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Livingstone’s Nyala Lodge
Affordable
Getaway In The Bush
By Glenda
Thompson
Livingstone
harbours many interesting and varied getaway spots, and over the
years they have popped up everywhere in Zambia’s Tourist Capital.
They’re along the shores of the Zambezi, in the town itself, and
occasionally, just nestling quietly in the bush, which is where we
found Nyala Lodge. Situated in a lush, bird filled combretum forest,
Nyala is literally just off the beaten track, and conveniently close
enough to Livingstone (5 km’s) and the Falls (6 km’s) and the Game
Park (3 km’s) to make the odd foray out for a spot of adventure. At
US$44 per person per night, (October to March) it is one of the more
affordable Lodges in the Livingstone area.
We arrived at
Nyala at dusk on a hot October evening and were greeted by the
friendly colourfully attired staff, and after a quiet shandy by the
pool, which is right beside the bar and dining area, (perfect if you
have small children and need to keep an eye on them) shown to our
chalets. There are twelve in all, all cool, thatched, and with a
unique feature, the showers. I remember visiting Nyala when it was
under construction and marvelling at the extraordinary amount of
rock that was being carted to the bathrooms. The end result is a
mini Vic Falls in each bathroom, with the water cascading from a
rock overhead. It was also interesting to note space for a third bed
in each chalet—ideal for families with odd numbers !
Supper of
delicious, crispy fish and chips, steak and salad and pork chops and
fresh veg was a convivial affair, with visitors from Denmark joining
us, and telling of their plans to explore the Falls and the Park by
taxi the following day. They had just flown in to Livingstone and
had been picked up from the airport by taxi (US15.00 from the
airport to Nyala). The taxi driver had given them strict
instructions not to go close to the Zambezi as they would be
“swallowed by the hippo”. One wonders how many tourists are given
this cheerful warning about old herbivore hippo. Definitely a
dangerous fellow when cornered. It’s a fact that he will charge and
stomp … but charge and chomp? Nah!
Meals at Nyala
are not included in the price of accommodation—unless one specifies
this in the booking, and it gives one a chance to sample the fare at
the restaurants in town and at other establishments in the area. We
had dinner at Ngolide Lodge in town the following night and although
service was a little sedate the food was excellent. They specialise
in Indian food and whether you like it subtly fragrant or bursting
with heat and flavour, you won’t be disappointed.
Nyala is
literally within spitting distance of the Zambezi River, the Falls
and the Mosi oa Tunya Game Park, so very handy if one has guests
visiting from overseas that haven’t been to the Falls and are on a
tight budget. A great place to take visitors to shop for unusual
curios is the Mukuni Curio Park in the centre of Livingstone. One
can get a good bargain there and the craftwork is of a good
standard.
It’s most
often the service at a place that leaves a lasting impression, and
the staff at Nyala made our stay there comfortable and pleasant.
We’ll be back.
Contact them
on email: nyala@zamnet.zm or phone 03 322446 |
February 2005