Chongwe Safaris, Lower Zambezi National Park

rooms

African wilderness meets old-fashioned hospitality at Chongwe River Camp, where you’ll find eight classic safari tents, which are well priced for the Lower Zambezi. Light and spacious, they each have their own private verandahs overlooking the river.

For families looking for a little extra space, there is also the option of booking Albida, a colonial-style tented suite that has two bedrooms but can take an extra bed. It comes with a butler and has a private dining area and fire pit.

Couples may wish to stay in the Cassia Suite, a luxury tented suite for two with its own plunge pool, canopied lounge and outside bathroom featuring a claw foot bathtub and rainfall-style shower.

For an amazing shared experience with extended family, book the extraordinary Chongwe River House, located 1 km away from Chongwe River Camp on a quiet stretch of river. Sleeping up to eight people in four large ensuite bedrooms, the house comes with its own house manager, chefs and safari guide and game viewing vehicle, allowing for exclusive activities to be offered to guests.

facilities & activities

There is a good amount of activities offered here, from safaris to community visits to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area. See, hear, feel and smell the bush on a walking safari, or cover more ground on a four-hour game drive, which take place in open 4X4 vehicles with a maximum of six guests. Keen anglers won’t want to miss the chance of catching (and then releasing) the feisty tiger fish that this area is known for. Or take in the wildlife from a different perspective as you glide down the water in a canoe or on a boat cruise, keeping eyes peeled for hippos and crocodiles.

dining

You’ll be hard pressed to find a finer view for a restaurant. Overlooking the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers and dramatically framed by a steep escarpment, Chongwe's outdoor, communal dining area is at the heart of the camp. A team of experienced chefs prepare a wide variety of meals using local, fresh ingredients and can cater for different dietary requirements.

Watch the hippos stir in the river in front of you while you sip coffee at breakfast, which is usually taken between 6-7am. A late-morning buffet is served after guests have returned from their first safari of the day, and high tea features freshly baked treats to set you up for afternoon activities. Indulge in some pre-dinner drinks and canapes around the fire before a three-course dinner is served al fresco beneath the stars.

family

Children must be a minimum of seven years old to stay with Chongwe Safaris, though if you book a private safari staying at Chongwe River House or in the Albida Suite, younger children will be considered upon request. Earlier dinners for children are available upon request and pre-arrangement.

location

Perched on the banks of the Lower Zambezi River, Chongwe River Camp has an unrivalled location. It’s perfectly placed for exploring Lower Zambezi National Park, and is just a 15-minute drive from Royal Airstrip, which you can fly to direct from Lusaka.