Lake Chila Lodge stands on the shore of Lake Chila, the small lake on the edge of Mbala in far northern Zambia. Mbala is the jumping-off point for Kalambo Falls and for the descent to Mpulungu on Lake Tanganyika, which makes the lodge a practical stop on the northern circuit.
Best for
Self-drive travellers working the Northern Province circuit, and visitors needing an overnight stop between Kasama, Kalambo Falls and Lake Tanganyika.
Location
On Lake Chila at Mbala, about 3.4 km from the Moto Moto Museum, the main Bemba cultural and ethnographic collection in Zambia.
Rooms and style at Lake Chila Lodge
Around twenty rooms, arranged partly as en-suite chalets and rondavels, each with its own terrace facing the water. Rooms include air conditioning, and family rooms and a bridal suite are among the types offered.
Facilities at Lake Chila Lodge
There is a bar and a small bar-restaurant, and a cooked breakfast is served. Lawn seating is set out under trees facing the lake, with a patio area. Conference and meeting space and a business centre are available, alongside room service and laundry. Free private parking is provided and airport transfers can be arranged. Fishing is offered on the lake and the grounds are pet-friendly.
Trade-offs and what to know
The bar-restaurant draws local patrons and can be lively, so this is not a quiet retreat. The lodge has no website of its own, and independent ratings from a small sample are only moderate. It is described as part of a small regional group with sister properties near Kalambo Falls and Chishimba Falls.
Getting there and getting around
Mbala is reached by road north from Kasama, with Mpulungu and Lake Tanganyika a descent away. A vehicle is close to essential, though the lodge can arrange airport transfers.
Explore the area
Kalambo Falls, one of Africa’s highest single-drop waterfalls, is the main draw from Mbala. The Moto Moto Museum is in town, and Lake Tanganyika and Nsumbu National Park lie beyond Mpulungu. For the wider area see our Northern Lakes and Waterfalls pages.
Before you book
Ask for a chalet or rondavel with a lake-facing terrace if that matters. Confirm meal arrangements, and expect the bar to be busy in the evenings.
Current rates and availability
We do not publish fixed rates for Lake Chila Lodge, because pricing and availability change with dates and demand. Use the Check Availability button on this page to see the current options offered by the independent booking provider. Zambia Travel Guide does not set prices, hold inventory or take payment.