Chifwema Arboretum

The Chifwema Arboretum is a dedicated botanical garden and conservation initiative located just on the outskirts of Lusaka along Chifwema Road (in the Leopards Hill area). Spanning around 30 acres, it is recognized internationally by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and serves as a vital "living library" for Zambia's rich botanical heritage.

Origins and Conservation Mission
The arboretum is the passion project of founders Clare Barkworth and Adam Pope, who also run the adjacent Trees for Zambia indigenous tree nursery. The couple has dedicated years to preserving local flora, even authoring the pocket guide “Trees of Zambia” to make botanical knowledge accessible. The land itself was heavily farmed in the 1960s, completely clearing the natural vegetation. Since 1990, the site has been carefully managed—using controlled fires to clear excessive litter and removing invasive species—to allow the land to transition back into its natural state.

Visiting and Community Focus:
The Chifwema Arboretum is open to the public and offers a peaceful, scenic escape from the concrete footprint of central Lusaka. It is highly focused on education and community engagement.

Guided and Educational Tours:
It frequently hosts scheduled school trips and educational programs to teach children and families about ecology, soils, pollinators, and the climate benefits of trees.

Community Workshops:
The space hosts seasonal, family-friendly events—such as creative nature workshops where children can build crafts from natural materials while exploring the bush.