Our Story

Mamarula is a family-run lodge with deep roots in southern Africa, shaped by generations who have lived and worked on the land (and occasionally gotten lost along the way).

Andrea and Wynand’s story began in Zimbabwe, where they met, fell in love, and married before starting their life together farming in Chinhoyi. Their years on the land built the hardworking, resilient spirit that would later shape Mamarula itself. Long before the lodge existed, their shared love for farming, people, and adventure laid the foundation for the welcoming atmosphere Mamarula is known for today.

The family originally lived in Zimbabwe. In 1993, Wynand and Andrea, together with their youngest daughter Beat, moved to Zambia’s Eastern Province after being invited as farmers from Zimbabwe to Zambia by President Frederick Chiluba. While farming tobacco, they also decided to try their hand at tourism, establishing their first seasonal camp north of Luambe National Park — proving that some of the best adventures start when you step out of your comfort zone (and maybe out of your tractor).

In 2001, the family purchased the land on which Mamarula now stands. Over the following years, they developed the property carefully: chalets were built, a swimming pool was added, and what has become Mamarula’s well-known bar was established — a central gathering place for travellers, locals, self-drive tour guests, and overland groups, including partnerships with Africa Travel Company (ATC) and Africa Rally, both of which have become essential to the lodge’s ongoing “organized chaos.”

Kobus and Marion, Andrea and Wynand’s son and daughter-in-law, were living at Mamarula and helping with its day-to-day running long before SPAR was established. In 2011, Wynand and Andrea established SPAR in Chipata, which remains family-run today. Once SPAR was fully operational, Andrea gracefully stepped back into retirement — though anyone who knows her will tell you, “retirement” doesn’t quite suit someone so dedicated and energetic. She still helps occasionally, just a few days here and there, making sure everything runs smoothly. Kobus and Marion took over the store entirely and continue to run it today.

After a period of retirement in South Africa, Wynand and Andrea returned to the property. Management of Mamarula was passed to the next generation — Ben and Beat, who continue to run the lodge today. Wynand and Andrea remain on the land, enjoying a slower pace of life while still actively involved — from building beehives and planting trees to occasionally reminding everyone who’s really boss.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben and Beat faced particularly difficult circumstances. With travel restricted and business severely impacted, they worked tirelessly to sustain the lodge and support their staff. Beat even had to drive quickly to Zimbabwe to pick up their daughter while the family found creative ways to make ends meet. They provided food and accommodation to permanent staff, allowed others to find work where possible, and looked for opportunities outside the lodge to cover salaries. In addition, Ben and Beat contributed to regional conservation efforts through lion tagging, vulture tagging, and bat research at Luambe — all to help maintain Mamarula and the local ecosystem (after all, a happy land makes for happy guests — and maybe a few jealous monkeys).

Mamarula is also known for its culinary highlights. The Mamarula chili and T-bone steak remain the lodge’s most sought-after dishes, with the famous chili now bottled for guests to enjoy at home — because who wouldn’t want a little Mamarula heat in their kitchen? Over the years, Mamarula has also welcomed the “Tobacco boys” — the men who work in tobacco. Many who worked in Eastern Province in the early 2000s know just how good the T-bone steaks and Mamarula chili are. They still come around today to stay, drink, and most importantly, eat — proving that good food, like good friends, keeps people coming back.

Today, Mamarula stands as a reflection of continuity, resilience, and a long-standing commitment to the land and community. Built by family, sustained through changing times, and occasionally fueled by a strong cup of coffee (with a little Amarula kick) and a sense of humour, it remains a welcoming stop for travellers, self-drive tour guests, ATC visitors, and Africa Rally participants passing through Zambia’s Eastern Province.

Oh and before we forget to mention it, we won best lodge in Zambia in 2010!!!

Mamarula — a family legacy rooted in land, hospitality, flavour, and just a pinch of chaos.