Chipata.
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Overview

Chipata is a growing multi-cultural town 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.

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 Lusaka and Mfuwe (for South Luangwa). Flights are run by Proflight from M-F. Bookings can be made at Jasat Travel Agency, located in Down Town.

It might be possible to find slightly cheaper transport, but it will probably take twice as long to arrive. (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. There are Lungu luxury 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, .

There are 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 roughly 22 km from the border of Malawi along Lusaka Road / T4. 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, painted an eye-catching blue. No meters, so bargain hard — expect to pay K10,000-20,000 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 hire bicycles at little as K2000, and for the whole day that can be arranged with the Tourism News.

See

Chipata is rather low on tourist attractions.

Chipata Juma Mosque. Probably the prettiest building in Chipata, no entry for non-Muslims 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 2 km 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 (75 km from Chipata, near Katete), sometime in August. A Chewa thanksgiving festival that draws colourful Nyau secret society dancers not just from Zambia, but also Malawi and Mozambique.

Buy

Chipata is a good place to stock up before heading out into the bush. There is a large Spar supermarket and also a Shoprite, 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.

Standard Chartered Bank. Has a Visa card/Mastercard ATM.

Stanbic bank. Has a Mastercard/Visa card ATM.

Eat

Chipata has several local restaurants offering cheap traditional food.

Chef's Pride, Parerenyatwa Rd. 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.

Al Jameel Enterprise. One of the oldest trading business in Chipata, Previously Zabee Enterprise in the mid 80s now known as Al Jameel Enterprise- sells much needed school uniform material for most schools in Chipata as well as the Eastern Province, Large selection of different materials from cotton to soft touch velvets, Also specialised in furniture, kitchenware and rexins for flooring etc. Why not pay a visit for electrical items as well as all your tailoring needs

Drink

Nightclubs in Chipata are a little low-key.

Up Town, 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. Theoretically members-only, but in practice anybody gets in. Popular with Chipata's small expat community. Pine View, on the Guest House property, has a chilled-out bar and pool tables. A good chill out place to meet some locals and have some fun.

Sleep

Budget Under K500 Chipata has several affordable guest houses

Chipata Motel. Also hosts many concerts, which can be good to visit, but not so good to try to sleep through.

Katuta Lodge, Lundazi Highway (10 km north). Mama Rula's, Lundazi Highway (4 km north). Chalets and camping, popular with overlanders.

For those who have problems with finding nice Guest houses. 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 what needs to be seen at a very minimum charge.

Deans Hill View Lodge. camping/dorm beds. bed and breakfast for Backpackers and travellers.

Faigib Guest House. Wi-Fi when electricity is available. The helpful manager will happily give a ride on his motorbike to the restaurants / buses / shared taxis.