Siavonga is a city in Zambia, probably best known for being a place to refuel and getting some connection on your cellphone. This is the closest most Zambians will ever get to a seaside town or resort

Get in

Quite an amazing drive from Lusaka, heading south. Expect to see beautiful scenery, especially when going through the hills, heaps of trucks with breakdowns (often conviently placed in the middle of the road sideways) and risky corners where several trailers have met their destiny (often due to bad brakes or unattentive driving). Expect trip to take 2 hours or so, depending on number of trucks.

It’s a 2½-hour drive from Lusaka through Kafue town. After crossing the Kafue River drive straight without turning right onto Chirundu Road. About 70 km after Kafue River take a right turn. Enjoy your drive and the scenery for another 60 km or so.

Get around

In Siavonga, there are only a handful of minibuses and very few cabs to catch, so don't be in a rush when visiting this city

See

The main attraction of the Siavonga is probably the nearby Kariba Dam made by the British colonial administration that ruled both Southern and Northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively) in the 1950s, costing about 70 million GBP.

Many places by the sea front offer boat expeditions. There is also a booze cruise offered here, for all those looking for a young and lively sunset voyage. Relax by the sea front at one of the beaches here and soak up some rays. Local bars will let you emerse yourselves into the culture a bit more with the local maize beer only putting you back 3pin (3,500 kwatcha) it won't be an expensive night.

Buy

If there's one thing that is readily available in this city, it's mangos and other fruits and vegetables. Also expect to find the usual African elephants and giraffes in mukwa wood.

Sleep

• Sandy Beach Lodge: The food is good, and they have a well stocked bar. However, the most amazing aspect of this lodge is the white (and extremely hot) silky smooth sand that runs right down to the water. But don't be too tempted of having a dip in the water, as it's infested with crocodiles. However, the Lodge has a pool. Activities include sailing, house boating and fishing. Wait for the evening meal to be served as you sit by the beach front and listen to the waves moving in and out. This is a very tranquil place for a traveller looking for a relaxing evening.
• Lake Safari Lodge
• Eagles Rest
• Lake Kariba Inns
• Leisure Bay Lodge