Lubwa Mission, Shiwa Ng’andu House and Kapishya Hot Springs
Period: April to November
This is also very important especially to learn about our political history since it takes us to Chinsali the birth place of two of Zambia’s political giants – Kenneth David Kaunda and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe. Then we also explore The Shiwa Ng’andu House, Kapishya Hot Springs, part of The Muchinga Escarpment, Chipoma Falls and other attractions in the area.
This historical research expedition is another masterpiece which starts by looking into the missionaries who formed Lubwa Mission and introduced education to Africans. Then we also look at the arrival of the white colonialists at Lubwa.
Furthermore, we look into the life of David Kaunda, father to Kenneth David Kaunda, Zambia’s first president. David was an ordained Church of Scotland Missionary and Teacher. Then we look into the early life of his son, Kenneth David Kaunda, a Lubwa graduate and secretary of the Chinsali branch of the soon to become Africa National Congress. While at Lubwa Mission we also visit Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School to interact with the scholars and make donations to the school.
Shiwa Ngandu (also spelled Shiwa Ng’andu) is a grand English-style country house and estate in Shiwang’andu District in the Muchinga Province of Zambia, previously in the Northern Province, about 12 kilometers (7 1⁄2 miles) west of the nearby Great North Road and half-way between Mpika and Chinsali. Its name is based on a small lake nearby, Lake Ishiba Ng’andu which in the Bemba language means ‘lake of the royal crocodile’. The house itself is also known as “Shiwa House”. It was the lifelong project of an English aristocrat, Sir Stewart Gore-Browne who fell in love with the country after working on the Anglo-Belgian Boundary Commission determining the border between Rhodesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the vast estate of Shiwa Ng’andu is Kapishya, an exquisite natural hot spring surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and tall raffia palms. The hot water bubbles out from the white sands of a crystal-clear pool and flows into the Manshya River. The Harvey’s have built four small thatch chalets there and serve meals in the old farmhouse. A very beautiful setting and well worth a stopover.
Other areas of interest at Shiwa Ng’andu are;
Chusa Falls: Some 10kms downstream from where the Manshya runs past the hot springs. The falls are made up of a series of three steps, each three or four meters high. Rafting can be done here over the many rapids.
Nachipala Bareback Hill. These 3 hours walk to the summit gives a magnificent view of Lake Shiwa Ng’andu. Dr David Livingstone took his bearings from here back in 1867.
Shiwa Lake Boat Trip: A full or half day boat trip on rubber rafts is offered, cruising around the lake, birdwatching and photography in the spectacular sunrise or sunset. The full day trip takes guests from the lake down the Manshya river over some small rapids and back to Kapishya Camp. Fishing trips are also available on the Lake.
While in Mpika it would also be key to visit The TAZARA Regional Office to learn about the great Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) which is an engineering feat and owned by Zambia and Tanzania.