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
Chiawa Camp - Lower Zambezi National ParkCredit: www.chiawa.comA gorgeous location in a prime wildlife spot
Chiawa Camp - A wildlife paradiseCredit: www.chiawa.comWow location
Chiawa Camp - Main LoungeCredit: www.chiawa.comChiawa Camp - A sense of place and history
Chiawa Camp - new dining deck overlooking the ZambeziCredit: www.chiawa.comChiawa Camp - new dining deck overlooking the Zambezi
Chiawa Camp - campfire at sunsetCredit: copyright Scott Ramsay www.chiawa.comChiawa Camp - campfire at sunset
Chiawa Camp - voted most romantic safari camp in ZambiaCredit: www.chiawa.comThe best in the business for special touches & attention to detail
Chiawa Camp - Star Bed TowerCredit: copyright Teagan Cunniffee www.chiawa.comChiawa Camp - sleep out in the starbed after a floating dinner!
Chiawa pool and deck overlooking the ZambeziCredit: www.chiawa.comChiawa has a gorgeous pool and sundeck overlooking the Zambezi
Chiawa Camp - voted Best Guiding Team in AfricaCredit: www.chiawa.comThe best guides and best choice of safari activities
Chiawa Camp choir - better than any dinner bell!Credit: www.chiawa.com
Well equipped Fitness Shack to burn off extra caloriesCredit: www.chiawa.com
New lounge and decor at Chiawa Camp for 2018Credit: www.chiawa.comLighter, fresher decor
New dining and bar area at Chiawa Camp for 2018Credit: www.chiawa.comGorgeous decor, functional, great views - perfect
New dining deck and lounge in contextCredit: www.chiawa.comThe fire circle has been incorporated into the structure tying it all together beautifully and appropriately
Chiawa Camp - "Best in Africa" multi award winning safari lodgeCredit: www.chiawa.comChiawa Camp - reflections
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
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) 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
Lion Camp | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is one of the best National Parks in Africa for an authentic, truly African wilderness safari. Lion Camp is located in the northernmost reaches of the park, away from park gates, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience without the congestion of other vehicles and masses of people. Where guests are at-one with nature and its inhabitants. The camp is built on the water’s edge amongst woodlands and some large sausage and mahogany trees. The main lodge is a large open, spacious and airy thatched area with private nooks, seating areas and a pool. A well-stocked bar, real size snooker table, coffee station and reading area form part of this offering. The openness of the lodge affords spectacular views of the plains with the constant presence of wildlife. The original rondavels that were built during 1967, offering the first permanent accommodation to scouts and Norman Carr walking safaris have been restored and house the shop, wildlife library, small gym facility and a photographic studio, loved by all photographers as it offers a quiet spot with enough space and electrical points.
With incredible game viewing literally on our doorstep, all our luxury suites have been designed to maximise the views.
Our 8 luxury suites have canvas walls and a thatch roof. During the day, the netting at the front of the tent can be tied back to access a shaded private deck directly from the bedroom. Bathrooms are off to the side to provide more privacy, whilst ensuring an unobstructed view out.
Evening breeze cooling units have been installed for maximum comfort in the hotter months. These units along with the rest of the camp are solar-powered.
Our two private deluxe suites maximise the prime locations at the end of the camp.They are similar in design to the luxury suites but are larger and have secluded outdoor bathtubs.
The Deluxe Suite can be either twin or double and an extra bed can be added to accommodate a young child.
The honeymoon deluxe suite. It has one king-size bed and a large wrap-around deck with 180 degree views of the plain. It is the furthest suite from the main area of the camp and its seclusion makes it perfect for honeymoon couples. Our honeymoon suite in 2021 will become our most expensive suite as we added a beautiful "galaxy" sleep-out deck. This rate will also include a 1-night special picnic dinner with champagne at the suite.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks
Activities Nearby
All safari activities are led by qualified guides who will educate and enlighten you in the secrets of the park. Game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers. We also offer game drives by spotlight after the sun goes down (returning to camp by 19:30). Drives by spotlight provide guests with the unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals and animal activity.
Walking Safaris are a very different option. They bring you in touch with the wilderness and tend to focus more on the minutiae of the park and the eco-system. It is a truly unforgettable experience striding out in country where you are on the same footing as a lion or elephant.
All walking safaris are led by expert and qualified walking guides and are accompanied by an armed scout.
Lion Camp
At Lion Camp we serve African-inspired cuisine. Our meals are paired with great South African estate wines inclusive in our rate.
All guests staying at Lion Camp 3 nights or more will be offered a bush dinner on one night.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Tafika Camp | South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Tafika Camp is situated in the northern part of the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. It is the base camp for Remote Africa Safaris, a family-run safari operation with a collection of extremely high-quality bush camps.
Tafika provides amazing views of the river offering a wonderful place to relax when not enjoying Tafika's array of activities.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Tafika CampRiver view
Tafika CampSundowners on the banks of the Luangwa river
Tafika CampBreakfast on the banks of the Luangwa
Tafika CampTea time
Tafika CampCandle lit dinner
Tafika CampBreakfast spread
Tafika CampLunch spread
Tafika CampTea cake with fresh lemons from the garden
Tafika CampPoached or fried egg?
Tafika CampTea time
Tafika CampDinner on the banks of the Luangwa
Tafika CampChalets constructed with natural materials and local artisans
Tafika CampSitenje (communal) seating area
Tafika CampSitenje (communal) and dining area
Tafika CampSitenje (communal) area
Tafika CampSitenje (communal) area
Tafika CampBar area
Tafika CampOutdoor seating
Tafika CampGeneral bathrooms
Tafika CampThe Tafika vegetable garden
Tafika CampThe Tafika vegetable garden
Tafika CampAerial view
Tafika CampChalet exterior
Tafika CampChalet entrance
Tafika CampTwin double chalet
Tafika CampFamily chalet
Tafika CampFamily chalet aerial
Each thatch chalet has two double sized beds, under-cover veranda, en-suite bathroom with double vanities, flush loos, hot and cold running water and solar powered lighting.
There is one large family chalet offering two bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed, the other with two double beds and a spacious outdoor bathroom. The bathroom includes two covered flush toilets and two showers open to the stars.
This chalet is ideal for guests travelling with children or friends.
The honeymoon chalet has one extra large king bed and a double shower open to the stars.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Room Facilities
En-Suite, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Mountain Biking
All vehicles are open, comfortable and accommodate only four guests allowing for great photographic moments and plenty of opportunity to ask the guide questions.
Morning drives set off early from camp and are taken at a relaxed pace. A stop is taken at a scenic sight during the morning to enjoy a hot cuppa' and snack.
On afternoon drives, sundowners are taken overlooking the Luangwa River, after which a spotlight is brought into play, revealing Africa's nocturnal wildlife.
All vehicles are open, comfortable and accommodate only four guests allowing for great photographic moments and plenty of opportunity to ask the guide questions.
On afternoon drives, sundowners are taken overlooking the Luangwa River, after which the drive continues in the dark with the help of a spotlight.
Night drives are led by an experienced guide accompanied by a hawk-eyed spotter who controls the spotlight and finds many nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day activities.
On foot guests are given the rare opportunity to become part of nature, to immerse themselves in the wonders that present themselves at every turn. A walking safari is always led by an experienced guide with an armed National Park scout and a tea bearer so their are many eyes ready to spot the Luangwa's wildlife, identify the smallest insect, track last night's lion spoor and identify a possible threat before it really becomes one.
Children under the age of 12 are unfortunately not able to take part in walking safaris at Remote Africa Safaris.
Sitting in a game-viewing vehicle or walking delicately through the African bush may not provide the level of activity craved by more energetic guests. For these guests Tafika offers mountain bike safaris led by an experienced guide who in most cases is the owner, John Coppinger.
The cycling route takes the safari cyclists along the tracks and paths of the Game Management Area, adjacent to Tafika Camp. Mountain bike safaris generally take place in the afternoon. This gives participating guests enough time to finish their ride and meet up with the game drive, just before sunset, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a night drive after an hour and a half of cycling.
At Remote Africa Safaris the local village, Mkasanga, kindly invites guests to visit and gives them the opportunity to learn about the lives of the people from the Luangwa Valley.
Highlights of these visits include: a guided tour of the local school - proudly showcased by the teachers, a visit to the village and a local church choir performance where guests experience the perfect harmony of Africa's song
The Tafika camp hide is available to all camp guests and can be accessed any time of the day from the camp. The hide is a dug out seating chamber that looks out over a lagoon behind the camp. Birds, baboons and antelope frequent the lagoon and elephants visit on a daily basis from about August during the hotter time of the year.
A seasonal Carmine bee-eater hide is built annually at Tafika. The hide is built into the banks of the Luangwa river to gain the best view of the carmine colony as they flock around their newly dug breeding holes. This hide is generally available during September and October and visits to the guide are done with a guide.
Tafika guests are also able to visit the Kawere hide during a game drive activity. It is built on the camps private land and overlooks a productive waterhole where elephants and buffalo come to drink and fishing parties frequent towards the end of the season.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Star Gazing, Wildlife