Africa – Chanters Lodge Livingstone

TOURISM ZAMBIA 2010

As 2009 came to a close, the Zambian leadership was upbeat that tourism will play a pivotal economic role for this landlocked country in the coming year, when investments sunk into the sector begin to bear fruit.

“The tourism sector continues to rank high on my government’s development agenda, as it holds great potential in the diversification of our economy,” Zambian president Rupiah Banda told his nation in a published message Thursday.

Indeed, the diversification of the Zambian economy from mining to agriculture and tourism is part of initiatives that were started by late president Levy Mwanawasa and which attracted financial support from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Banda built on these initiatives and it is now expected that his commitment to the dream will significantly yield results in 2010.

Specifically, more tourists are expected to visit Zambia’s wildlife sanctuaries in the South of the country, the Eastern parts of the country and the relatively central Kafue National Park. Building on the original plans, Banda has shifted focus from Southern Zambia, he art-throb of Zambian tourism, to the new area of Kasaba Bay where he intends to commercialize parts of Mbala airport which presently is an Air Base, so it can handle civilian air traffic as well.

Consequently, while legislation is being changed in parliament to accommodate this economic necessity, the Zambian government has already gone ahead and increased the overall allocation for tourism to K77.6 billion from the K26 billion of 20 0 8. [US$1 = K4, 680]. Of this amount, K24 billion has been allocated towards rehabilitating the road c onnecting Mbala Air Force base near Lake Tanganyika to the resort area of Kasaba Bay. A further K11 billion has been allocated towards the construction of a terminal building at Mbala Airport and an airstrip at Kasaba Bay on the banks of Lake Tanganyika.

PITY THEN, THAT THE ZERO RATED VAT ON ACCOMMODATION IN LIVINGSTONE HAS APPARENTLY BEEN WITHDRAWN, MEANING EITHER A 16% PRICE INCREASE TO BE PASSED ON TO GUESTS OR AN EQUIVALENT SLASHING OF PROFIT, AND THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REINTRODUCE VISA WAIVERS FOR BONA FIDE TOURISTS.

6
JAN

Africa, hotels, livingstone, tourism, World Cup 2010, Zambia

Feeling Older?

JUST IN CASE YOU WEREN’T FEELING TOO OLD TODAY EARLY IN THIS NEW YEAR OF 2010:

THE PEOPLE WHO ARE STARTING UNIVERSITY THIS YEAR WERE BORN IN 1991.
THEY ARE TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER THE SPACE SHUTTLE BLOWING UP.

THEIR LIFETIME HAS ALWAYS INCLUDED AIDS.

THE CD WAS INTRODUCED EIGHT YEARS BEFORE THEY WERE BORN.

THEY HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN ANSWERING MACHINE.

THEY HAVE ALWAYS HAD EMAIL, CELL PHONES AND THE INTERNET.

THEY HAVE ALWAYS HAD VCRS, AND VIDEO CAMERAS.
THEY HAVE ALWAYS HAD CABLE.
POPCORN HAS ALWAYS BEEN MICROWAVED.

THEY NEVER TOOK A SWIM AND THOUGHT ABOUT JAWS.

MCDONALD’S NEVER CAME IN STYROFOAM CONTAINERS.

THEY DON’T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO USE A TYPEWRITER.

The picture – another reminder of age – my youngest Henry, 7, about to take his first flight on 1Time Airlines earlier this week!

5
JAN

Africa, airlines, family, World Cup 2010, Zambia

It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This!

“Can we check our CD to make sure the pictures we’ve got are ours?” A Guest asked me yesterday – a not infrequent request. “Sure!” I replied being a helpful kind of chap. Well I passed by as they were doing it and saw this must have stunner on the screen!

As far as pictures of Victoria Falls are concerned it doesn’t get much better than this, does it? A great photo taken by the Safari Par Excellence photographer for the Andersen Family from Denmark, currently our Guests at Chanters Lodge Livingstone.

The picture was taken from the Boiling Pot just above Rapid No.1. as the Andersens started their full day white water rafting – which they loved too!

Amazing! Thanks to all concerned!

4
JAN

activities, Africa, Chanters, guests, victoriafalls, zambezi, Zambia

Pillars Of Wisdom

I guess these red brick pillars outside the new management offices at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone should be ‘pillars of wisdom’ but there are three and not seven!

More exciting than the new offices is our plan to convert rooms 1 and 2 into a poolside suite when the new offices are finished. More later.

29
DEC

accommodation, Africa, Chanters, management, Zambia

Major New Projects Planned For Zambia

This from LusakaTimes.com

“The Zambia government plans to construct a dam and an electricity power plant of 750 Megawatts (MW) capacity below the existing plant on Kafue River under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. Toll roads, health centres, new prison facilities and schools have also been planned under the PPP projects in a major construction programme that will change the face of Zambia when implemented.

Director of the newly established PPP Unit at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning David Ndopu told the Sunday Mail in an interview that the objective of the Kafue Gorge Lower is to increase electricity generation capacity and enhance security of supply. He said Government will sponsor the project through the Ministry of Energy and Water Development at an estimated cost of between US$1.5 million and US$1.8 million.

The private sector will construct and operate the dam and the electricity power station on a PPP known as Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) for a period of about five to six years.

Mr Ndopu urged Zambians to participate actively in the provision of goods and services under PPP. He said the project ideas will not come from Government alone, but from the private sector, too. Mr Ndopu encouraged local investors to come up with brilliant sellable ideas and to form consortiums with other developers to enhance their credit-worthiness. He said foreign investors will only be granted PPP projects on condition that they engage local people in the execution of the projects.

According to the PPP master plan, Government is also seeking private sector partnerships in the construction of toll roads between Ndola and Lusaka, Chirundu-Lusaka, Livingstone-Lusaka and the Pedicle road that connects the Copperbelt to Luapula Province through the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Government is also considering a toll road that will connect the Lusaka International Airport to the lower Zambezi. The road is expected to ease travel and transportation logistics of tourists arriving at the Lusaka International Airport and wishing to go to the lower Zambezi. This is expected to boost tourism.

Lower Zambezi will be developed into a satellite town of Lusaka at a cost of about US$2 billion. The town will be tailored to cater for a population of about 500,000 people. Among the major developments earmarked for the satellite town are a 100,000 square metre shopping mall, three hotels (one of which will be five star) and three office parks.

Other auxiliaries of this project include a conference centre, high-density residential units and about 8,000 high-cost houses around the shopping mall. The Government and the National Pension Scheme Authority are expected to sponsor this project.”

Grand designs
The photo? Lower Zambezi

21
DEC

Africa, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, Zambia

IMF Support

This from Reuters

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to lend Zambia $81 million to be disbursed immediately, a factor likely to provide short-term support to its kwacha currency. Despite being a fully convertible currency, Zambia’s kwacha remains very illiquid and can be moved by aid and donor flows. The unit has gained more than 20 percent since February due to a recovery in the price of copper, its main export.

The IMF said the anti-poverty funds were the final part of a $262 million concessional lending package, but added that Africa’s biggest copper producer could afford to borrow from capital markets to pay for new infrastructure. “The 2010 budget is well balanced. The authorities aim to create fiscal space for poverty-reducing expenditure and for infrastructure investment to sustain robust and diversified growth,” it said in a statement.

Zambia’s risk of default was low and there was scope for external borrowing on non-concessional terms to finance essential infrastructure, particularly in power generation, it said. However, the Washington-based lender said the government needed to improve the efficiency of state power firm Zesco and raise electricity tariffs to levels that would attract private investment.

Increase electricity tariffs – we had a 35% increase this year and electricity is already our highest monthly cost excluding labour. Words fail me….

18
DEC

Africa, Chanters, electricity, livingstone, Zambia

Lowden Lodge, Luanshya

Recently we had Janet Kay and husband Lee staying with us for one night at Chanters Lodge. Janet runs Lowden Lodge near Luanshya on Zambia’s Copperbelt. They have 13 rooms and a great reputation. Here’s about it:-

“Lowden Lodge is a small private guest house offering first class hospitality with a genuine home from home atmosphere on the copperbelt in Zambia.

Conveniently situated 20km from Ndola. A warm welcome awaits you where you can relax in our peaceful rustic surroundings. Accommodation is in spacious and comfortable en suite rooms. If you prefer privacy we offer three cottages with a self-catering option.

Rates include breakfast, dinner available on request supplemented by our own home-grown fresh produce, a feature of our excellent cuisine.“

Now, I can’t find a picture of Lowden Lodge, and I can’t even find a decent picture of Luanshya – only of the sprawling copper mine, apparently about to re-open under Chinese management. So here’s another picture of Derek Dawson – a friend of Janet’s who introduced us, with partner Pam who’s “ex-Luanshya” (as those who are, call themselves!)

16
DEC

accommodation, Africa, Chanters, copperbelt, guests, Zambia

Twitter Types

I like Twitter for lots of different reasons, not least of which is #MusicMonday! This what Guy Kawasaki has to say about Twitter user types!

“1. The Newbie. “What am I doing?” The Newbie signed up for Twitter less than three months ago and thinks it’s all about lifestreaming: “Watching my cat roll over.” These people quickly progress to a different type of use or abandon Twitter when no one pays attention to them. Motivation: curiosity about Twitter. Recommended approach: understand.

2. The Brand. “What can I get away with?” The Brand balances the tension between using Twitter as a marketing tool and socially engaging people so as not to appear to be using Twitter as a marketing tool. Motivation: greater brand awareness. Recommended approach: observe.

3. The Smore. “What’s in it for me?” The Smore (social media whore) sees Twitter primarily as a self-promotion tool to get something from people although a transparent Smore (“Bubbles”) is often a delightful person. The delusional ones are the pains. Motivations: making a buck off and gaining followers. Recommended approach: tolerate.

4. The Bitch. “What can I complain about?” Despite deriving this name from female dogs, this is usually an angry man who envies people who generate content. They can be briefly amusing in a “shock jock” kind of way, but their bark is greater than their bite, and their bite is greater than their insight. Motivation: generating angry reactions. Recommended approach: block.

5. The Maven. “What’s interesting in my niche?” The Maven is an expert in a field such as recruiting, marketing, or web design. If you’re interested in their field, following them is a rich, rewarding, and time-saving experience. Motivation: getting retweeted and recognized as an expert. Recommended approach: follow.

6. The Mensch. “How can I help?” Mensches are few and far between. They lurk in the background until people need help and then they either know, or know how to find, the answer. They are seldom well-known or highly followed, but they save you tons of time and effort when you want to know something like the ideal dimensions of a profile background. Motivation: helping others. Recommended approach: adore.

Now comes the hard part: What kind of Twitter user are you? To make Twitter an effective tool, you need to be a Brand, Maven, or Mensch. To go even further, you need to be able to adopt the roles of Brand, Maven, Mensch, and a touch of the Smore, and that is truly an art.“

Truly brilliant. Me? Probably a mix of Maven and Brand! I’d also like to add

7. The Luvvy Swooning and gushing over followers or tweets, perhaps for a #followfriday or a #traveltuesday they often pour out or retweet swooning pieces of advice about love and life. Often have more followers than you’d imagine. Recommended approach: love them back, they’re doing it for a reason!

The photo – one of Kerry de Bruyn’s from her Botswana trip – she’s @AfricanPhoto on Twitter

13
DEC

Africa, Botswana, Twitter

Visas, Transfers & Directions

We have introduced a fresh page on our Chanters Lodge website, with a view to giving Guests more information! It’s all about:

VISAS, TRANSFERS & DIRECTIONS

Visas
Single and double entry visas for Zambia are available at Livingstone International Airport and other border posts. US$50 single entry, and US$80 double entry. You can only pay in cash US$. For multiple entry visas you need to make arrangements with your nearest Zambia Embassy or High Commission before you arrive in the country, as these are not available at border posts.

(Visas to enter Zimbabwe are available at their border and the price depends on nationality. Most nationalities don’t require visas to enter Botswana.)
Transfers
Chanters Lodge offers free transfers from/to Livingstone International Airport (for Guests with reservations) on arrival/departure, or from Livingstone City centre if you’re arriving by coach from Lusaka, or via the Intercape Bus from Namibia. Please advise us your arrival details to facilitate this service.
Transfers from/to other locations in Zimbabwe and Botswana can also be arranged. Please let us know your requirements so we can quote you.
Almost all activity operators include transfers from/to Chanters Lodge in their activity prices – excepting Livingstone Island.
Domestic Flights
Contact Proflight
Location
It’s 5 minutes by car to Livingstone City Centre from Chanters Lodge, and it takes just 8 minutes to reach Livingstone Airport. It’s 20 minutes to Victoria Falls and the Zimbabwe border, and 15 minutes to the entrance to the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park. It takes 1 hour to reach the Botswana border, and 2 hours the Namibian border. The road is good.

Coach Service
To reach Lusaka, the Zambian capital by road, allow six hours by private car including a loo stop and about 7 hours by coach. All but 75 km’s of the 500 km’s road is in fair condition. There’s a frequent coach service (Mazhandu Family Bus Service) which is relatively comfortable and reasonable (app US$18 pp). Buses leave from Livingstone City Centre and arrive at the main bus terminal in downtown Lusaka and vice versa.
Taxis
Taxis are abundant in Livingstone and generally safe and roadworthy. A typical fare from Chanters to Livingstone City Centre is US$2.50. One way to Victoria Falls US$10 (both per 4 seater car). They are not metered, so negotiate the fare before departure!
When he’s available Richard will help you with an occasional lift.

Trains
There’s an overnight train service to Lusaka but it’s probably fair to describe it as slow, insecure and uncomfortable. You can also reach Dar-es-Salaam by train from Lusaka which takes 2 days plus.

Directions
(a) Arriving by road from Lusaka:
Come down the long hill into Livingstone from the main water tower and at the bottom there is a right hand bend, a straight section and then another right hand bend. After the second right hander look out immediately for the Chanters Lodge sign (amongst a cluster of others) on your right at the intersection of the Lusaka Road and Obote Avenue. Turn right up Obote Avenue for 750m and check for our next sign on your left. Turn immediately right into Lukulu Crescent and we are the second gate on your right.

(b) Arriving by road from Botswana or Namibia:
Reaching the intersection of the Nakatindi and Lusaka roads by the Catholic Cathedral turn left and proceed all the way through Livingstone towards Lusaka past the Fairmount Hotel and Armadillo Restaurant on your left. About 400m after the Armadillo look out for the Chanters Lodge sign (amongst a cluster of others) on your left. Turn left up Obote Ave for 750m and check our next sign on your left. Turn immediately right into Lukulu Crescent and we are the second gate on your right.

Please contact us by e mail at richard_chanter@yahoo.co.uk for any further information you might require.

There’s also a Google Map showing where we are in Livingstone. The photo? A nice picture of our restaurant!

10
DEC

Africa, Chanters, Zambia

Accommodation at Chanters

We were delighted to learn yesterday, that Chanters Lodge was cited by a Trip Advisor executive at a recent e tourism summit held in South Africa for the complementary reviews about us on their site. Indeed we’re grateful to all Guests who have reviewed the lodge. We’re often marked slightly down on rooms in these reviews. In order to try and make it clear what we offer at our very reasonable prices, we’ve recently updated the accommodation page on our site to reflect the current situation. Here it is:

Chanters Lodge offers Guests a variety of rooms all of which are self-contained and air-conditioned with satellite TV (choice of 5 channels), refrigerators and complimentary tea/coffee making facilities.

There are 4 poolside double rooms (each with one double bed), located in a quiet, peaceful lovely garden setting. These rooms have spacious bathrooms which contain a seperate shower cubicle.

There are 4 large twin bedded rooms, each (soon to) have two double beds – these rooms face the main building and are ideal for those requiring family accommodation, as they have space for at least one extra bed. These have self-contained shower rooms. Travellers can park their vehicles immediately outside these rooms.

There is 1 big, purpose designed, family room with two double beds and a double bunk bed. It has a spacious bathroom with seperate shower.

The original building of Chanters Lodge houses 3 small double rooms, each with one double bed, and self-contained with private bathroom and/or shower. These rooms are ideal for the single traveller or couples travelling on a budget.

Click here to see the various different rates for these rooms.

At certain seasons and for group travel, as well as for long stays, discounts are available on request. All room rates are per room per night and include full english breakfast and free transfers from/to Livingstone International Airport or the city centre on arrival/departure if required.

All rooms have Wifi availability. The lodge gives one free hour internet access per room to Guests on arrival and very reasonable internet vouchers are available for purchase thereafter. There’s also a laptop situated in the lounge for Guest use if required.

The lodge has a stand-by electricity generator in case of power cuts and a 28,000 litre reserve water supply. The site is surrounded by a wall fence and there is a security guard at night. There is space for parking approximately 10 vehicles.

The picture is of one of our recently completed poolside doubles.

8
DEC

accommodation, Africa, Chanters, extension, TripAdvisor, Zambia

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