We stayed in Chita lodge over the weekend after a trip in Zambia.

Rooms are clean and the lodge has a friendly atmosphere. The Chita bar and pool however seem to be public. The place therefore is extremely busy and noisy, with drinking guests till late night. Not really a peaceful environment and place to relax.

We had two nights in Lusaka before travelling on to Luangwa National Park and wanted a place away but not too far from the centre. Chita Lodge was recommended by one guide, but got mixed reviews from the two citations on tripadvisor, so we were a lttle apprehensive. We thought it very pleasant, staff helpful (maybe a little shy & reserved at first, but that's understandable) and although the rooms were quite spartan, they were clean and - important enough - the A/C and mosquito nets worked. Garden and swimming pool/bar area great place to relax and food OK - pleasant local ambience, even including a Zambian wedding reception. A far better place to stay than supposedly fancy "intercontinental" hotels!

Chita Lodge is not cheap, we paid $130 for a nights stay. The room was spartan to say the least, staff poorly trained and the food so-so to poor. This does not meet western standards of comfort or service you would expect for this price. Best avoided.

While arranging a trip to Zambia, I had great difficulty finding a centrally-located hotel in Lusaka that wouldn't break the bank. (We were flying through Lusaka on the way to Victoria Falls, and weren't planning to spend much time there.) The Chita Lodge turned out to be a great find! Rooms were around $100/night for a room with two double beds. Furnishings were simple but comfortable with lots of animal print decor, room had satelite TV, fridge, and AC. The biggest bonus of the place, however, is a wonderful pool and bar/restaurant area - it was quiet, peaceful, food was excellent, and there was a nice locale clientele who drifted in and out and were very frlendly. We also found the hotel staff to be extremely helpful.