Nestled on the bank of Zambia’s majestic Zambezi River, within the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa Camp offers luxurious tent accommodations in an iconic riverside setting with impeccable service and good game viewing. Chiawa Camp seemed more remote to us than other safari camps we had visited, situated in a grove of evergreen mahogany trees. The camp had a rich legacy of conservation and continued commitment to responsible tourism in the Lower Zambezi region of Zambia.
To get there we had to fly to the Royal Airstrip, drive 20 minutes to the Zambezi River and take a 20-minute ride in a small motorboat while watching a gorgeous sunset against the backdrop of mountains and green trees along the riverbed. The family owned and operated, multi-award-winning Chiawa Camp, is the pioneer of the Lower Zambezi National Park, the first camp to settle along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.
Zambia’s premier luxury safari camp, Chiawa is a gentle and unhurried experience for both wildlife and guests, while still offering up a diverse range of activities. Chiawa had everything we could ask for including stunning natural beauty, authentic conservation credentials, excellent game viewing with accomplished guides, grand tented accommodations and exemplary service.
Accommodation and Amenities
The camp had nine luxury tents that could accommodate up to 16 guests, each raised on wooden decks with river views. We stayed in Deluxe Tent Seven, complete with king-sized bed and all the fittings we might expect of a high end safari lodge. Tents I - VIII are about 100 sq meters in size and comprise of a canvas roof, canvas walls, a super-king bed, a lounge area, and a luxurious bathroom complete with a roll-top bath, and his and hers double washbasins.
Read also: Masai Mara Safari Camping
Each of the tents boast views over the Zambezi River and its vast array of resident wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, hippo, and crocodiles. The spacious Safari Tents offer a choice of a king bed or two large single beds, each equipped with mosquito nets. Set on wooden decks elevated above the ground, these tents feature inviso-screening to keep insects at bay. With two ceiling fans in each tent and 24/7 lighting/charging, your comfort is ensured.
The bathroom was adjacent to the sleeping area, separated by a wooden partition. An elegant claw and cloth bathtub was in the middle, offering views out onto the dry riverbed. We indulged in several wonderful hot bubble baths with Molton Brown bath gel. Behind the bathtub there were double washbasins, toilet and shower. The toilet and shower were partitioned by a wooden wall. The shower had a large rain showerhead with consistently hot water that felt heavenly after a busy day of safari activities.
Outside the tent there was a wooden veranda with an outdoor shower surrounded by a tall wooden privacy fence. There were plenty of plush towels. A large laundry basket sat in the corner.
We especially liked taking hot bubble baths in the elegant claw and cloth bathtub that warmed us up on cool Zambian winter evenings. Other amenities included linen bathrobes, and complimentary laundry service. For cultural reasons ladies personal items were excluded from the laundry service. Those could be hand washed using Ecologica brand name laundry soap. There were cotton balls and swabs, two 1.2 ounce bottles of Ecologica conditioning shampoo, shower gels and body lotion, a 9.6 ounce bottle of Molton Brown lotion and bath soap, and insect repellant for skin and another for clothes.
Read also: Hope in Uganda: Kyangwali
Experience an enchanting and opulent sleep-out option at Chiawa’s newly unveiled Star Bed tower, soaring at least 4 metres above the ground. This is an incredible add-on for couples - planning to propose? Celebrating a special occasion? Elevate your stay with the Star Drift experience, which includes a floating dinner for the ultimate special occasion and an unparalleled romantic night. The Star Bed tower features a lavish Queen-size bed draped with mosquito netting, as well as a bathtub, toilet, washbasin, and mirror.
Lobby and Common Areas
The bar and reception were in a two-story traditional open thatched structure with optimal views of the magnificent Zambezi River. The structure was made of regional building materials, with rosewood decks, hardwood tables and comfortable overstuffed couches with natural cotton cushions. The second floor viewing deck had comfortable seating options, perfect for relaxing while taking in the view of the river.
Towards the back of the building on the first floor was a small library of roughly 45 books that evolved through a guest book exchange. African baskets and other knick knacks blended easily into the décor and added texture to the overall charm of the area. Several feet away another open wooden structure with thatched roof housed the dining area. In it were long wooden tables that could accommodate up to ten guests each. At nighttime the tables were lit by candlelight. The overall effect was charming and romantic.
Near the dining area, towards the river, there was an open fire pit surrounded by a circle of wooden and canvas field chairs. In between the bar and dining areas there were two public restrooms in a thatch roof structure with thick linen curtains attractively draped over the doorways.
Culinary Delights
The food, described by the owners as a fusion between Western and African cultures, was consistently good during our stay. Breakfasts were served buffet style by the fire pit, close to the river. There was a wide choice of cereals, toast, muffins, porridge, fruit and yoghurt, with the option of eggs cooked to choice over the open fire.
Read also: Immersive Safari at Sarova Mara
Dinners were fresh and tasty four-course meals (with exception of an outstanding barbeque on the final night). Dinner on the first night was preceded by a performance of the male staff members singing traditional African songs. We were escorted to a candlelit table on the open deck of the dining area, and the meal started with a caramelized onion tarte, followed by butternut squash soup, tilapia with lemon and butter with potato croquettes and sautéed veggies, and complete with a caramelized salted cake.
Though the food in and of itself was outstanding, equally impressive were the varied places where meals were served. On the second day, we had lunch on a boat floating in the river, and at our request, on the veranda outside our tent on the third day. On the boat, we had rice, pepper and cheese salad, accompanied by rosemary bread (the property freshly baked breads were notable), stuffed chicken breast and roast potato, followed by a cheese and fruit selection for dessert. We were also offered sparkling wine, but declined because we did not want to be sleepy during the afternoon canoe trip.
On our last night we had one of the most memorable dining experiences of our lives. Dinner was served under a full super moon on a sandbank in the Zambezi River. Unbeknownst to us, the staff had spent a good part of the afternoon setting up family style dining tables with tablecloths, glassware, stemware, candles and a full bar. They even brought over a fully functional toilet, curtained off for privacy. The scenery was absolutely stunning as we watched the sunset while sipping pre dinner drinks. It was the perfect spot to watch the super moon slowly ascend into the sky. The food was cooked on the sandbar over an open fire. On offer was a barbeque selection of chicken, beef and pork with a variety of salads. Also available were a range of traditional Zambian foods such as Nshima (the main cornmeal staple of the country), creamed spinach with peanut sauce, and elephant bread (a bread made with beer).
Exciting Activities and Game Viewing
Chiawa offered an array of exciting activities: catch and release fishing, canoe trips, pontoon boat cruises, safari walks and game viewing drives in the morning, afternoon and evening. The camp offers all the activities for which the Lower Zambezi is famous. This results in a huge range of things to do to keep guests happy for longer stays than the average safari camp, and there’s a focus on excellent guiding.
Something that we appreciated was that their itineraries were customized to our requests and often combined a number of activities in one day. For example, they offered us an afternoon river cruise. On the banks of the Zambezi under shaded trees this camp offers an idyllic stay in the Lower Zambezi. The activities range from night game drives to guided walks, canoe safaris to lunches floating on the river. During the heat of the day find a quiet spot whether that is the pool or hide to relax before your next adventure begins.
As soon as we arrived, we were hustled into a Toyota Land Cruiser with a guide and armed scout and sped off into the moonlit night to find the lioness we had heard roaring from the camp. Rounding a corner we surprised an elephant, which charged us while trumpeting angrily. Our driver reacted quickly. The exhilarating experience will stay with us forever. A few minutes later we found the lioness on the ground calling out to her pride. Hearing the volume of her roar, so powerful that we could feel it reverberate in our chest, was another priceless memory we took with us.
On the second day, we took a three hour canoe trip with game viewing. Being in the water allowed us to get closer to some of the animals than if we had been on land. After riding upstream by motorboat for 20 minutes, we canoed back via the Inkhalange Channel before paddling down the Zambezi River. At one point we drifted past a huge crocodile, only to watch it slip into the river. It was good incentive to keep our fingers out of the water. We felt we were in good hands as Wallace, our certified river guide, had carefully reviewed safety rules before we got into the four-person canoe with lifejackets. Each canoe had two guests and a guide. Just before sunset we watched a herd of elephants including young ones cross the river, led by a cautious matriarch. It was another unforgettable memory.
Safari Activities in the Lower Zambezi with Chiawa Camp
On the third day, we hopped in an open Land Cruiser ready for a walking safari, but took a detour when we heard the sound of a roaring lion. A few minutes later we came across a beautiful male lion casually walking along a dirt path in the morning sun. During our two and a half hour walk through the bush, we saw beautiful open landscapes with Chirapila Mountain in the distance. We also saw impalas and warthogs, and “Limpy” the elephant, a well-known local to the camp who earned his nickname due to his distinctive walk.
In the afternoon, we went on a boat safari, during which we took photos of two elephants crossing the river and munching on fresh grass on a small island.
Conservation Efforts
On our journey leaving Chiawa, we were given a tour of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLS). Set up through a collaboration between Grant and the Danish Consulate, it was a nonprofit residential center providing a variety of conservation programs and furthering understanding of the natural environment in Zambia. In addition to heroic anti-poaching efforts since its inception in 1989, Grant crafted the first safari guide training manual with a code of conduct for Lower Zambezi guides to promote high quality and responsible guiding. The company developed a government recognized examination and certification program. Chiawa safari guides received annual professional development to ensure high quality guiding.
Exceptional Service
Chiawa’s customized service was excellent. At the Royal Airstrip, the staff offered us refreshments for the journey to camp. On arrival, Maddy Brown, researcher and hostess, handed us a refreshing tea. Daniel Susiku, one of several safari and river guides, asked what kind of activities we wished to partake in during our stay. On the second day, we had asked if one of our meals could be served on the terrace of our tent.
Throughout our stay the serving staff was efficient, polite and cheerful. Management, especially Joshua Chizuwa and Stuart Rhoda, were attentive to our comfort and every need. The safari guides proved to be most knowledgeable about the surrounding area, and no matter how obscure our questions about the animals and birds we encountered, they answered them with ease. We appreciated the good humor and never ending smiles of Wallace Kabompa, one of the guides.
Our room was always in pristine condition on our return from activities and there were also some nice touches that added to the overall pleasantness of our stay. On the day of arrival, our towels were placed on the bed in the shape of elephants. As part of our wake up call at the hour of our choice, the staff left tea and coffee outside our tent prior to breakfast. They placed hot water bottles in our bed on cold nights during the evening room service.
Camp Details
| Location | Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | From US$ 1,400 Per Person Per Night |
| Accommodation | Luxury Tents with River Views |
| Activities | Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Canoe Trips, Fishing, River Cruises |
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
