SIANKABA, PARADISE ISLANDS ON THE ZAMBEZI

Photo credit: Kafula Mwila

When you leave the tourist capital, drive south as if you are headed for Katima Mulilo border. After about forty minutes, you will see a sign post on the left, it reads, ‘Siankaba Islands’. The left turn will take you on a well maintained gravel road, for about twenty minutes you drive through the most beautiful untamed environment that show cases the immaculate baobab tree. You will drive past a village, after which you stop for change  of mode of transportation to head to the island resort. It is embedded in a wider community, Siankaba, from which it derives its name.

Ten minutes on a speed boat and you arrive to the warmest welcome from the dedicated staff. The resort was constructed not to stand out of its natural environment, yet it provides state of the art international standard hospitability.

Photo credit: Kafula Mwila

The three giant rocks, upon which the resort stands are linked by bridges supported by wooden polls or simply suspended on rope, bringing the wild and adventurous side to your stay.

Upon arrival, a visitor is treated with a hand massage, as if in preparation for the many activities that are lined up. But before you get there and if you are just one of those who just wants to get away from the hassle and bustle of the city, well here is your perfect get away. Let nature take off that fatigue, stress and worries. There is a day spa, which will help to do just that. The beauty of the resort reflects in its simple, ethnic décor.

Photo credit: Kafula Mwila

The rooms, which project over the Zambezi River, give the feeling that you are actually sleeping above the river, listening to the sounds of baboons, monkeys, hippos and crocodiles. Nothing to worry about though, because the sleeping quarters, have been raised high above the water.

The food on the island is excellent; from breakfast to dinner, interjected with high tea, the chef who has been internationally trained does not disappoint.  So whether you are looking toward a quiet time, relaxing or a pure adventure, Siankaba is calling you, beckoning from its tranquility on the Zambezi. In the next article we look at what else the island has to offer.



Photo credit: Kafula Mwila