I had the chance to swing by the Modzi AIR Exhibition, highlighting work by Kolapo Olurunyemi, a Nigerian based science-inspired artist. The exhibit sheds light on the traditions and identity of Africans through the different unique tribal marks, whilst imagining a futuristic African.
Kolapo’s larger pieces are oil-on-canvas, with the notable one being of Mumba Yachi, one of Zambia’s most eclectic artists. Kolapo’s sketches on the other hand, are a mixture of pencil, pen and chalk. You can still see this beautiful work and interact with Kolapo at Modzi Art until Tuesday, 22 September 2022.
Mwimbi Fine Art Gallery is currently hosting the “More Witnesses” solo exhibition by Geoffrey Phiri. The art on display is largely mixed media, with an interesting use of soil, as Geoffrey is a sculpture by profession. The art depicts the different interpretations of situations by the many witnesses and voices in various segments of society. The exhibition will be open to the public until mid October and is free.
Mwimbi Fine Art moved from Woodlands to the Bishops Office Park, opposite the Kabulonga Centro Mall, right above Africa Works.
A 40-minute drive outside Lusaka’s Business district lies the Lusaka National Park, Zambia’s youngest national park. Getting there is a breeze as the road is tarred from the Woodlands / Leopards hill area to the entrance of the Park premises. The Park offers several outdoor nature-based activities, notably camping, bicycle trails and walking safaris, where visitors can see several species of herbivores including giraffe, eland, kudu and zebra. Visitors are also able to self-drive around the park or engage one of the local park guides to accompany them at a negotiated fee. The main roadways were graded at the time of my visit but as always, take caution when you are in an area that is not familiar.
The Wildlife Discovery Centre was also opened within the Lusaka National Park with the aim to champion awareness on all thing’s conservation within Zambia. You can visit the Exploratorium to learn more about the different landscapes and ecosystems that we have in Zambia and the different initiatives we have to conserve them for future generations.
Look out for the directional sign with most of the major national parks and a key emblem on each sign to tell you what you will find in the national parks.
The Lusaka National Park is now home to the Elephant Nursery, which was entirely moved from Lilayi Lodge premises. It is easy to move around and get to the observation deck as there is signage at every interval. Some of the signage actually has QR codes for those seeking additional information, glad to see this green approach.
From the observation deck, visitors can see the calf’s during their feeding time (almost daily between 11:30 and 13:00) and also learn about how most of them were orphaned and the work being done to reintroduce them to the wild. Game Rangers International is currently taking a lead role in managing the Nursery but they have been able to receive foundations from many stakeholders who have been honoured with leaf’s dotted around the entire site (see photograph above). The work being done by the GRI ‘Keepers’ is truly remarkable. Their main role is to nurture the elephants and nurse them back to health until they are old enough to be integrated into a new herd. It was just heart-warming to see just how the elephants were able to overcome their pain and fears and build a connection with humans. I witnessed first-hand how these animals are oriented to building relationships with other beings around them plus I saw how intelligent, playful and naughty they can be. See more here.
The Wildlife Discovery Centre is also home to an outlet of The Collective, who retail treasures of design-craft from across Zambia to empower creatives. The store is located within the visitors centre and you can stop by to purchase any souvenirs or gifts.
Additional Information
You need to pay ZMK 30 per vehicle to get entry into the Multi Facility Economic Zone Complex where the Lusaka National Park is located. You will also pay an additional entrance fee of ZMK 20 per adult, ZMK 15 per child for children older than 5 years old, while children under 5 years old get free entry
Guests who want to get access to the wildlife discovery centre and also view the Elephants have to pay the following fees at the visitors centre:
I recommend carrying your own food and beverages as the restaurant onsite was still coming together at the time of my visit. The Wildlife Discovery Premises has a seating area where you can be able to eat your meal.
Mutambe Akasuba is a remote wellness lodge located 5kms off the T2 road on the outskirts of Chinsali, in Zambia’s Muchinga province. The Lodge has a conferencing facility, a fully stocked bar and a restaurant that serves a set menu that is written on the chalk board on a daily basis. I quite liked that the Lodge also has a small nook to catch up on some reading or writing in a peaceful and quiet environment. One key thing to note about Mutambe Akasuba is that the entire premise not have internet access but, there is limited access to network for basic calls, think Edge network before 2G and 3G. It has all the right ingredients for visitors to disconnect, retreat and recenter, artist in residence anyone?
True to its name, Mutambe Akasuba has two decks and several points that give magnificent views of the sun rising over the woodland horizon. I enjoyed watching night turn to day from the comfort of the cozy chairs, wrapped up in the fleece blankets. You will notice from the photographs that the Lodge uses a lot of sustainable materials in every aspect of its design and aesthetics. I kept feeling like I had seen this elsewhere and was pleasantly surprised to learn that this intentional approach was indeed modeled after the Foxdale Forest property located in Lusaka. The Lodge has a few curios and traditional items on sale for visitors who want souvenirs.
Mutambe Akasuba is built within the vicinity of a natural hot spring and the Kabangama waterfall, further inland from the lodge. Getting to the waterfall requires a bit of a walk and some guidance as there were not a lot of directional signs but the hot spring was a lot easier to reach as it was located down hill from the lodging area. It was quaint, warm and private, courtesy of the small barrier built around the hot spring and pond. If you are ever on this side of Zambia and looking for a breather, I definitely recommend the place, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
This serene spot is just 20 minutes outside Kitwe off the Kalulushi Road in Zambia’s Copperbelt province. I was happy to learn that the Mindolo Dam can be found using my maps app, but I initially got lost, as I took the directions heading toward Chingola. I was back on track after calling the Mindolo Dam team, who guided me back towards the Kalulushi direction.
Mindolo Dam is such a versatile place as it has camping facilities, a motor cross area, braii spots and manicured lawns that can be used for different kinds of events. However, the highlight of Mindolo facility is definitely the Dam, which gives visitors access to fishing, canoeing and boating opportunities. Mindolo also has a pool and there is a small kiosk on site, but I recommend you carry your own food/drinks as the options were limited at the time of my visit. At the time of my visit, there was an entrance fee of K50 for non members to get access to the premises but, I recommend you confirm the pricing for entrance and all activities with the Mindolo Dam team prior to booking / going there.
Adventures with BoBoBongz 