Zambia, a popular destination with travellers, will soon feature a number of new and upgraded properties.

According to Graeme Edmond, aha Hotels & Lodges Chief of Sales & Marketing, aha’s Kafue River Cliff Hotel and Conference Centre is in its final stage of development. The hotel is in Kafue, in Lusaka Province, on the north bank of the Kafue River, a mere 50 kilometres from Lusaka, the capital.

Credits: Pinsdaddy. 

This four-star establishment will offer 52 spacious rooms, comprising 48 Executive Double Rooms and four Luxury Suites, all of which will overlook the river. All will feature en-suite bathrooms and a variety of modern amenities.

“The luxurious rooms are aesthetically designed using warm earthy tones, with African artifacts such as Zambian basketry pieces, revered as some of the finest artistry in the world, proudly reflecting Zambia’s rich culture,” adds Edmond.

Guests will enjoy a variety of delectable cuisine from the stylish in-house restaurant. Edmond says one of the hotel’s exciting offers is its authentic beer, brewed on-site at its micro-brewery.

There is also a large, well-equipped conference centre and a world-class spa facility.

Another property in the aha stable is the aha David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.

Herman Miles, Director of Wildlife Camp Zambia in South Luangwa, told Tourism Update that out of the current nine Chalets at the camp, one Family Chalet and one Double Chalet were recently remodelled. Miles added:"Of our current seven en-suite Safari Tents, six are new and the bathrooms were refurbished, while the last one is in the process of being upgraded."

In addition, Miles said that the pathways and landscaping have been upgraded throughout the camp.

Credits: Wildlife Camp Zambia. 

“Soon to come will be an online booking system to make it easier for guests and agents to book with us,” he says.

Miles mentions that a couple years back, the road between Chipata and Mfuwe was freshly tarred. “This has reduced travel time from six to two hours, with a surface that does not tear a vehicle apart. We regularly have guests going to the Luangwa Valley, overlanding between Lusaka and Malawi,” says Miles.

Protea Hotels by Marriott plans to further expand its footprint in the country after it signed an agreement with Union Gold Zambia Limited for the construction of the new Protea Hotels by Marriott Bonanza Estate in Lusaka.

Construction is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2019, with the opening set for two years later.

The 241-room hotel, to be located in Bonanza Estate, Lusaka, will feature an 18-hole golf course, designed by Peter Matkovich. Bonanza Estate is a new urban hub beyond the central business district and 10km from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Another distinctive feature of the resort-style hotel will be a standalone amphitheatre with seating for 2 000, able to host large-scale events and launches.

Mark O’Donnell, Chairman of Union Gold Zambia, said recently: “Zambia is a country with huge potential for both business and leisure tourism, yet it has for many years been under-serviced in the roll-out of tourist infrastructure. Our new venture will meet the rising demand for quality lodging in the country.”

Other properties under the Protea brand in Zambia cater for both leisure and corporate travellers. City hotels include Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Cairo Road, Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Tower, Protea Hotel by Marriott Chingola, and Protea Hotel by Marriott Ndola.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone provides luxury along with a wide range of adventure activities, situated only 10 minutes from the Victoria Falls.

Located on the outskirts of Chipata and en route to South Luangwa National Park and Malawi, is the Protea Hotel by Marriott Chipata.

The Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Safari Lodge is situated in a private game reserve, ideal for wildlife lovers.