Zambian Residents Safaris

WINA WA NZAMBI - MWINILUNGA

Wina meaning- the crater is called "The Eye of God"

Beautiful base to discover the source of the Zambezi River and this un-explored corner of Africa.

SELF-CATERING

Accommodation around the crater

Standard Rates per night per room:

Main house:  ZMW1000

2 double ensuite large rooms at each end, with a large open plan fully furnished kitchen /dining / living room in the middle and a deck overlooking crates and sunset.

Both rooms have a king-size bed and 1 has an extra single bed & bunkbed bed

Rooms can fit 2 adults and 1-2 kids.

2 x Double en-suite cottages:  ZMW900

With private veranda overlooking crater. 

Both have extra single bed, and basic external kitchen areas.

Each can fit 2 adults and 1-2 kids.

Holiday Rates 25% extra - 21 December - 3 January

Minimum 3-night stay

2 Large double safari tents:  ZMW700 each

Double bed, veranda overlooking crater, share ablutions with camp site

Can fit 2 adults

Thatched roundavel:  ZMW 700

Double bed, overlooking crater, share ablutions with camp site

Modest size, it can fit 1 or 2 adults.

Camping:  ZMW300 per person per night

Hot water showers, flush toilet and outdoor kitchen and double sink

Clean, soft grass, braais, nsaka/chota shelter

Accommodation about 500m away / separate from main group, overlooking the West Lunga River:

1 bed Pineapple cottage:  ZMW1100

Bedroom, bathroom and open-plan kitchen/living area.

Huge deck facing sunrise, pizza oven.

Bedroom with king double, sofa bed in living area for 1-2 extras.

Notes:

• All bookings in advance, all rooms charged fixed price for 1 or 2 adults.
• Main house rooms and chalets are family size with extra bed(s)
• Extra child 10 years and under are free.
• Otherwise, extra ZMW350 per person per night

FOOD:

• There is not yet a restaurant service, but there are cooking facilities so bring your favorite food and drinks.
• There are staff for cleaning/washing up.
• We can organize a chef to cook your food (no Michelin stars) for a modest fee.
• There is a self-service trust bar with beer and wine.

The whole site can be booked for special functions / large groups by prior arrangement

Order from Lunga View lodge in town

Activities:

• Base to visit the source of the Zambezi River https://maps.app.goo.gl/8rWHa

• Must do - walk around top and bottom of Wina crater Beautiful Walk at any time of day or night, especially sunrise or sunset. Look for the resident bushbabies in the thick bush at the bottom, or the pangolin family. As well as monitor lizards and the birds

• Canoe / fish on West Lunga River | Fish in the Wina pool

• Wildlife walks / Bird walks

• Trail running and mountain bike trails

• Orchid hunting / Honey harvest / Pick your own Pineapple

• Pangolin experience / Village life experience

• See the baby wildebeest while paddling on the river in August

• Day expeditions (Self-drive - own cost)

Source of the Zambezi River Unique experience to see the humble beginnings of this mighty river that shapes 8 countries and gives Zambia its name, and many would say, its heart.

Zengamina mini-hydro power scheme Zambia's pioneering rural power mini grid that since 2007 has provided renewable electricity to the Ikelenge district, transforming public services and economic activity. Located at the beautiful Zambezi rapids - with 2 further beautiful waterfalls upstream (see above)

Historic Kalene Hill/ Mission hospital Climb Kalene hill, inspect original hospital foundations ruins, and gaze over Angola and DRC and imagine the pioneering missionary doctors that established this outpost

Chibesha lake Heart shaped lake with white sandy beach and beautiful mopani forest. Swim, cycle, walk, stunning place to overnight camp under the stars

Local waterfalls (numerous) "to North: Lwakela, Zambezi triple (Zengamina, Chiyesu, Nyadibeya) to East: Kanyama (Mujila upper and lower falls),

4x4 Adventure expeditions Various, including historic DRC border road. GPS Routes TBC Stand on the Angolan border at Jimbe Bridge Very few people get to this most remote corner of Zambia - stand on a 70yr old bridge, walk across to Angola and chat with the guards, who may sell you an Angolan beer.

Kasenseli Gold mine Visit the new gold mine settlement and meet artisanal miners

Birding to the Chitunta plain- special birding area also the Jimbe Drainage special birding area

Wildlife and Research

• Wildlife: approx. 60 antelope (sitatunga, wildebeest, hartebeest, puku, reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker), civet cats, jackal, pangolins, bush babies.
• Welcome researchers who can document any of the following: orchids, riverine vegetation, pangolins, sitatunga, civet cats, bush babies, birds.
• Community:  We support, and work actively with a local village “Wina Community Committee” 
• Broader activities to promote sustainable development (conservation farming, fish farming, reduction in deforestation, education scheme, local football team)

Location and access

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a6qsZ - but follow the turn off below, don’t follow google maps in the bush.

Past Mwinilunga on the T5 road to Ikelenge, 6km to the east on the Lunga River, close to the Mwinilunga Airstrip.

Approx. coordinates of main accommodation area/gate: 11°39'59.2"S 24°28'01.5"E

Water

There is piped water to all buildings/ camp site from a borehole on site. It is fine to use for cooking/tea etc. and filtered water is available from main house for drinking. Depending on volumes needed, it might be best to bring some 5L drinking water containers. All accommodation has hot water for showers from solar or donkey boiler. Advise the staff what time you want hot water, so they light the fires on time.

Power

There is a solar electric system installed but limited especially on overcast days. So, all cooking is by gas, and don’t waste power please. There is a backup generator, but it is not 100% reliable. There are back up individual solar lights for rooms and a personal torch is recommended. A back up power bank for mobile phones charging is advised for those not ready to ‘switch off’.

Wi-Fi/mobile network

Both MTN and Airtel work from the main house area (chalets down the hill are patchy) for calls and data, as long as the Mwinilunga towers are working. There is a router for Wi-Fi, but it is not kept on at this time due to irregular use.

Security

Wina is a safe place within a friendly community. There is a guard all night and staff on hand in the daytime. However, do not leave cash or valuables out, suggest lock in car. No responsibility is held for any loss.

Cooking - Self catering

Wina is currently self-catering unless by special arrangement but has full facilities.

Main house

Has built in kitchen with 4 burner gas stove and oven, fridge, and in external laundry room - deep freezer and washing machine.

Pots and pans and crockery and cutlery for 12 people

Braai stand (wood free, charcoal for sale)

NO electric toaster or microwave due to power draw

There is a wood fired pizza oven “over the hill” by special arrangement

There is a fruit orchard for in season fruits.

Game meat or local fish or local honey may be available for purchase

Provisions

Mwinilunga town does have a bakery (Chicabo) and grocery stores with all essentials, but there is no ‘Shoprite’. Drinks (cokes/beer etc.) can be purchased from bottle stores, but no fine wines or single malts- BYO. There is a butchery, and beef is very ‘natural/free range’ but therefore tough as.

Activities Generally bring your own equipment and tools – bicycles, fishing gear etc. River access is by open Canadian canoes (2-3 per boat, 3 boats). GPX routes for trails.

Washing in consideration of the environment, bedding/towels are not changed for stays of less than 3 days, unless requested otherwise. Clothes can be washed by hand or machine if the sun is out for K100/load. Fuel Hurrah there is now a fuel station down near the Lunga bridge, and if it runs out there are 20L containers for sale by in town. But bringing your own extra jerry cans is suggested.

Banks There is only 1 bank, Finance Bank/Atlas Mara and the ATM is often not working, and queues inside are world class patience-testers, so bringing own cash is advisable. Paying for your stay should be by bank transfer, or ideally cash to site manager Davy, but ensure you get a receipt please.

Health NWP has extensive malaria and prophylactics are highly recommended, especially in the rainy season (Nov-April). Mosquito nets are available for all beds. Other health hazards include insects/spiders and snakes/wild animals when out in the reserve. Antelope do graze in the camping area at night and are not trained to be petted.