Shiwa,Zambia,Safari,House,Luxury,Horse riding,Africa

Deep in remote northern Zambia, an English stately home was built in the wilderness by a remarkable man. Today, Shiwa House is open to guests – treated like long-lost family, the atmosphere at Shiwa is unique.

Deep in the remote heart of northern Zambia lies Shiwa Ng’andu, an English stately home built in the wilderness by a remarkable man, over 80 years ago. Sir Stewart Gore-Browne made a model of the house he wished to build and then using local materials, set about the task - with African carpenters, builders and blacksmiths. Bricks were made on the estate and mortared with mud - the result was truly extraordinary but three years ago, the house and estate were on the brink on collapse.

Today, Shiwa House is open to both day visitors and resident house guests. At present the house can accommodate four to five couples in accommodation with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are simple with original hardwood furnishings and paintings. Fireplaces are lit every night, as was Sir Stewart’s wish and the atmosphere at Shiwa is unique. The food is good simple wholesome farm fare, with the smell of fresh bread filling the early morning air. Summer days are crisp and clear and while the winter can be quite cold, the house remains warm, comfortable, old and friendly. The garden is full of beautiful flowers and the lawns well maintained.

Guests have complete run of the house and many spend a lot of time enjoying the library, among Sir Stewart’s book and record collections and in the archives. Outdoors, there is plenty to keep one busy with game viewing, boating on the lake, fishing, superb bird watching, horse riding for the experienced (for riding specials please see below), river walks, historical drives and walks, meeting the people on the estate, visiting the schools and hospital and on-going projects.