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Chongwe River Camp is appealingly situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, on the very edge of the Lower Zambezi park,. (The Chongwe River Camp is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the Chiawa Partnership Park.) Chongwe prides itself on its relaxed ambience. This is a place where you can curl up with a good book and not have to worry about dressing for dinner!
The main area at Chongwe River Camp comprises a convivial bar and simple lounge with reading books all under two flowing canvas roofs. However all meals take place on the large terrace in front which overlooks the Zambezi River, with views to the escarpment. Comfortable wooden chairs surround the camp fire which is a popular gathering spot after the day's safari activities. There is a facility for recharging camera and video batteries at the lodge.
Chongwe River Camp lies under a canopy of tall thorn trees with very pretty views to the escarpment in the north. Nine classic tents are large, airy and comfortably appointed with handcrafted local furniture and textules plus spacious en suite open air bathrooms. They are all under thatch to keep the rooms as cool as possible in summer. All the fixtures and fittings at Chongwe River Camp are made from organic natural materials found near the lodge. Each has a private veranda overlooking the Chongwe river.
Activities at the Chongwe River Camp include day and night game drives, walking safaris, sundowner boat cruises, canoeing on the river and tiger fishing on a catch and release basis. There’s also the option of a full day game drive into the Lower Zambezi National Park with a picnic lunch under the trees. Back in camp, the brand new wildlife hide is great for photography, especially rare nocturnal creatures.
Time + Tide Chongwe Safari Tents
Time + Tide Chongwe Camp's eight Safari Tents are charming, with local textiles and furniture which has been hand crafted, and everything has been beautifully thought out and blends in perfectly with the scenery. Each tent offers panoramic views along the river, so guests can sit on the private deck and watch as the wildlife visits the banks.
THE SAFARI TENTS
+ 8 Classic safari tents with en suite bathrooms
+ Open air showers
+ Outdoor seating area with river views
+ Double or twin configuration
+ Overhead fans
+ Generator power with British three-pin plugs in tents
+ Limited Wifi and no phone signal
+ Main lodge - dining areas, lounge, bar, campfire, and pool
NEED TO KNOW
+ Open 1 April - 15 November
+ Children of all ages welcome
+ 20 min road transfer from Royal Airstrip
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Fan, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
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, Night Drives, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, River Cruises, Safaris
Driving safaris are all conducted in open 4X4 vehicles (Land Cruiser or Land Rover) with either two or three 'rows' of seats. We generally have 4, with no more than 6, people on a vehicle ensuring everyone has a 'window' seat.
Night drives are generally an extension of your afternoon game drive, canoe or walking safari. As the sun begins to set we stop to watch the day come to a close and as dusk falls set off to explore as the nocturnal animals start to emerge.
The best chance of seeing genets, civets, elephant shrew, porcupine and the fierce honey-badger is after sunset and the large predators, with the exception of wild dog, are most active at night. Night time birding can be very rewarding with nightjars, owls great and small, dikkop, bat hawk and coursers are all abundant.
The Africa night sky is simply magnificent and it’s worth coming all this way just to experience its vastness and splendour. The Milky Way seems 100 times brighter in the Luangwa Valley where there is no light pollution. We’re watched over by the Southern Cross, Orion and Scorpio amongst an infinite number of others and memories of sitting in awed silence listening to the distant call of lions, cicadas and a million tree frogs under the crescent of an African moon will live with you forever.
There is little to compare to the thrill of a walking safari, and we are fortunate to have some of the best terrain for exploring on foot in the Lower Zambezi valley right on our doorstep. Walking is the only way you really become intimate with Africa, learning about the small, seemingly irrelevant plants and animals which are often overlooked on a game drive.
We walk accompanied by an armed scout, and your safari guide will show you an amazing secret world of tiny wonders as he leads you slowly through the bush along ancient animal pathways, examining plants, trees and insects along the way.
One of the most leisurely ways to experience the sights and sounds of the Lower Zambezi valley is on a canoe safari. Our canoes seat two guests and a guide in comfort, with ample room for cameras and binoculars.
Canoeing offers you a completely different perspective as you glide gently along either the Zambezi and its beautiful channels or the Chongwe River, allowing you to fully appreciate the magical beauty of this incredible area and the creatures and plants that inhabit it.
It truly is a special experience for the nature lover using only the safest of routes where previous canoeing experience is not necessary, and lifejackets are provided. All you need to do is sit back, relax and watch Africa slip by!
Chongwe is tiger country! The Lower Zambezi is home to the tiger fish, nicknamed the “water dog,” whose sharp teeth are matched only by its fighting spirit and reputation as one of the world’s top game fish.
At Time + Tide Chongwe Camp we offer our guests the chance to head out onto the river in search of this formidable combatant, operating a strict catch-and-release policy in order to preserve stocks of this incredible fish. You can fish with both fly and popper.
Alternatively, you can try your hand at bream fishing on the river itself, where a limited catch can be brought back to camp and served up with a delicious lemon butter sauce!
Fishing can be combined with game activities and all equipment is provided, with both conventional tackle and entry level fly rods available. We recommend serious fly fisherman should bring their own tackle. Please contact us for specifications and recommendations.
The Zambezi River offers a variety of additional activities that few, if any, other destinations can offer. One such activity is a river safari which offers both morning and afternoon opportunities to view game from the comfort of a luxury boat.
Sit back and relax as your guide leisurely navigates the islands and main channels of the mighty Zambezi. Cruise the river looking at game, birds and enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets you are ever likely to see. All without the bumps and dust of game drives.
Morning coffee or evening sundowners can be enjoyed from either the boat or from your own island in the middle of the Zambezi River!
Time + Tide Chongwe Camp
Despite the remote and tranquil setting, our culinary team uses locally produced ingredients to create delectable meals that satisfy the soul and delight the palette. Whether you dine under the stars, in the privacy of your suite, or overlooking the river, our attention to detail and warm hospitality will create a wonderful experience. At the end of a lively day on safari, enjoy your sundowner, a cherished African tradition. Whether you prefer a crisp gin and tonic or a local beer, our excellent bar staff have got you covered!
Meal times at Chongwe are fluid depending on the time of year and the choice of morning activity but a general guide is as follows
Breakfast 6.00am - 7.00am. Watch the hippos stir and early morning game drinking from the river bank in front of you while you sip hot coffee and enjoy a light breakfast buffet.
Brunch 11.30am - 12.30pm. After returning from your morning activity a buffet brunch is served. Join your guide and fellow guests to share tales of the morning’s adventures.
High Tea 3.30pm - 4.00pm. Meet for drinks and a delicious, freshly baked treat before setting off on your afternoon activity
Dinner 7.30pm - 8.00pm. After pre-dinner drinks and canapés around the roaring fire, guests are seated for a delicious three course dinner served al fresco under a canopy of stars.
Guests staying in our Albida or Cassia Suites have the option of dining privately or are more than welcome to join guests for meals at the main camp.
We are also happy to arrange earlier dinners for any younger guests upon request and pre-arrangement.
Our team of highly trained, local Chefs are more than happy to cater for any special dietary requirements you may have. If your food preferences or requirements could be considered out of the ordinary (vegetarian, vegan, gluten, dairy free etc) then we do ask that you inform us in advance of your arrival.
