Things To Do
in Choma
Choma is the administrative capital of Zambia’s Southern Province, a market and agricultural hub noted for its cattle economy and Tonga cultural heritage. The town is a practical base for exploring rural Southern Zambia, with a small museum, lively markets, and easy access to wetlands and wildlife areas in the province. Visitors will find an unhurried, authentic Zambian small-town atmosphere where local life centers on markets, churches and community events.
Basic services and modest tourist facilities are available, but many day trips and outdoor activities require a vehicle or guide.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by visiting the vibrant Choma Market, where local vendors showcase fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with the friendly locals as you sample delicious Zambian breakfast dishes like nshima and kapenta. The colorful stalls and bustling atmosphere will immerse you in the daily life of Choma.
After exploring the market, head to the nearby Choma Museum and Crafts Centre to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tonga people. Browse through unique handmade crafts, textiles, and artwork while gaining insights into traditional Zambian crafts. This afternoon is perfect for appreciating the local artisans' skills and even purchasing souvenirs to take home.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Zambian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Engage in conversations with the locals, who are eager to share stories and experiences about their culture. Wrap up your day by taking a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Choma at night.
Begin your day with a refreshing nature walk in the Choma Forest Reserve, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The crisp morning air and the sound of chirping birds create a tranquil setting as you wander along the well-marked trails. Keep your eyes peeled for various bird species and small wildlife that inhabit this lush reserve.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the beauty of nature, allowing yourself to unwind and take in the serene environment. In the afternoon, consider joining a guided tour to learn about the ecological significance of the forest and the conservation efforts in place. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Zambia's natural heritage.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot to watch the sunset over the forest, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Afterward, return to Choma for dinner at a local eatery, where you can reflect on your day's adventures. Engage with fellow travelers or locals to exchange stories and recommendations for your stay.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍲Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in town) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Budget to mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Zambian culture and Tonga heritage.
- Good access to wetlands and birding areas; pleasant countryside scenes.
- Affordable local food and accommodations compared with tourist hubs.
- Friendly community atmosphere and opportunities for cultural exchange.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer restaurant/entertainment options.
- Some roads and services can be unreliable during the rainy season.
- Medical facilities are basic; serious care typically requires transfer to larger cities.
- Fewer direct transport connections — travel often requires a private vehicle or long bus rides.
- "Moni / Muli bwanji?" - Hello / How are you? (Chinyanja / commonly understood)
- "Zikomo" - Thank you
- "Pepani" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Ndikufuna …" - I would like …
- "Ndimakhala ku ..." - I live in ... / I'm from ...
Places to Visit in Choma
Visit one of these nice places.
Great for candid cultural portraits, craft displays and traditional architecture; good lighting in the morning and an opportunity to document Tonga arts.
Vibrant scenes of daily life — produce stalls, colorful textiles and busy traders provide dynamic street photography subjects (ask permission before photographing people).
Photograph traditional livestock trading, which reflects the region’s economic heart — capture herders, cattle and the bustle around market days.
Wetland and floodplain vistas are excellent for bird photography, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Wide-open vistas of farmland and rolling hills deliver dramatic skies at golden hour — ideal for landscape shots.
Food in Choma
Choma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The Zambian staple: thick maize-meal porridge (nshima) served with leafy greens, peanut-based sauces (ifisashi), beans, or stewed meats; available everywhere from markets to modest restaurants.
Must-Try!
A vegetable and groundnut (peanut) sauce often served with nshima; rich, nutty and a good vegetarian option — commonly found in home-cooked meals and local eateries.
Given Choma’s cattle-producing region, beef dishes are common and fresh — try grilled cuts at local braai stalls or stews at market canteens.
Pumpkin leaves cooked with tomato and spices are a popular relish; small river or reservoir fish (when available) are often pan-fried or stewed.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market is the best place to sample street snacks, fresh fruit, roasted maize, grilled meats and small local plates. It’s also where to buy ingredients and watch daily life.
Scattered around town, these stalls offer quick bites, local brews like Chibuku or Mosi Lager and hearty plates — ideal for an authentic, low-cost meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet people when entering a shop or meeting someone — a handshake and a polite greeting go a long way. Use English or attempt a local greeting and be friendly and respectful.
Show deference to elders and community leaders; decisions and permissions for things like photography in villages should be sought from local authorities or elders.
Dress conservatively, especially in rural areas and when visiting villages or churches; revealing clothing may draw unwanted attention.
Always ask permission before taking portraits — many people welcome photos but appreciate being asked first and often expect a small tip or a copy of the photo in return.
Safety
Tipping in Choma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants 5–10% is a reasonable guideline where service is good. Round up taxi fares, tip hotel porters a small amount, and reward guides modestly for excellent service.
The local currency is the Zambian kwacha (ZMW). Cash is essential for markets, street food and smaller vendors; ATMs are available in town but can be limited so carry enough cash. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger businesses, but many local merchants are cash-only; mobile money services are increasingly used but not universally accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent afternoon storms, lush green landscapes and warmer temperatures; some rural roads may become muddy or impassable — carry waterproofs and flexible timing for travel. This is the best time for lush scenery and birdlife but check local road conditions before day trips.
Days are pleasant and dry with cooler mornings and chilly nights — ideal for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing and comfortable travel. This is a popular time for visits because roads are generally in better condition.
Temperatures rise and the landscape dries out; late dry season can be hot and dusty, and water levels in wetlands fall, concentrating wildlife at remaining water sources. Carry sun protection and plenty of water for daytime excursions.
Choma at Night
Hiking in Choma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided birding walks and short trail routes in the Lochinvar wetland areas — great for bird photography and gentle hikes along floodplain edges.
Shoreline walks and short hikes around reservoir access points offer scenic views, fishing spots and opportunities to spot waterbirds; ideal for half-day outings.
Unnamed local hills and farm tracks around Choma provide easy to moderate walks with panoramic views of farmland and sunsets — best explored with a local guide or host for directions and permissions.
Airports
How to reach Choma by plane.
The main international gateway to Zambia with domestic connections; reach Choma by road or private transfer — many visitors transfer by car or bus from Lusaka.
Regional airport serving Livingstone and Victoria Falls visitors; useful if combining Choma with southern tourist circuits — arrange a road transfer or rental car to reach Choma.
Small regional airstrips and charter services operate in Southern Province for private transfers into rural areas; useful for bespoke itineraries (advance arrangement required).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in the area with rich cultural traditions, language and community structures; agriculture and cattle-keeping are central to their livelihoods.
People from other ethnic groups (Nyanja/Chewa, Lozi, Ngoni and others) live and trade in Choma, creating a mix typical of provincial towns.
A modest presence of NGO workers, development staff and visiting professionals associated with regional projects and conservation efforts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — community matches and youth leagues are common and social events draw local crowds.
Netball, athletics and school sports are widely played, especially among youth and in community competitions.
While not a 'sport' in the conventional sense, local cattle shows and agricultural competitions are major events that showcase livestock skills, pride and regional identity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Choma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but often limited to nshima with vegetable relishes, beans, or groundnut sauces (ifisashi). Communicate clearly — ask for 'no meat' or point to vegetables at markets. Bring supplements or snacks if you have strict needs.
Vegan choices are similar to vegetarian ones but may require extra questions (many relishes include fish or meat stock). Markets and home-style eateries are easiest to work with — specify no animal products.
Maize-based nshima is naturally gluten-free and widely available. Processed breads and snacks may contain wheat, so ask when in doubt.
Official halal or kosher certification is uncommon outside larger cities. If you strictly require these diets, plan to bring supplies or eat mainly vegetarian dishes and ask about meat sourcing.