Siavonga

Siavonga is a city in Zambia, probably best known for being a place to refuel and getting some connection on your cellphone. This is the closest most Zambians will ever get to a seaside town or resort

Get in

By car

Quite an amazing drive from Lusaka, heading south. Expect to see beautiful scenery, especially when going through the hills, heaps of trucks with breakdowns (often conveniently placed in the middle of the road sideways) and risky corners where several trailers have met their destiny (often due to bad brakes or unattentive driving). Expect trip to take 2 hours or so, depending on number of trucks.

It’s a 2½-hour drive from Lusaka through Kafue town. After crossing the Kafue River drive straight without turning right onto Chirundu Road. About 70 km after Kafue River take a right turn. Enjoy your drive and the scenery for another 60 km or so.

By bus / minibus

Minibuses depart from the market when full.

To go to Lusaka, you can also hitchhike to the junction with the main Siavonga Road / M15, 6 km northeast. From there, you can easily flag down a bus / minibus / shared taxi (4 hr, less than 150 K: bargain) to the capital.

Get around

In Siavonga, there are only a handful of minibuses and very few cabs to catch, so don't be in a rush when visiting this city.

You can also walk but the city is hilly.

See

• 1 Kariba dam. The main attraction of the Siavonga is probably the nearby Kariba Dam made by the British colonial administration that ruled both Southern and Northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively) in the 1950s, costing about 70 million GBP. (updated Aug 2024)

Many places by the sea front offer boat expeditions. There is also a booze cruise offered here, for all those looking for a young and lively sunset voyage. Relax by the sea front at one of the beaches here and soak up some rays. Local bars will let you immerse yourselves into the culture a bit more with the local maize beer only putting you back 3pin (3,500 K) it won't be an expensive night.

Buy

• 1 Market. If there's one thing that is readily available in this city, it's mangos and other fruits and vegetables. Also expect to find the usual African elephants and giraffes in mukwa wood. (updated Aug 2024)

Sleep

• Sandy Beach Lodge: The food is good, and they have a well stocked bar. However, the most amazing aspect of this lodge is the white (and extremely hot) silky smooth sand that runs right down to the water. But don't be too tempted of having a dip in the water, as it's infested with crocodiles. However, the Lodge has a pool. Activities include sailing, house boating and fishing. Wait for the evening meal to be served as you sit by the beach front and listen to the waves moving in and out. This is a very tranquil place for a traveller looking for a relaxing evening.
• 1 Lake Safari Lodge, Plot 230, Simamba Road (tip of a peninsula in the centre), ☏ +260 978 659 584, bookings@lakesafari.com. 3-star hotel with parking, full English breakfast buffet, 2 swimming pools, gym and a terrace with panoramic view of the lake, sporadic Wi-Fi. You can also come here just for a drink on the terrace. Single w/ bathroom and breakfast: 1500 K. (updated Aug 2024)
• Eagles Rest
• Lake Kariba Inns
• Leisure Bay Lodge
• 2 Zaninge Guest House (roundabout at the entrance of the city centre). Basic rooms but one of the few cheap options in Siavonga. Small breakfast if ordered the day before. No Wi-Fi. Double w/ bathroom: 450 K. (updated Aug 2024)