Swanning Around Sinazongwe

The Kholisa I may be the Star of Sinazongwe, but it is not the only star; there are others – Chete Island (see next article) and Chikanka Island (more about that in a future issue). But if you want a quiet weekend with no excitement, then you could consider The Clubhouse or The Guesthouse, also on the shores of the Lake.

The Clubhouse caters for backpackers and currently has two double rooms and a dormitory which sleeps six although Paola, one of the owners explained that more accommodation is being added.

All the buildings have been constructed in the traditional way – pole and dagga with thatched roofs and decorated with natural ‘paints’. The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, fridge and freezer as it is all self-catering.

Whilst I was there, they were doing the finishing touches to the swimming pool and the bar which has a spectacular view over the Lake – at least 200 degrees.

Rates are The Clubhouse are US$ 15 for a private room, US$ 6 for a dormitory or US$ 3 for camping.

The Guesthouse is a little more upmarket and caters for families and those with a larger budget.

At the moment they have two houses, but as these are in fairly close proximity to each other, they come as a unit. The larger of the houses consists of a lounge (complete with DSTv) and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with separate toilet and three bedrooms; two doubles and one twin. The other house has a kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms, sleeping six. Rates are US$ 80 on week days and US$ 140 on weekends and public holidays for both houses.

In the very near future, they will be adding another house although this one can be booked separately from the two which are currently in use. All three houses share a swimming pool which is partially shared by some enormous trees. The entire area is also lawned, making it cool during the hot months.

The fridges in the houses will be stocked prior to your arrival and on leaving, you pay for what you have used and these drinks are very reasonably priced. Or you can bring your own. Spirits are also available although these are sold by the bottle. Or if you would prefer, you can wander up to the bar at the Clubhouse and have a drink there.

Available is a cook who can do basic meals and also staff who will clean the houses, make beds etc.

If your plan is to spend your time there indulging in a bit of fishing, they have facilities to launch your boat or you can hire a boat from them. If you tire of fishing (or if you want to send the kids and women off in the other direction), they offer tours of the croc farm (US$5), game walks on Maaze Island (US$ 20 including transfer by boat). Also available in the very near future will be sunset cruises, makoro trips and a visit to a kapenta rig at night. Or you can take a night away from the mainland and camp on one of the islands (US$ 25 including transport and dinner).

The islands are either Maaze Island or Mashapi Island which are both privately owned and have recently been stocked with game (ironical isn’t it that forty years ago, Operation Noah was removing the game from the islands and now we are returning it.) Already there are numerous types of antelope, zebra, monkeys and baboons and of course the elephants who have made their own way over. There are also plans to add some buffalo.

To get to either The Clubhouse of The Guesthouse, take the Maamba turnoff at Batoka, go past the Sinazongwe turnoff for about thirty kilometres where (about two kilometres before Maamba) you will find a good dirt road to the left with a sign post saying Maaze Holdings/Zongwe Farming. Follow this road (and the signposts) for about thirty kilometres until you reach Siansowa.

For bookings, email us