KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS LODGE shiwasfaris.com Zambia
INTRODUCTION Kapishya consists of six chalets built with a true African flavour from local materials, each with shower and separate en-suite facilities. The chalets are named after African animals in the local language, Che Bemba. The hot water is produced by a traditional Rhodesian boiler and you will need to run the hot tap for a few minutes before the water warms up. The lights are run on solar power during the day and a generator at night, so do ensure you turn off the lights when you leave your chalet. Electrical equipment can be charged at reception during the evening hours. However, due to a shortage of power, car fridges or similar appliances cannot be run. The drinking water in the rooms has been filtered and boiled and more can be provided on request as can extra blankets and pillows. Rooms are cleaned on a daily basis and laundry facilities are available by filling in a laundry list and leaving it with the laundry in the basket provided. It is not advisable to include any delicate items as charcoal irons are used. While security is well-maintained at the lodge, it is still advisable to make sure valuables and money is not left out in your room or around the lodge and that you lock the door when you leave your chalet. Self-catering guests may use the main kitchen and dining room. Eating utensils, kitchen apparatus and a kitchen helper are provided for guests. If you need the oven lit, speak to the kitchen staff in advance. Limited fridge space is available for food only. Therefore, the lodge is unable to chill your drinks. You are strongly advised to use the mosquito nets and coils provide and to wear long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening; to minimize the chance of being bitten.
ROAD ACCESS Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge is adjacent to the estate of Shiwa N gandu The Africa House, 32km off the Great North Road. The turn off is clearly sign posted on the 86 km peg, north of Mpika. Drive times from Lusaka are approximately nine hours and seven hours from the Copperbelt. The road is very good having been recently upgraded. The last 32km on a well graded gravel road. Fuel is usually available in Kapiri Mposhi, Serenge and Mpika. It is recommended that you top up whenever you can. If you are continuing into North Luangwa please ensure that you carry enough spare fuel for the onward journey, CAMPING Located on the bank of the river Mansha, this pleasant campsite has an ablution block consisting of two sets of toilets and hot showers. A basic kitchen area, fire places and shade huts are dotted around the site in the shade of the Miombo woodland. Firewood is provided free of charge.
HOT SPRINGS The Hot Springs are an idyllic spot to spend your time relaxing in the natural, sulphur free water. These natural Springs are fed by three cold water springs which permeate down 6-7 kilometres to be super heated and then forced back to the surface dropping 10oc with every kilometre, so ending up on the surface at a luxurious 41oc. As your feet sink into the soft white sand, you can forget about the stresses of the outside world and truly relax. As a courtesy to the other guests, please only use soap and shampoo below the wall. You are asked to be especially careful with glasses and bottles while you are in the springs. If you do break a glass or bottle, please report this to a member of staff so they can ensure its safe removal. KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS LODGE
SWIMMING POOL & DECK LOUNGE This relatively new addition to the lodge is becoming a firm favourite with the guests. A small lighted pool sits in front of a spacious deck lounge which stands above the well kept garden with its abundance of plant life and secluded seating areas. The river flows and bubbles over a miniature set of rapids. If you look to the right you might get a fleeting glimpse of the monitor lizard who lives in the small kopjie on the bank. Guests are asked to read the Safety Instructions located on the board next to the pool and to wash their feet and make use of the open air shower before swimming. Cushions for the sun lounges are kept in the store room next to the pump room. Pool towels are provided by the pool. CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES.
THE RESTAURANT Mell s restaurant at Kapishya has become recognised as an eatery of note, where international cuisine sits easily next to local fayre. Well known for the high quality of food served, all vegetables are organic and come from Kapishya s own vegetable gardens, which you are welcome to visit, and the meat served is sourced locally. KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS LODGE
DINING Dinner is always a culinary delight. Three courses will be on the menu and be ready to be served a dish from some far flung exotic region of the world. The kitchen is able to supply many varied dishes and is always open to suggestions whether it is for ChineseItalian, Spanish, Thai or African etc. Breakfast is sure to set you up for the day, whether it is the Full English with the sausages, bacon and eggs from the farm or the home baked-bread & butter served with a wide selection of homemade preserves (which are also on sale, along with various pickles, in the dining room). All this washed down with tea, home grown coffee and freshly squeezed juices from the orchard. Cereal and fresh fruit, including seasonal tropical fruits such as guava, mango, paw-paw and the South American Tree Tomato, are always at hand. Lunch has many varied menus and these are posted on the Specials Board on a day to day basis. Your meal comes with home grown salad and homemade bread and will be sure to keep you going until dinner. AT KAPISHYA IT IS A REAL EATING EXPERIENCE.
Self-catering guests are most welcome to purchase meals from the restaurant. DINING TIMES Breakfast 6.45 10.00 Lunch 12.30 14.00 Dinner 19.30 21.00 Tea and coffee is available from the bar area all day.
THE BAR The social centre of the lodge, this fully stocked bar is open all day and also offers a tasty selection of mouth watering bar snacks. Perfect for meeting at the end of your day, where an ice cold beer or your favourite tipple will be slid across the bar in to your grateful hand or brought to you by a smiling waiter. Here is a time for convivial chat and friendly banter. Later, it is the place to retire after a sumptuous meal and to listen to Mark entertain you with his many stories of daring do, bringing to life the characters of people who have had the pleasure of staying at Kapishya and of adventurers from the past whom we have only heard of in history books. Before you know it, the hour is late and it is time to make your weary way to bed, happy and content. KAPISHYA HOT SPRINGS LODGE
GARDENS The setting of Kapishya, nestling on the banks of the river Mansha is richly enhanced by the picturesque gardens which surround the chalets. Small hand painted signs giving the names in both english and latin dotted around the garden pay tribute to the dedication that has gone in to the upkeep of the Lodge and its surroundings. Here is Alocasia macrorrhiza, the magnificent Elephant Ear, there is Bixa orellana, the intriguingly named Lipstick Plant, over there Heliconia humili s the scary sounding Lobster s Claw. Oh yes, and the Have you left your room key? Even the pretty little herb garden on the right of the lodge entrance shows you the way to Chives, Mint and Dill. If you wish to take a wander around the vegetable garden ask a member of staff and he or she will willingly take you.
THE RIVER VIEW LOUNGE & T.V. AREA Above the bar and restaurant is the River View Lounge. Here you can relax in the quietest part of the Lodge and high tea is now served at 1600hrs, Tea, scones biscuits and cake are the order of the day, served with the exclusive preserves made by the Lodge. So enjoy both your tea and the view. On the other side of the stairwell is the T.V. area with DSTV where you can sit in a comfy chair and watch your favourite programme. Due to the power situation viewing is generally restricted to the evening. INTERNET CONNECTION The lodge does have Wi-Fi which is restricted to a small area around reception. For rates and password please ask a member of the staff.
ACTIVITIES OFFERED AT KAPISHYA An indemnity form must be completed before any activities are undertaken. SHIWA HOUSE The house is open for viewing but be aware that this is a private house and so not all rooms will be open to visitors. Open times are Monday to Saturday between 9.00am and 11.00am. To book a guided tour, please ask at reception. Cost $20/person, payable at the Shiwa Estate farm office. GAME VIEWING/SHIWA LAKE Shiwa Lake is a natural lake with five rivers feeding into it. The lake shore boasts a large variety of bird life making bird watching excellent. The game farm and lake can be viewed on foot or by vehicle. Wildebeests, Zebra, Kafue Lechwe, Puku and Impala are some of the animals that can be spotted. Cost $20/person.
HORSE RIDING Horse riding at Impandala, only available for the experienced rider and must be booked a day in advance. Cost starts at $40/person. RAFTING We offer two trips on the Mansha River in either 2 or 5 person rafts. The first is a very gentle 2 hour trip that starts upstream at the local school and ends at Kapishya. The second trip starts from Kapishya and ends at Chusa Waterfall. The water is a lot faster on this stretch and the possibility of capsizing is more likely. Please do not take cameras and other valuables on this section of the river. Cost K100,000/boat and K120,000 for pick up by lodge transport from Chusa Falls. MOUNTAIN BIKING There are a number of short and longer Mountain bike routes around Kapishya. Bikes are available to hire at a cost of K50,000/day.
WATERFALL The Waterfall is situated down stream from the lodge. It can be reached by a 7km walk (see self guided walks below) or you can drive down to them. Guides can be provided at a cost of K50,000/Group and vehicle pick up for K100,000/Vehicle. BARE BACK HILL Climbed by Dr Livingstone on his journey through Zambia. This 1 hour walk offers spectacular views of Lake Shiwa N gandu and its surrounds. Guides can be provided at a cost of K50,000/Group and vehicle pick up for K100,000/Vehicle. CAVES AND CAVE PAINTINGS New discovery May 2011 Located 20 minutes walk from the lodge across the river, this cave is estimated to be 60,000 years old and number of stone age artifacts have been recovered. In more than one site a number of cave paintings have also been discovered although these are believed to be only 1000 years old. Additional information available soon.
SELF GUIDED WALKING TRAILS The lodge offers 2 well marked and interesting walks: THE HILL LOOP WALK - 4km/1.5hrs - round trip. The walk starts with a steep rocky climb up the front of the hill to Helen's Point from where you can enjoy the fantastic views. Then a gradual decent along the ridge into the valley below and through sandy open woodland. CHUSA FALLS WALK - 7km/1.5hrs - one way This walk is mostly along local village paths. A flat and varied route starting through a local Bemba village with crop fields and fish pond/farm. Over a rocky outcrop, across open grassland and then through sub tropical woodland. Finishing at Chusa falls, which is a series of rocky cascades. For a map and more information please ask at the bar. A Guide can also be provided if required at a cost of K50,000/Group.
KAPISHYA PRIMARY SCHOOL Kapishya Lodge actively supports our local school and encourage visitors to visit the school and its pupils during term time. We have also set up a fund to rehabilitate the classrooms and the teacher s houses. Donations are most welcome, please give them to the management and obtain a receipt.