Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0211-213272; off District Rd; adult/child ZMW25/15; 9am-6pm)
A bit of a trek
northeast from town, Kalimba Reptile Park (often simply referred to as the 'Croc Park') is
not only a crocodile and snake zoo but a pleasant place to grab a beer and a crocodile
sandwich, though you'll need a 4WD to get here. There's also a swimming pool, fishing
pond, crazy golf and a children's playground. Go east on the Great East Road 13km from
Arcades Shopping Centre, then make a left at the Caltex petrol station; take the potholed
and rutted road to the end (11km).
GALLERY
Namwandwe Gallery
Offline map
( 0977 796443; Leopards Hill Rd; admission free; 9am-4.30pm Tue-Fri, to noon
Sat & Sun)
Home to the impressive private collection of businessman and patron of the
arts John Kapotwe, some of the best contemporary Zambian and African art (paintings,
sculptures, masks and fabrics), both of established and up-and-coming artists, can be
found at this private home-cum-gallery about 15km southeast of the city centre. A return
taxi from the city costs at least ZMW100, depending on waiting time.
Public Swimming Pool
(off Nangwenya Rd; admission ZMW8; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun)
The spotlessly clean
Olympic-sized public swimming pool is surrounded by a pleasant shaded area and is a
great place to relax and unwind.
SWIMMING
ON THE ROAD TO CAIRO
Lusaka started life as a dusty railway siding and storage depot on the new line that empire-builder Cecil Rhodes
was constructing from South Africa. This was the first stage of his grand design for a Cape Town to Cairo railway
that would pass through British territory all the way. The nearest village to the siding was called Lusaakas, after
the name of its chief, and the title was simplified to Lusaka and attached to this point on the railway.
In the 1920s copper was discovered in the highlands north of Lusaka, and the railway became important for
transporting goods to Southern Rhodesia (in present-day Zimbabwe), South Africa and the industrial markets of
Europe and America. At Lusaka, a small station was built, and nearby a few shops were established to serve set-
tlers farming in the surrounding area. Then came some houses, a ramshackle hotel and even a main street, running
parallel to the railway line.
