Mfuwe around 3.30am.
Minibuses for the Malawi border depart from the BP petrol station on the main drag in
town; otherwise, a taxi should run at around ZMW80 (30 minutes). Once you've passed
through Zambian customs, it's a few minutes' walk to the Malawian entry post. From the
