Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
The only way into the wetlands is by vehicle and chartered plane. Dirt roads lead here
from Kasanka via Lake Waka-Waka and the Nakapalayo Tourism Project. The Chikuni
ranger post and Nsobe Camp are 65km on from Nakapalayo, and from here it's another
10km to Shoebill Island Camp if it's dry. In the wet, you'll have to travel this last stretch
by boat. You will definitely need a fully equipped 4WD to attempt this trip as the going is
tough. Set off from Kasanka in the early morning in order to reach Bangweulu before it
gets dark. The Kasanka team can provide a detailed information sheet about getting to the
wetlands.
There is an airstrip 3km from Shoebill Island Camp and charters are available to both
Kasanka and Bangweulu through
Skytrails Charters
(
216 245268;
www.skytrailszambia.com
)
, based in Lusaka.
Samfya
0214
Perched on the western shore of Lake Bangweulu, about 10km east of the main road
between Mansa and Serenje, is Samfya, a small and dusty trading centre with little going
for it except for its excellent position on the western shores of this beautiful lake. In the
local language
bangweulu
means 'where the water meets the sky' and if you watch the
lake at sunset, when the lake and hazy clouds both turn the same shade of blue, it's not
hard to see why. Just outside town is a long strip of white-sand beach set by startling blue
waters. Don't jump in here, though, unless you fancy wrestling with crocodiles.
Sleeping
Samfya Beach Hotel $
(campsite per person ZMW50, r ZMW150)
Sitting on Cabana Beach, this place has a
pretty good location but the rooms are small with basic bathrooms. Camping is an afford-
able option for those with a tent. Take the first turning on the left in town and it's about
2km north of the centre.
HOTEL
Bangweulu Bay Lodge $$$
LODGE
