KASHIBA LAKE

Lake Kashiba, with its crystal clear turquoise waters, is the most famous of a group of small lakes near Ndola, known as the "sunken lakes", which mysteriously means "sunken lakes". These little-known lakes offer a perfect vacation setting for swimming and wilderness camping. The lakes were formed by the erosion oflimestone several million years ago, as a result of a water current that literally collapsed part of the rocks, leaving a large lake surrounded by high rocks. These high rocks prevent wildlife from inhabiting the lake, so there is no risk of encountering crocodiles or hippos, and you can swim in peace and watch the fish in the crystal clear water. They are also perfect promontories to jump into the water after swinging on a liana. There are spots set up by the locals all around.

A mysterious depth. The lake is 800 meters wide and its depth is about 100 meters on the sides, while its depth in the center remains a mystery: the many divers and researchers who have tried have never managed to measure the bottom but it is estimated to be about 100 meters deep: nobody has ever been able to go down there for the moment.

Legends. This unknown depth of the abyss has fueled mystical beliefs surrounding the lake, including the presence of a monster called "Ichitapa" or "lsoka lkulu" or the myth that leaves and boats floating on the surface of the lake would be sucked to the bottom at night. A monster that captures the shadows of people standing next to the lake, paralyzing them until they fall into the water where they are devoured.

To get there. Lake Kashiba is about 330 km from Lusaka just past Luanshya, in the Mpongwe area, when you take the Great North Road towards the Copperbelt (about an hour's drive past Kapiri Mposhi). Turn left onto the road towards Mpongwe until the road becomes a track and continue for about 15 km. At the sign for Saint Anthony's mission, turn right. Continue to the right on a very bad road for about 500 m. Only accessible by 4x4 and in the dry season. The site has two sheltered areas, but no infrastructure has been built, so the site is reserved for wilderness camping. A camping fee is required.