Chipata Town

The gate way to Malawi and the Luangwa game parks is Chipata, which is just 19 km from Malawi. With a population of about 320,000, it happens to be the capital of the eastern province. Situated in a valley, it is surrounded by fertile land suitable for agriculture, although the locals practice it on the low scale.

Background

The town, formerly Fort Jameson, was the capital of north eastern Rhodesia until 1911, when Northern Rhodesia (Zambia by then), was created.

Sight seeing

Getting around town is fairly easy. Cabs are plenty in town and can even take you as far as neighboring Malawi on a shopping spree or sight seeing.

The home of bicycles

The town has for along time been associated with bicycles. This could be due to the defunct Luangwa Industries which used to assemble bicycles. Many people use the bicycles as a source of income – bicycles taxis.

Next time you come to Chipata and if you are on a low budget, just run to the bicycle taxi rank, the “taxi” will take you to your destination!

People and places

The place has got a large Indian population. And this is evident by the presence of several mosques around town. Most of them are shop owners in an area commonly called the “Indian shops”. This is an area where the local people congregate for their shopping.

Traveling

For a rural community, it is quiet busy. A stroll along the Umodzi highway which goes up to the Malawi border will give you an idea. This road is initially the Great East Road and will take you to Lusaka. From here, you can connect northwards to Mfuwe in the Luangwa national park and Lundazi.There are a variety of buses from here to the rest of the country. By luxury coach, it is a 7 to 8 hours journey to Lusaka.

Zambian Airways (no longer operational) which used to provide regular scheduled flights between Lusaka and Mfuwe, as at 25th October 2008 suspended the flights due to lack of profitability.

Accommodation

The town is full of places where you can spend a night, (or several nights). Along the Lundazi highway is the Katuta lodge. Offering single and double rooms with bathrooms. The menu includes both local and western foods.

About 2 km off the main road, along the Lundazi road, is Mama Rulas. It offers guest rooms including some which are en suite.

Just off the main Lusaka road towards Mfuwe is the Chipata Motel. It’s a low budget motel offering the basics in accommodation. Mostly used by the locals.

Some places worth trying are the Crystal Springs Hotel, located just opposite the mosque and the Pine View, situated on the south east side of town.

Shopping

You can purchase anything. Due to the town's closeness to Malawi, you can take advantage and go shopping there. Most people make use of taxis (cabs) to drive to Malawi.

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