CHAMA DISTRICT
Location
General Physical Characteristics
Chama district is situated in the Luangwa valley.The district borders with Mafinga district in the north, Chinsali in the west, and Mpika in the southwest. Across Mphalausenga hills, which are part of Mafinga Hills, the district borders with the Republic of Malawi. And covers an areaof 17,630 Square kilometer.
Topography:
The district has the Muchinga Escarpment running across but parallel to Luangwa River which demarcates the valley and the plateau. The escarpment in the West and low range hills in the East form the famous Luangwa valley.
Vegetation:
A large area of the district is a valley that has vast Mopane woodlands which are infertile, and this is where the Luangwa North National Game Park is situated. The open grassland with scattered Musangu trees is often found along the riverbanks. A small area of the district is a plateau.
The sub-soil is clayey though covered with a thin layer of sand on top. Loamy soil is found in the areas along riverbanks. The widespread clay soil becomes easily waterlogged when it rains continuously for a few days and dries up quickly due to excessive heat. However, the water logging areas provide suitable rice growing paddies. The Loamy soil along the riverbanks provides fertile areas for farming. Unfortunately, crops are usually washed away during the years of excessive rainfall.
Demographic Characteristics
The District has a population density of 5.9 inhabitants per square km. According to the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, the district had a population of 99,434 people with an annual population growth rate of 3.3 Percent.
Communication and Power –
Hydroelectric power is extended to administrative centre only,
Zamtel land phone available, MTN,
Airtel and Zamtel Mobile Telecommunication coverage available,
Postal service available.
The district has an air strip for medium airplanes,
Road Network
Great North Road passes through the district and the district is the point of exit to East Africa through Tunduma, Tanzania.
Health Facilities
Chama District has 5 health post, and 21 health centres and one Level-1 Hospital
Education Facilities
There are 116 Basic Schools and 5 training institution
Agriculture
Agriculture is the leading industry, and maize is the most common crop. Chama is also known as a rice-growing area. Cotton is a lucrative crop for some. Sorghum and soya beans are also grown. Other common food crops include groundnuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cabbage, sunflowers
Tourist Attractions
Nyika National Park, Zambia
Nyika National Park lies in the northeast of Zambia, on the western edge of the Nyika Plateau, which is one of the highest parts of the country and most of which lies in neighbouring Malawi. Nyika Plateau is a beautiful, montane, highland area, lying on the Malawian border, at the eastern-most tip of Zambia. The park is an extension of the National Park on the Malawian side, which incorporates the part of the plateau that’s crosses the border.
Because of the colonial era when both countries were administered by Britain, a cross-border reserve was established on the plateau. After independence it was divided into the large Nyika National Park (Malawi) and the much smaller Nyika National Park (Zambia). The border between the two parks is the north-south plateau road, which is the only road access, and it starts and finishes in Malawi. Consequently, Zambian visitors must enter Malawi to reach it (the nearest Malawian entry points are at Chisenga and Katumbi).
Musalangu Game Management Area
North Luangwa National Park
Best Time to Go the North Luangwa National Park
The dry season, which runs from April to October, is the most favorable time for walking safaris. With the shortage of water, more animals gather at the dwindling water sources. This in itself makes for a great spectator, especially because the predators take advantage of this to hunt as much as they could.
The park has no permanent lodges and is not fully open to the public. But you can access it through one of the few licensed safari operators.
Accommodation
The following are some lodges and camps in or on the peripherals of North Luangwa National Park;
Mwaleshi Camp
Luangwa North Camp
Buffalo Camp
Delia Camp
Kutandala Camp
Buffalo Camp
With six en-suite chalets, the Buffalo Camp is well equipped to guarantee your stay in this part of unspoiled Africa.
Kutandala Camp
Overlooking the Mwaleshi River, and with plenty of wildlife in the vicinity Kutandala Camp is perfectly set for the adventurous including Chilubanama Hot springs