Chiawa Camp | Lower Zambezi
One of Africa's premier and most renowned safari camps, now completely solar. On the banks of the Zambezi River, under the largest grove of Mahogany trees on the Lower Zambezi, the multi-award winning "Best in Africa" Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. A stunning thatched lounge/bar area with an upstairs viewing deck provides one of the best views of the Zambezi.
Indulge in attentive yet unpretentious, personalised service, fabulous cuisine and fantastic "tents" with spectacular views of the Zambezi and its resident wildlife. This family owned and operated camp, the pioneer of tourism in the Lower Zambezi NP, offers unusually varied activities with a choice of game drives, walking, canoeing, boating and angling in the company of Africa's finest guides.
There is also plenty to do and wildlife to see if you just wish to relax in camp with two viewing platforms, two viewing hides, a beautiful pool and sundeck overlooking the Zambezi and for the more energetic, a well equipped functional fitness shack.
Winner - BEST IN AFRICA - Safari Property; Guiding Team;
Winner - BEST IN ZAMBIA - Cuisine; Guiding Team, Location; Romance, Family Safari; Ecologically Responsible
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- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
8 Superior Safari Tents, each with a choice of one king bed or two large single beds with mosquito net/s. Inviso-screening insect-proof safari tents on wooden decks raised above the ground.
- outdoor "bench wallow" plunge pool and waterfall shower
- wifi in all tents but not social areas
- En-suite facilities including roll top ball & claw slipper bath, indoor & outdoor shower and his & hers washbasins.
- 2 x ceiling fans in each and 24/7 lighting/charging (220v with multinational plug points).
- Easy chairs and a dining table on verandas provide the opportunity to enjoy the pristine surroundings.
Chiawa Camp also has a gorgeous pool and fitness shack both overlooking the Zambezi, 2 viewing hides and 2 viewing platforms for the use of all guests.
For more detail & images of the rooms go to Unit / Villa Types.
Tent IX, the Safari Suite, now with air-conditioning, and is ideal for honeymooners, young families or any couple looking for more space, luxury and privacy.
Slightly removed and secluded from the rest of camp with a king bedroom including over-bed air-conditioner, a lounge (that converts attractively into a second bedroom for families), interleading bathroom with ball & claw bath, his and hers washbasins, loo, walk-in shower, all opening onto a massive deck with private dining facilities, more lounge furniture, private pool and gazebo with outdoor shower.
Zambia's most romantic and luxurious sleep out. New in 2023, Chiawa Camp's Star Bed tower takes luxury and romance to new heights, at least 4m anyway.
Bookable in advance for a $400 Rack surcharge..
Combine with a floating dinner for the Star Drift experience for the ultimate special occasion and the most romantic night of your life.
The star bed tower has a sumptuous Queen size bed under mosquito netting, a bath tub, loo, wash basin and mirror. The side tables have red-filtered flashlights to see what's around and a 2-way radio for just in case.
Top tip: the ground floor boasts a superb photographic hide, perfect to just sit and watch whatever wildlife comes down for a drink.
These 6 tents were demolished completely rebuilt for 2020; they have been enlarged, reprinted and spread further apart by moving two rooms, T1 & T2, downstream below the swimming pool area. This has achieved much improved levels of privacy and luxury.
The tents all face the Zambezi River directly and are exceptionally well laid out, they have now been increased in side, have been turned sideways and now have the bathrooms on the side; and a new "bench-wallow" which serves as a refreshing plunge pool in the hotter months and a relaxing area in the cooler months. Each has a super king bed that can be split into two x large singles, all under mosquito nets. They have loo, shower, ball & claw bath and his & hers washbasins, plus a veranda with day bed, arm chairs and outdoor waterfall shower.
Can be configured for 3rd bed or a bunk bed for younger families.
These two tents were rebuilt in 2016 & 2015 respectively, are identical in layout and interior although the design of their outdoor bathrooms differ, TVII's being made of cement and stone at ground level and TVIII's made of timber at deck level.
Both feature king size beds with loo, bath and shower on the side, behind the bed is a changing and luggage area plus his & hers washbasins with through-room views looking at fantastic views.
These tents share similar size and luxe as Tents I-VI however TVII & VIII are further away from the social area of camp making them more private and quiet. For guests with limited mobility or children we recommend TI-VI.
With the most commanding & expansive views of any room in the Lower Zambezi, Chiawa Camp's gorgeous 220 sq meter Safari Suite is for those guests looking for more luxury, space and exclusivity. It has a thatched roof, canvas walls with screen windows (similar in design to our new T7 & T8), a king bedroom, a lounge area (with guest bathroom for families and dinner guests) which will convert easily and attractively into a second bedroom for families, an inter-leading bathroom with indoor shower, indoor loo, his & hers washbasins and bath all with stunning views. These three rooms all open onto a shaded, timber veranda via folding/sliding screen doors to an 18 sq meter swimming pool, outdoor lounge, outdoor dining, gazebo, outdoor shower and private fireplace. The Safari Suite has its own minibar, tea/coffee facilities and of course free wifi. It will be off-grid in that it will be powered entirely by solar although it will have genset back up if needs be. The Safari Suite is available at a 15% supplement although for existing bookings there will be no additional charge. It will also have its own road access, convenient for privately guided game drives. Please note that the minimum age for the Safari Suite has been reduced to 5 years old although, because the minimum age for children at Chiawa Camp remains at 8 years, children younger than 8 years will kindly be refrained from the social areas of camp except when camp is booked on an exclusive use basis.
Property Facilities
Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Kayaking, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Historical Tours, Kayaking / Paddling, Natural History Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
This is the safest and most effective way to view big game. Drives are conducted in open 4wd vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use with comfy seats, pockets to stow your gear and bean bags to steady your camera for those all important photos. Usually departing in the early morning, drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. In the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners.
Once the sun has set, night drives commence. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives, perhaps the most interesting of all safari activities.
Using filtered spotlights, which do not interfere with the wellbeing and behaviour of the subject and which make it much easier on your eyes too, this is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush. These drives last as long as they need to.
Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a "micro-safari". An armed ranger and qualified and experienced pro guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. However elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats, so expect anything at anytime. The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements – and what is seen on the walk. Typically, a few hours are sufficient.
One of the great aspects of a visit to Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro is the variety of activities offered by virtue of our presence on the Zambezi river.
These are two of the few camps permitted to conduct waterborne safaris within the National Park, and our custom built, motorized pontoons are ideal to take advantage of this.
Enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.
Also on offer are sunset and sundowner cruises, often completed with a night drive back to camp.
Although the Zambezi offers many activities, perhaps it is best known for canoeing.
No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Six meter long Canadian canoes are used and these trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day.
Our most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to "Sunset Strip" for sundowners and then a night drive back to Chiawa Camp.
Tranquil yet exciting, these trips can be longer and may drift through the likes of the Waterbuck Island and Chifungulu Channels, an excellent way to enjoy another aspect of the Zambezi River.
Chiawa Camp is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s leading fishing destinations. Recommended by authoritative anglers and in publications such as The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy and Forbes Traveler, expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish (camp record 10.1kg, average 2kg) which are caught on fly or conventional tackle.
Dining at Chiawa Camp
Dining at Chiawa Camp is a culinary experience not to be missed - the varied menus, the paired wines, the presentation, the great company and of course the location. All this changes all the time so prepare to be surprised as well as delighted.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Old Mondoro | Lower Zambezi
Old Mondoro, now completely solar, is set in a grove of Acacia trees that tower above the massive elephant bulls that seem to be constantly feeding on them. On the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 35 km downstream from Chiawa Camp this is a beautiful and remote site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. With only 5 rooms, 10 beds, Old Mondoro is the Lower Zambezi’s most intimate and private safari camp.
Old Mondoro's setting is exquisite, one of the few safari camps with views in all directions, from one's chair - to the south the spectacular Zambezi river and its islands sprinkled with wildlife, swivel around to face north and see beautiful woodland full of towering trees dwarfing the impalas, waterbuck, buffalo and elephants. A fun addition is Old Mondoro's outdoor "loo with a view" overlooking the Zambezi and its wildlife.
If you wish to be truly immersed in nature but with all the comforts then look no further than Old Mondoro.
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- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
5 screened-in reed chalets with canvas roofs, left open during the day, and canvas blinds with window screens that are lowered for privacy and security at night. King size beds and mosquito nets facing out onto the Zambezi River. All chalets have 220v lighting power point.
There is a large outdoor stone splash tub and shower, open to the stars overlooking the Zambezi River with hot water 24/7 as well as indoor flushing loos & twin sinks.
Huge private deck enables expansive views and there is a comfortable relaxing area with day beds under the shade to watch the elephants pass only meters from the chalets.
There is also a 6th chalet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms ideal for families and which can also be used for pilots and tour leaders.
A two bedroom suite with two bathrooms and its own camp fire making for an ideal family escape in this, the best of all bush camps, Old Mondoro.
Decorated and equipped identically to the other 5 bush chalets, the two bedroom suite was originally the owners house but after its makeover in 2022 is available for families upon special request.
Chalet 1 looks directly over the Zambezi and is closest to the social area of camp.
Chalet 2 looks over the Zambezi and the mouth of the Old Mondoro lagoon.
Chalets 3 & 4 look over the lagoon with quartering further views of the Zambezi. These two chalets generally see the most wildlife from their rooms as the lagoon attracts much wildlife however some guests prefer the rooms closer to the Zambezi. Others prefer these for the game.
All 4 chalets have a canvas roof, reed and canvas walls, cement floors and 24/7 power for lighting and charging. No WIFI! Each room has an electric fan, en suite indoor loo and washbasin both with views of the Zambezi, and an outdoor shower and outdoor "splash tub" which is a giant bath for two or in the hotter months providing a cooling wallow. Elephants have been known to drink from the bath whilst guests have been cooling off! Water is heated by solar.
This is the owners' house and is available for families.
Just as the other 4 chalets this has a canvas roof, reed and canvas walls, cement floors and 24/7 power for lighting and charging. No WIFI!
However this chalet has 2 bedrooms each with its own entrance and an interleading door.
One bedroom has an electric fan, en suite indoor loo and washbasin both with views of the Zambezi, and an outdoor shower and outdoor "splash tub" which is a giant bath for two or in the hotter months providing a cooling wallow.
The second bedroom has the above but no splash tub.
This room overlooks the Zambezi and is visited by elephants regularly although it is closer to the kitchen and managers' tent so sometimes this can be distracting however it is still a very popular room.
Property Facilities
Eco Friendly, Internet Access, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Fan, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe
Available Services
Meal on Request
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, River Cruises, Safaris
This is the safest and most effective way to view big game. Drives are conducted in open 4wd vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use with comfy seats, pockets to stow your gear and bean bags to steady your camera for those all important photos. Usually departing in the early morning, drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. In the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners.
Once the sun has set night drives commence. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives, perhaps the most interesting of safari activities.
Using filtered spotlights, which do not interfere with the well being and behaviour of the subject and which make it much easier on your eyes too, this is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush. These drives last as long as they need to.
Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a "micro-safari". An armed ranger with your qualified and experienced pro guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. However elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats so expect anything at anytime. The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements – and what is seen on the walk. Typically, a few hours are sufficient.
One of the great aspects of a visit to Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro is the variety of activities offered by virtue of our presence on the Zambezi river.
These are two of the few camps permitted to conduct waterborne safaris within the National Park, and our custom built, motorized pontoons are ideal to take advantage of this.
Enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.
Also on offer are sunset and sundowner cruises, often completed with a night drive back to camp.
Although the Zambezi offers many activities, perhaps it is best known for canoeing.
No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Six meter long Canadian canoes are used and these trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day.
Our most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to "Sunset Strip" for sundowners and then a night drive back to Chiawa Camp.
Tranquil yet exciting, these trips can be longer and may drift through the likes of the Waterbuck Island and Chifungulu Channels, which are an excellent way to enjoy another aspect of the Zambezi River.
Chiawa Camp is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s leading fishing destinations. Recommended by authoritative anglers and in publications such as The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy and Forbes Traveler, expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish (camp record 10.1kg, average 2kg) which are caught on fly or conventional tackle and other species that abound in the Zambezi River.
The waters of the National Park are free from netting and are hence your best bet for lots of big fish. Naturally we enforce a strict catch & release policy. Best months for tigerfish are September - November.
Because of our privileged situation inside the National Park, we are restricted to operating two boats at any one time. Chiawa Camp can therefore only host a maximum of 4-6 fishing clients. Boats used are 6m pontoons. Guide, fuel and tackle are provided, however we recommend serious sport fishermen bring their own gear. Medium-heavy action 20lb spinning or bait casting rods/reels work best. Wire leader is essential, as are good quality sharp hooks attached to bright, shiny spinners and spoons.
Fishing is available at both Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro, with a US$30/angler/day surcharge for National Park angling fees.
Options
Old Mondoro offers some of the finest simple bush cuisine with a variety of unique dining locations both at the camp as well as surprise bush locations. Enjoy braais (BBQ's) under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Meals are fresh, innovative, and always a delight.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
