24 Beds In 4 Dorms) 161 Mulombwa Close; Tel/Fax: 01 222257; Email: Cha@Zamtel.Zm; Www.Zambiatourism.Com/Chachacha
Off Bwinjimfumo Rd, which runs between the Great East Rd and Church Rd, Chachacha (the name was given to the period leading up to independence) is two-thirds of the way down Mulombwa Close on the right-hand side (useful to know if you arrive after dark). Its clean and well-kept dorms have 4, 6 or 8 beds, while for a little more privacy get one of the private rooms in an A-frame chalet in the garden. If they're full, you can rent a tent for KW5,000, plus the camping fee. All showers, toilets and kitchen facilities are communal, and the atmosphere is buzzy and friendly.

A set meal is usually available for around Kw15,000–20,000 each evening, as is breakfast each morning (Kw2,000–12,000). If Beatrice's chocolate cake is anything to go by, the food's excellent! If you wish to cook for yourself then head for the 'campers' kitchen' at the back, where hotplates, a fridge and various cooking utensils are supplied. Inside, a large street map of Lusaka on one wall is complemented by a large map of Zambia on the other. To contact the outside world, there's a payphone in intermittent service (the managers will sell you a phonecard), or you can rent the computer for Kw500 per minute, plus Kw2,000 per email sent or received (cha@zamtel.zm). There are safes available to store your valuables for Kw10,000. If you're planning to explore beyond Lusaka, Chachacha can organise a number of trips within Zambia and will store your backpack free of charge; they'll even rent you a tent to help you on your travels. Airport transfers cost US$12/Kw60,000 for 1–2 people, or you can take a taxi for around US$20/Kw100,000. A taxi into town will cost about US$2/Kw10,000. Chachacha is run by Bridget, and is certainly the liveliest place in Lusaka for independent backpackers.