Impandala House: Our full report

We have been organising trips to Shiwa Ng'andu Manor House for many years. Impandala House is situated in the grounds of Shiwa Ng'andu and has recently undergone a full restoration and refurbishment, creating a lovely four bedroom house, perfect for families or small groups who wish to explore this remote and fascinating corner of Zambia.

None of the Expert Africa team have visited Impandala yet, as we understand it is due to open in the early part of 2009 for guests. The house is named Impandala after a stream in northern Zambia, and in the local language (Bemba), it's literally translated as “aside" or “to one side".

Impandala house has a daily rate, with extra costs for activities. You can do as many or as few of these as you like. For example, you can explore the Shiwa Ng'andu estate – visit the picturesque lake, or walk around the grounds of the Manor house, complete with redbrick gatehouse, and old workers' cottages. Or if you wish to venture further, then visit the hot springs at Kapishya, about half an hour's easy drive away. In the evenings, you could go up to the Manor House for supper, and spend some time exploring the famous Shiwa archives.

We understand that Impandala House will take eight guests, in four double or twin rooms. Two of the rooms (the ground floor rooms) have en suite shower-rooms, while the two upstairs share a shower-room.

Impandala is self-catering, but for international clients the estate can supply groceries –eggs, fish, milk and bread can be bought from the local shops on the farm, and the local Zambian farmers will bring their home grown vegetables around for purchase. The house is fully equipped with five staff – a great bird and game guide, two housekeeping ladies, a cook and a gardener.

It's easily visited as a side-trip from the Luangwa Valley, as well as part of a trip to Northern Zambia. It's a very special area; don't miss it!

Impandala House can easily be visited as a side-trip before or after a safari with any of the camps in the Luangwa Valley.

Geographics

Location: Northern Zambia, Zambia

Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 nights, to really explore the area.

Directions: Accessed by a charter flight either from Mfuwe or Lusaka straight to Shiwa's airstrip.

Key personnel

Owner: Jo and Charlie Harvey

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Room Only

Food quality: Impandala is self-catering, but for international clients the estate can supply groceries –eggs, fish, milk and bread can be bought from the local shops on the farm, and the local Zambian farmers will bring their home grown vegetables around for purchase.

Special interests

Family holidays: Impandala can take eight visitors at a time, and so makes an excellent destination for a group, or a family with older children who will make the most of the varied activities here.

See more ideas for Family holidays in Zambia

Birdwatching: Great spot for bird-watchers, from the forests to the lake – lots of species which are absent from lower-lying areas of Zambia.

See more ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia

Walking safaris: With lovely hilly landscape, and without most dangerous species of big game, Impandala is a great place to walk around and explore – with or without a guide.

See more ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia

Wildlife safaris: Though not primarily a wildlife destination, it's one of the few places where you can easily see Zambia's elusive blue duiker.

See more ideas for Wildlife safaris in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children: Very welcome.

Generally recommended for children: Highly recommended for children.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Mpika, which is about two hours drive away.

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: 0