Kasaba Bay wasn't just another beautiful spot on Lake Tanganyika. For Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president, it was where politics met family, where national announcements were made, and where history was written. From cabinet reshuffles that kept the nation on edge to hosting regional leaders like Mobutu and Machel, this remote lodge in Sumbu National Park became a power centre.
Imagine a place where the deep blue waters of one of the world's oldest lakes meet a backdrop of hazy, mountainous terrain. Where the call of a fish eagle competes only with the sound of the breeze, and where the history of a nation was quietly shaped. This is Kasaba Bay.
Situated within Sumbu National Park in Zambia's Northern Province, Kasaba Bay is a location of breathtaking natural beauty. For years, visitors have come here seeking an escape. However, for decades, its most famous guest was a man who wasn't just on holiday; he was often at work. This man was Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the first president of Zambia, for whom Kasaba Bay became a favourite working destination and private retreat.
Kenneth Kaunda's Favourite Retreat in Northern Zambia
To understand the significance of Kasaba Bay, one must first understand the man who cherished it. Kenneth Kaunda, often known as KK, led Zambia to independence from British rule in 1964 and served as president for 27 years.
An idealistic leader, Kaunda was at the forefront of the struggle for independence and became a key figure in southern African politics, supporting liberation movements in neighbouring countries.
Politics aside, Kasaba Bay meant something personal to Kaunda. He loved Zambia's wildlife and wanted his children to feel the same way. His family has said Kasaba Bay was one of their favourite holiday spots, where they bonded while exploring the country's natural beauty.
It's easy to see why he chose this spot. Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest lakes in the world, is a paradise for fishing. Sumbu National Park offered the kind of wildlife experience that reminded him why Zambia was worth fighting for. For a man who spent so much time dealing with the weight of running a country, Kasaba Bay was his sanctuary.
During his presidency, Kasaba Bay Presidential Lodge was a remote seat of power. The lodge was equipped with facilities for hosting high-ranking meetings, with chalets arranged according to the hierarchy of the presidential entourage.
"As the late first President could go there for his retreat and each time he was there, the whole nation was attentive because key announcements were made from that side, including cabinet reshuffles," explained Kagosi Mwamulowe, Northern Region Director of the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC).
The 1986 Meeting That Ended in Tragedy
On the 19th October 1986, Dr Kaunda hosted a meeting with President Mobutu Sese Seko of the then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and President Samora Machel of Mozambique to discuss matters of peace concerning guerrilla fighters in Mozambique.
What should have been remembered as a successful diplomatic meeting turned tragic. After the meeting, President Machel took off from the Zambia Air Force base in Mbala and died in an air crash. This event forever tied Kasaba Bay to a significant and sombre chapter in Southern African history.
Experiencing Kasaba Bay Today
For the modern traveller, Kasaba Bay offers an unforgettable experience. The area is part of the Sumbu National Park, a landscape teeming with wildlife. Visitors might spot zebras and wildebeest, and the beaches are often frequented by buffalo. The area is also known for its elephant population.
However, the original Kasaba Bay Presidential Lodge, which hosted these historic events, is no longer in existence. The lodge fell into a state of disrepair over the years and was subsequently demolished to make way for new development. Plans are underway by the Ministry of Tourism through the NHCC to declare Kasaba Bay a National Monument, preserving its historical importance for future generations.
Kasaba Bay shows you something about leadership and about Zambia. Kaunda didn't need to go all the way to Lake Tanganyika to make his announcements or hold his meetings. He could have stayed in Lusaka. But he chose this place, and in doing so, he connected the seat of power to the natural beauty of the country he was leading.
Today, as plans move forward to protect and develop the area, Kasaba Bay stands as a reminder of where Zambia's first president went to think, to decide, and to simply be. For anyone interested in understanding Kaunda's Zambia, this remote spot on Lake Tanganyika is the place to start.
