Chipata

Chipata is a small and dusty crossroads in Eastern Zambia, and is a popular refueling station for overlanders on their way east to Malawi, west to South Luangwa National Park, or north to Lundazi. Central Mosque, Chipata Understand Formerly Fort Jameson, Chipata was the capital of North-Eastern Rhodesia until 1911, when Northern Rhodesia — later to become Zambia — was created. Now it's the capital of Zambia's Eastern Province and a fairly busy town with about 320,000 residents and more coming in daily. Orientation The main axis is the Great East Road to Lusaka, which runs through town to the town's solitary traffic lights, after which it turns into the Umodzi Highway to the Malawian border. Along the western boundary of the city, there is another road, heading north to Mfuwe and Lundazi, and eventually to Chama. It's known, appropriately, as Lundazi Road. Get in By plane There are flights to both Lusaka and Mfuwe (for South Luangwa). Flights are now run by Proflight from MON-FRI. Bookings can be made at Jasat Travel Agency, located in Down Town. By bus From Lusaka, Chipata is a 7 to 8-hour bus ride on a luxury bus, costing approx $20. It might be possible to find slightly cheaper transport, but it will probably take twice as long to arrive. (Note: Among the various bus companies that travel between Chipata and Lusaka,Zoom has a rather poor safety record.) Buses to the Capital leave every hour. Be there at least an hour before departure, as the bus leaves as soon as it's full and will not always stick to the timetable.we have Lungu luxuly coaches,chibangamoto,Kapekele and many more, CR Carriers is just one of the many companies operating the bus services their website has pictures of the buses and services they offer, [1]. There are currently two bus stations, one for minibuses and one mainly for coaches, though another station is under construction. You will need to ask around to find the location of the bus station you need. Be prepared to wait a while at the local bus station — no matter what time the conductor tells you that you will leave, it will be much later (minibuses will only leave when full). Kick back and have a warm beer; after all, you're in the heart of Africa. By taxi Chipata is located roughly 12 km from the border of Malawi along Lusaka Road. Taxis taken from the Malawi side can take you through Malawi customs, but you'll have to change once on the Zambian side. Get around Chipata is strangely sprawling for a rural community. Most people with vehicles use them. For the most part, however, walking will be manageable, although possibly tiring. There are many cabs in Chipata, recently painted an eye-catching blue. No meters, so bargain hard — expect to pay K10,000-20,000 ($2-4) for most trips around town. Cabs will also take you to the border if necessary. Prices may vary on the number of people travelling. you can still hire bycles at low as K2000.and for the whole day that can be arranged with the TOURISM NEWS.Exposing african potential tourism See Chipata is rather low on tourist attractions. Central Mosque, Mosque Rd. Probably the prettiest building in Chipata, no entry for unbelievers but just down the road from the Down Shops. Muslims only make up a relatively small minority of the population, however. Kanjala Hill, on the northeast corner of town (nearly 2km east of Shoprite). Nice views of Chipata. Take a lunch and have a nice hike; if you want to drive it, you'll pretty much need a 4WD, but there's a track leading up from JBG Road. Do Two major festivals are held around Chipata and are well worth a visit if you're in town at the right time. Ncwala (n-CHWA-la), Mutenguleni village, usually Last week of February. A Ngoni festival to celebrate the first fruit of the season, where the Ngoni chief ceremonially tastes the fruit of the land, then spears a bull and drinks its blood. Kulamba, Undi village (75km from Chipata, near Katete), sometime in August. A Chewa thanksgiving festival that draws colorful Nyau secret society dancers not just from Zambia, but also Malawi and Mozambique. Buy Beans, beans, beans! Chipata is a good place to stock up before heading out into the bush. There is a large Shoprite supermarket, a number of petrol stations and a few places to change money. If you are interested in taking a look around a "real Zambian town," head to the Indian shops (so-called because they are almost exclusively Indian-owned). Also known as the Down Shops, among these shops you will find thousands of Chipatans wandering around, meeting friends, or doing business. Chitenje, the colorful traditional Zambian cloth wraparounds, are a good buy here and go for $2-3 each; specialist shops selling these include Scorpio, Vitenje,Patel & Co and Khatri Brothers Ltd where you will find the best range of them. Spar, (Great East Road, west of Shoprite). Groceries, take away snacks, top up cards for cell phone  edit Eat Chipata has several local restaurants offering cheap traditional food. Chef's Pride, Parerenyatwa Rd. Serves both local and Zambianised Indian dishes from $2. Try the pepper chicken and chapattis. All chicken meals are magnificent (at least by African standards). Lazeez Khana, Next to Chef's Pride. Serves similar food to Chef's Pride at similar prices. Best for beef steaks. Jamraz, At welcome. GREAT EAST SHOPPING MALL, OPPOSITE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON THE TURN-OFF TO THE GENERAL HOSPITAL. Has almost every asset for settlement and is a place to relax from ,if you trully want to get the feeling of the fresh air of the aspiring little city  edit Drink Nightclub in Chipata is a little low-key. Up Town, Located near Caltex Filling Station is the only proper nite club in Chipata. Wildlife Club, in the Wildlife & Environment Conservation Society building. Features a pool table and beers for K5,000 ($1). Theoretically members only but in practice anybody gets in, popular with Chipata's small expat community. Pine View, Located within the Guest House property had a chilled out bar and pool tables. A good chill out place to meet some locals and have some fun. Sleep Chipata has several affordable guest houses: Chipata Motel, just north of intersection with Lundazi Rd. Clean if somewhat run-down doubles from US$10. Also hosts many concerts, which can be good to visit, but not so good to try to sleep through. Deans Hill View Lodge, (Deans Hill View Lodge is situated close to the Chipata Welcome Arch, 500m off the main Lusaka highway), ☎ Landline: (00260) (0) 6 221 673 Mobile: (00260) (0) 977 767 221, [2]. Deans Hill View Lodge is situated close to the Chipata Welcome Arch, 500m off the main Lusaka highway. It has it's own walled garden, with views over Chipata, and towards the South Luangwa valley. The garden has indiginous trees and some exotic specimens, which provide a good habitat for many native birds. There are twin rooms, a family room that can sleep 6, a terraced camping area, with shared showers and toilets. There is a bar and restaurant where hot food is available, there is also a self catering kitchen. (,Landline: (00260) (0) 6 221 673 Mobile: (00260) (0) 977 767 221) edit Pine View, on southeast side of town (off Umodzi Highway). A nice place offering double rooms from $20. Katuta Lodge, Lundazi Highway (10 km north). Camping for $5, clean singles/double with bathroom from US$15/20. Has a decent restaurant on grounds serving local and Western fare. Mama Rula's, Lundazi Highway (4 km north). Chalets and camping, popular with overlanders. There's a good bar where the bartender sports a bowtie and serves Mosi and Carlsberg for US$1.75 a bottle. Local and Western dishes are also served, but $10 for fish and chips is on the expensive side. Mayana Farm , Off Chadiza road (12 km out of Chipata), Working (Guest) farm with bookings only, farm house accomm, camping from Aug 08, trees, peaceful surrounds, bar, lit pool, lounge with DSTV and sat internet, home cooked meals. Owner run and tetchy about very late - or unbooked - arrivals, decent rates. For those who have problems with finding nice Guest houses. The Tourism News, have an office their along Church Road, Mandawa Photo Studios Building, the road which goes to Luangwa House, +260 977 851 196. They will help you with anything to do with travelling and for those who want to use bicycles we can arrange bicycle at a very reasonable fee Tourism News can also help you get around and see whats needs to be seen at a very minimum charge. Cope There are three petrol stations and a Barclays Bank with mostly-functional ATM on the Umodzi Highway (next to the traffic lights). If you need one — most travellers can get it at the border — , for people coming to Chipata for the first time there is no need to carry cash as we have ATM in Chipata, we have Barclays Bank and Zanaco which also offer visa services at there ATM, We also have Indo Zambia Bank, Investrust Bank, Finance Bank, Natsave and Cavomont Bank which also offer ATM services. Get out Lilongwe in Malawi, 2-3 hours away South Luangwa National Park, arguably the best in Zambia, also 2-3 hours away via Mfuwe Lundazi and Chama to the north This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!