Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Image 3 - Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Image 4 - Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

At a Glance...

Style: Luxury classic bush camp

Our opinion: 5 star

Accommodation: 9 superior tents one of which is a honeymoon tent

And the kids? Children of 8 years and older are welcome, children younger than 12 years require prior and special arrangement. No walking safaris or canoeing for children younger than 12

Activities: Day & night game drives, walks, canoe trips, game viewing by boat and catch and release fishing. 6 pro guides with 6 vehicles (for just 16 guests) which means only 4 guests per vehicle

Season: 15 April - 15 November annually

Highlights: Family owned and run with a strong background of conservation action and ethos

Located in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park steps from the banks of the Zambezi River

Chiawa Camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in Zambia. This family owned and operated gem of a camp is renowned as one of Africa's finest and is certainly one of our favourites, taking into consideration the fabulous care and special attention it lavishes upon its guests, the superb guiding and the location in the Lower Zambezi's most game rich area. As the camp that pioneered safaris into the Lower Zambezi National Park it continues to be the driving force behind conservation efforts in the area, aside from Chiawa Camp's own conservation activity it is a major supporter of Conservation Lower Zambezi and deserves much of the credit for the quality wilderness and wildlife experience one gets in the Lower Zambezi.

Chiawa Camp rests peacefully under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees and is mainly constructed of natural materials, offering an upmarket blend of wilderness and luxury. The welcoming lounge and bar area is furnished with stylish leathers and teak woods and there is an upstairs viewing deck with incredible views of the river. Al-fresco dining takes place on the veranda and there is a refreshing plunge pool, surrounded by a lazy sundeck, all overlooking the Zambezi.

The nine superior tented rooms are linked to the main building by foot paths. They are large aerated canvas structures canopied by a firm roof offering plenty of space opening out to split level timber decks complete with daybeds overlooking the river. All the tents boast locally made furniture in a classic safari style and the huge king or twin beds have Egyptian cotton linens and draped mosquito netting. The wood-panelled en-suite bathrooms have ball and claw bath tubs, positioned with views through the tents to the river and there are double vanities as well as indoor and outdoor showers. There is 24/7 220v power supplied during the day by a silenced generator and at night by an ingenious eco-friendly battery powered plant.

The wildlife of the Lower Zambezi National Park is entangled between the escarpment and the river, which makes for excellent game viewing. Enjoy bush walks, river safaris, canoeing, game drives and catch & release fishing, all hosted by highly acclaimed Africa-born guides, believed by many to be the best team in Africa. With 6 professional guides for just 16 guests, safari activities are entirely flexible at Chiawa. Round off the active days with social drinks and travellers' tales beside the campfire.