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Ask our expert: hotels in Zambia
Ruth Imrie is looking for accommodation in a remote part of Zambia. Our expert advises
I have been trying, without success, to get information on hotels in Namwala, Zambia. Maybe there aren’t any. I once worked as a volunteer at Kasenga Girls School near there and would like to revisit the region if there is any accommodation. I live in Johannesburg and if we undertook such a trip, we would probably drive up via Botswana/Chobe. Ruth Imrie, South Africa
Dear Ruth,
Thanks for your enquiry about Namwala, east of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, which really is quite “out of the way” by the standards of most visitors to Africa.
As you probably know, Namwal’s most easily reached by heading north from Choma. When last I went that way, the road was dusty and potholed until about 60km north of Choma, and then turned to implausibly good, smooth tarmac as it continued north. Namwala is locally important for its pontoon across the Kafue River.
I’m not aware of any accommodation at Namwala – although there are a few places to stay in Choma, and a couple slightly to the west of Namwala in Itezhi-Itezhi. If you do head that way, then I’d do so in the dry season, and consider extending your trip to drive up though at least the southern section of Kafue National Park – when the relatively new Kaingu Lodge is excellent and well worth a short stop.
Have a good trip.
Chris McIntyre is managing director of Expert Africa
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Namwala has since a few years a lodge: called Ila Lodge: a few parts are still under construction but the have a few nice lodges to stay overnight. There are two rest houses: one near to the river and one more in the village. Both are very basic: don't expect the luxury life you 'll find in Kafue lodges. But is a nice place where you can meet the local people.
Johannes van der Weijden, 6340 Baar, Switzerland