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.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- 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
- Birdwatching
- With a range of environments from the forests to the lake, you may see lots of species which are absent from lower-lying areas of Zambia. Good spot for those on a Zambia birdwatching holiday wishing to explore a more remote area.
- See ideas for Birdwatching
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Very welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Impandala House.
- Generally recommended for children
- Highly recommended for children.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Mpika, which is about two hours drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Fire safety
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- 0
Other lodges in Northern Zambia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Shiwa Ng'andu
The Old Manor House at Shiwa Ng’andu is a fascinating cultural and historic stopover, either before, after or during a safari.
Wasa Lodge
Wasa Lodge offers easy access to Kasanka National Park, best visited in November and December to see the millions of fruit bats that arrive in the area.
Shoebill Island Camp
Shoebill Island Camp stands on the southern edge of the Bangweulu Wetlands. It's a remote spot, and a very simple camp - but if you want to see Shoebills then it is one of the best places in Africa.
Mutinondo Wilderness
Visiting Mutinondo Wilderness near Mpika in northern Zambia - the accommodation, wildlife, birds and animals
