Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(campsite per person ZMW80, tent with bedding per person ZMW130)
Around 10km from
the main camp (Mayense), this basic bush campsite sits alongside the Mutinondo River.
It's a beautiful spot but you'll have to be fully self-sufficient, although there is a caretaker
on hand to assist.
Getting There & Away
The turn-off to Mutinondo is 164km past Serenje heading north on the Great North Road.
It's signposted to the right; Mutinondo is 25km down a 2WD-friendly track. Travelling by
bus from Lusaka, ask for a ticket to Kalonje Railway Station (ZMW110, six hours). Road
transfers for a maximum of five people can be arranged from the Great North Road
turnoff (ZMW180). There's also an airstrip for charters.
Mpika
0214
Mpika is a busy crossroads on the Great North Road. The old road (M1) runs north to
Kasama and Mpulungu, while the newer road (T2) runs northeast to the Tanzanian border
at Nakonde. It's actually a tale of three towns, with the old colonial-era town east of the
highway, the 'Tazara' town near the train station southwest of the highway and a new
town stretching along the road. It is a good supply stop, with several petrol stations, a
Barclays Bank ATM, plus several well-stocked shops and a large market in the town
centre.
Sleeping & Eating
LODGE
Bayama's Lodge, Pub & Grill $
( 0977 410839;
www.bayama.de
; Plot 5434; r ZMW80-170; )
Bayama's Lodge is a
real gem for a backwater like Mpika. Under German-Zambian ownership, it is just off the
Great North Road and offers budget rooms with bathroom for ZMW80 or larger chalet
rooms from ZMW150. The best feature is a lively bar-restaurant with all mains at
ZMW25, including a huge T-bone and homemade pizzas. The bar has cold beer, Zambian
tunes and a popular pool table. It also doubles as an unoffical tourist information office.
