The fifth Zambian town to be declared a city, Chipata has a population of more than 120 000 and is the capital of Zambia’s Eastern Province. This is a small but busy town with shopping malls, hotels, banks, fuel stations, tertiary education, a large hospital and the oldest golf course in the country (built in 1902).

Under British colonial rule Chipata was called Fort Jameson, after Leander Starr Jameson, of South Africa’s Jameson Raid fame. At that time it was the capital of North-Eastern Rhodesia, today’s northeastern Zambia. It was called a Fort as the local government offices were fortified in colonial times. After independence, the town was renamed Chipata (from the Ngoni word ‘chimpata’ which means large space) referring to the town’s position in a fertile valley between the surrounding hills.

In colonial times, a small number of indentured Indian labourers immigrated to Zambia to work on the railway lines which drew skilled workers and businessmen to Chipata to serve this growing Indian community. Today there’s a strong presence of Zambian Indians here, mostly resident in the suburb of Little Bombay. There are several mosques spread throughout the town. The Juma Mosque is by far the prettiest building in town and can be viewed from outside. It’s located in the region known as the ‘Down Shops’, a well-known Indian business area.

BUTCHERIES:
Shoprite has the best butchery in town. Choppies also is ok. Shoprite, Spar and Choppies all sell prepared food from their deli section.

FUEL:
Fuel station in Chipata includes: Total, KOBIL and Engen fuel stops. For gas refill services, it is available at Total fuel stop along Great East Road.

GAS REFILL:
Available at total fuel stop along Great East Road.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE:
The Foreign exchange is closed. There are always money changers near Spar and at the Engen station. Just know what the exchange rate is and count the money carefully. The exchangers are typically helpful. It is better to change money in town and not at the Malawi border crossing.

HEALTHCARE:
NOTE: Visitors to Zambia are advised to have their own personal travel insurance. Local police, hospitals, clinics etc. cannot be relied upon.
Please note that any emergency numbers indicated on our data will be for the local police, hospital, clinic etc. and most of the times, don't work. Many tourism sites show the numbers like 999 for police, they often don’t work.

If you have a medical problem when in Zambia, Specialty Emergency Services has a Call Centre (24 hours). Phone them on 737. This company has offices in Livingstone, Lusaka and Kitwe. But they will fly anywhere to assist if visitors have the right insurance. If you want to check your insurance, contact SES on [email protected]. (http://ses-zambia.com/).

LIQUOR:
Shoprite, Spar, and Choppies all sell liquor.

MECHANICAL SERVICES:
For car repair services there is the Auto Mechanical Workshop, try Tel: +260(0)97 770 3814. For tyre repairs there is Continental tyres services, try Tel: +260(0)21 622 1204.
See if Khalid is still around, a very good mechanic is Khalid. try +260(0)97 774 4937. He is located not far from Shoprite.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Chipata is located on the Great East Road (T4) which connects Lusaka with Lilongwe in Malawi. It’s near the Malawian border and plays an important role in trade with that country. It’s also the first (or last) stop for anyone travelling between Malawi and Zambia, and has everything a traveller may need to restock and refuel. It’s considered the gateway to South Luangwa National Park, 130 km further northwest. If you plan to spend time in South Luangwa, stock up in Chipata’s modern supermarkets, as there are only small kuka shops in Mfuwe, just outside Mfuwe Bridge Entrance Gate.

Shopping can be done at Spar, Choppies or Shoprite supermarket, or the more traditional Kapata Market, near the Kapata police station. In the Down Shops area there are good pharmacies, auto parts and hardware stores. The open market situated on the Great East Road, opposite the Puma fuel stop, is open on Saturdays and sells fresh vegetables, dried fish and other produce. The best bakery is at Choppies, while Shoprite has a good bakery, butchery and a nice deli that serves chicken, chips, sausage and salads. There is a laundromat near the Stanbic Bank.

TOW-INS:
If you are broken down call Khalid for information and help. Try +260(0)97 774 4937.

TYRE REPAIRS & FITMENT:
Available at Kwik Fit; try Tel: +260(0)21 622 3771.

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