Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
builders or designers have visited since. Set up mainly for the conference/business market
and wealthy urban Zambians (especially from Lusaka) who tear down here towing their
sleek boats and stay in their vacation bungalows, independent travellers without their own
wheels might not find enough upside to offset the challenges of a visit. The accommoda-
tion, though relatively affordable, is spread out with just a market, a few shops, a bakery,
Zanaco bank with ATM, post office and little else. But for those seeking down time at the
closest 'beach vacation' to Lusaka, you can kick back or experience water activities avail-
able such as canoeing through Zambezi Gorge, as well as a civilised sunset cruise to the
dam wall. Just don't even think of putting your big toe in the water - crocs lurk around the
lake shore.
VISITING THE DAM WALL
A visit to the dam wall with your own wheels is quite straightforward. Head down to the Zambian border crossing;
it's a few kilometres from the wall. Enter the immigration building (on the right-hand side down some stairs as you
face the border gate). Tell them that you just want to visit the wall and that you are coming back to Zambia and not
going onto Zimbabwe. They will give you a stamped pass to the dam wall and ask you to leave some ID behind
(driving licence or passport are OK). At the gate, show them your pass and you'll be let through. From here it's a
short drive or walk to the wall. Once there, park your car, and walk out over the wall; the views are spectacular, and
it's well worth the trip - particularly if you admire gargantuan engineering projects. You should be allowed to take
pictures of the wall but not the power station. Remember that the authorities don't like cameras around here and
have a fear of terrorism or sabotage to the dam. So, do what they tell you, but be firm about reminding them that it's
only a picture of the wall you want. On the way back, surrender your pass at the border gate, and don't forget to
pick up your ID from immigration.
Activities
The lodges organise activities in and around the lake, including boat trips to the dam wall
(price depends on boat size and ranges from ZMW135 to ZMW530),
sunset cruises
(per
person ZMW75),
fishing trips
, longer distance motoring around to Lottery Bay
(ZMW1550) and one-day to four-night
canoe safaris
on the Zambezi where you'll canoe
through the gorgeous Zambezi Gorge (these must be booked in advance). You have a
choice of standard safari where everything is done for you, or DIY with everything sup-
plied. A DIY safari works out to be roughly ZMW500 per day per person (food included).
