CHIAWA CAMP – LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Chiawa Camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees and has a fabulous position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.

The camp has just 9 safari tents which are beautifully furnished and built on wooden decks raised above the ground.  The tents and the guest areas enjoy spectacular views over the Zambezi River where you can sit and watch the wildlife in between safari activities.

With superb food, personalised service and lots of activities led by experienced and qualified guides this is a very good luxurious option for the Lower Zambezi National Park.

LOCATION

Chiawa Camp is located on the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.

CAMP

Chiawa Camp offers a blend of comfort and luxury and natural materials have been carefully crafted by local artisans taking inspiration from nature. The 9 ensuite tents are spacious, light, beautiful retreats that are close enough to the wild for a little frisson … but not too close!

All the tents are spaced well apart and each has an incredible view – Tents VII, VIII and the Safari Suite overlook the Chowe riverbed with quartering views of the Zambezi whereas Tents I–VI face the Zambezi directly.

Chiawa’s tents all have timber floors and verandas and are accessible by paths running behind them to maximise privacy.  Ensuite facilities include roll top ball and claw slipper baths, indoor and outdoor shower and his and hers washbasins.  The tents have fans and 24/7 lighting/charging (220v with multinational plug points).

The guest areas include a stunning thatched lounge/bar area with upstairs viewing deck which provides wonderful views of the Zambezi River and is a great setting to watch the sun set over the river.  The camp has an al-fresco dining veranda and an open campfire for pre and post dinner drinks

The camp has two perfectly positioned game viewing hides and a lovley swimming pool with timber sun deck overlooking the river and for the more active there is a small but well equipped exercise area.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

The Lower Zambezi National Park is set along the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is renowned for abundant wildlife in a raw and remote wilderness. From island hopping elephant and buffalo to prides of lion and prolific leopard sightings. Riverine ebony and fig trees grow thickly along the water’s edge, bordering inland floodplains with towering winterthorn and acacia. Rolling hills sit quietly as the backdrop of this just over 4,000 square kilometre park which is home to approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers.

Game drives – are 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. Usually departing in the early morning drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what you see and 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 and your guide will use a filtered spotlights which does not interfere with the wellbeing and behaviour of the wildlife. Nocturnal wildlife you might see are civet, porcupine, genet and 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.

Bush walks – an armed ranger and qualified and experienced guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna and highlighting conservation issues. Elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats. The pace is leisurely and the walks normally last for a couple of hours.

River safaris – enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.

Sunset and sundowner cruises – often completed with a night drive back to camp.

Canoeing – the camp uses six meter long Canadian canoes and trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day. The most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long. You paddle downstream from the lodge to “Sunset Strip” for sundowners and then a night drive back to Chiawa Camp.

Fishing – expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish which are caught on fly or conventional tackle.

CHIAWA CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OLDER. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN 16 YEARS AND YOUNGER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED OVERNIGHT BY AN ADULT AND CHILDREN AGED 14 AND OLDER CAN ENJOY WALKS AND CANOEING.