CHULA ISLAND CAMP – LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Chula Island Camp is a rustic fly-camp located in the remote, eastern part of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The camp is set up amongst Natal mahogany trees overlooking a lagoon and floodplain on either Discovery or Katengahumba Island and separated from the mainland by the Discovery channels in the Zambezi River.

LOCATION

The camp is located in the eastern part of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Access is via a 30 minute flight from Lusaka or a one and a half hour flight from Mfuwe to Jeki Airstrip. On arrival you are met and transferred to camp which is approximately an hour – an hour and a half game drive.

CAMP

There are just 5 tents at Chula camp which were designed to make the most of the Lower Zambezi environment and are fully mobile. The tents are made from reinforced mosquito net material to allow for a good airflow during the hot parts of the day as well as an incredible view. The sides drop down to form canvas walls at night for privacy of if the temperature is cold. The tents are large – approximately 5 x 4m – and you can stand up inside.

Inside the tents are comfortable, solid beds with high-quality 12 Inch mattresses and bed linen. All the tents offer individual ensuite bathrooms which are accessible without leaving the tent and there is a bucket shower, vanity table with sink and flushing toilets. Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, skin moisturiser) are supplied in each tent

The Camp is laid our either side of the main area which consists of a central dining area, lounge and fully stocked bar which all offer stunning views over the flood plain, lagoon and further to the river.

The camp is powered by solar and limited battery charging is possible. Hot and cold water is available in the tents and lighting is a mix of solar and paraffin lamps. There is a limited laundry service which is free of charge.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The range of activities from your doorstep is a stand-out feature of the Lower Zambezi and Kutali and Chula fly-camps are located to compliment each other.

The Lower Zambezi is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari regions. Game viewing from the canoes and on foot gives a different feel to your safari making it adventurous and a very personal interaction with this incredible eco-system. The valley is a huge rift in the earth’s crust through which the Zambezi River flows. Over millennia, mineral-rich volcanic soils deposited by the Zambezi have nurtured lush vegetation, while old meanders and oxbow lakes add to the attraction for wildlife.

The Lower Zambezi National Park – by virtue of the Zambezi River and its parallel escarpment – is definitely one of Africa’s most scenic wildernesses. The area is home to an impressive quantity and variety of wildlife that can be viewed not only on the more usual land based safari activities but also on a variety of water based activities and in the camps themselves.

Walking Safaris – with guide and armed Wildlife Police Officer. Walking safaris are best in the early morning at 6.00 AM and early afternoon from 2.30 PM. Walking safaris are relaxed, the pace is comfortable, and Kyle will adjust the walk to suit the slowest member. Walks usually only cover a couple of miles with frequent stops for scenery, birds and animals.

Morning and Afternoon Drives – the drives take place in prime game viewing areas and may involve a short walk to reach the vehicle depending on the remoteness of the area. Game drives are your best chance of getting close up to wildlife for photography.

Canoeing – Kyle leads all canoes safaris and the back-up paddlers that pilot each canoe are experienced Tusk and Mane staff. Kyle and the canoe team will quietly paddle you through any of the 3 incredibly beautiful channels that break away from the main river.

Boating – is superb for birding photography and you will have an exciting new angle for photography from the water. Sundowners are a magical treat on the Zambezi River.

Fishing – is available throughout the whole season- May to November on a strictly catch & release basis as well as strict procedures when handling the fish helping the fish populations in the Lower Zambezi to increase. The pontoon boat offers a stable platform for 2 fly fisherman or 6 Fishermen spinning. The Aliboat is also large enough for 4 fishermen to comfortably fish off. All equipment provided: Quality Tigerfish, Vundu, Bream rods and reels, along with all the tackle and spinners/lures needed.

Lagoon Hide

CHULA ISLAND CAMP IS CLOSED FROM DECEMBER THROUGH TO MID MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 14 YEARS AND OLDER. CHILDREN AGED 14 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING AND CANOEING SAFARIS.

CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME IF THE CAMP IS BOOKED PRIVATELY – ACTIVITY AGES RESTRICTIONS APPLY