Chongwe Camp – Lower Zambezi, Zambia
With the Chimanimani Mountains as a backdrop, and sitting on the banks where the Zambezi and its tributuary, the Chongwe River join, Chongwe camp boasts a truly stunning location. It’s surrounded by winterthorn trees whose seedpods attract a steady flow of elephants, whilst hippos can be seen wallowing from the comfort of your private veranda and the playful chatter of vervet monkeys can be heard above.
The stylishly furnished tents are strung out along the riverbank, with the main lodge featuring relaxing dining and seating areas with views out across the river and beyond. The camp has a wonderful welcoming feel, staffed by an exceptionally smiley team and enthusiastic expert guides. The camp is one of only a very few in the national park, keeping it free from overcrowding – the focus is most definitely the wildlife.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
For the experience, incredible guiding and a large array of game viewing activities.Style:
Classic safari luxe.Location:
On the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers on the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park.Rooms:
9 tented suites.Swimming:
Camp pool with sun loungers & views across the bush.Children:
Children of all ages are welcome, the camp includes a family tent with plunge pool.Accessibility:
The camp is accessible for guests with mobility difficulties, which would need to be discussed prior to booking.Open From:
April - November.rooms
Nine canvas tents (including a luxurious two bedroom family tent and a honeymoon tent, both with a private plunge pool), with spacious open air bathrooms, hand crafted furniture & verandas with safari chairs, set along the riverbank, with wonderful views and wildlife visiting up close.
food
Dining here is exceptional. Buffet breakfasts and lunches are full of healthy choices, with delicious three course dinners each evening. Guests eat around a communal table either in the open fronted dining room, or out under the stars.
activities
Here there is a large array of game viewing activities from canoe, boating, walking and game drive safaris as well as tiger fishing and sleep outs. As the river and surrounding wetlands, riverine forest and open plains are all a wildlife haven – you’ll see elephant and hippo every day, but also have a high chance of spotting lion, leopard and the rarer wild dog.
The camp offers a fabulous choice of activities on land and water, the highlight being a mokoro (dugout canoe) safari along the river, where you can glide silently right up close to game. Or take a boat cruise to explore further. Depending on the season, guests can go tiger fishing – on a catch and release basis. Morning and night game drives reveal even more game, and during the latter you’ll hopefully spot many of the nocturnal species such as the honey badger, porcupine and aardvark. And if you like exploring on foot, there are bush walks with a guide and scout. The camp has its own hide, which is an incredible way of viewing game at very close quarters. For the really adventurous, a night under the stars can be organised and a fly camp erected just for you. A visit to a local village is also possible.
family
The family suite at Chongwe is a very luxurious safari base. Only children aged 12 and above can take part in walking safaris (at the discretion of your guide). There are no specific facilities for younger guests, and they must be supervised by parents at all times as the camp is located very close to the waters edge . For these reasons, we recommend that the camp is more suitable for families with older children.
sustainability
The Time & Tide Foundation works closely with local communities to improve education (with a particular focus on schooling for girls), healthcare and encourage conservation. Much of this work is through sponsorship programmes, which is directly helped by guests staying at their camps.
Location
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
On the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers on the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park – a 20 minute road transfer from Royal airstrip.
