African Safari Bookings

Chongwe River Camp (Lower Zambezi National Park) Zambia

Location:

Chongwe River Camp is built on the confluence of the main Zambezi River and the Chongwe River just outside the main park. The river bank here is lined with large mature yellow-fever acacia trees, which provide deep natural shade for the tents, and, at certain times of year, a valuable food source for the Lower Zambezi's numerous elephant that wander through the camp, hovering up the seed pods. The elephant are a major feature of the Zambezi, and Chongwe in particular

Chongwe River Camp is a good example of a small owner-operated safari camp and has a friendly, though slightly rough around the edges feel to it that to us make it very real. It is unpretentious, informal and very much retains the feel of the old-style tented camps which others have lost their charm to swanky interiors and impersonal 5* service. 

Accommodation:

Relax! It’s the only thing we insist upon at Chongwe. You can put your feet up on our furniture without worrying what anyone is going to think... Or curl up amongst plump cushions with a good book and not bother about appearances... We like great service and winning smiles more than dressing for dinner. These are the ethics we take seriously in all of our award-winning accommodation options.

Seven tented rooms with built-on bathrooms make full use of the great river frontage that the camp has. If you're a small group, then the Cassia and Albida suites are very special and mean an additional level of exclusivity - they are fully kitted out for private dining.

Activities:

A policy of non-intrusive enjoyment of wildlife and low environmental impact has helped to make the Lower Zambezi valley one of southern Africa’s premier game viewing destinations. Add to this the amazing fauna and flora found in and on the banks of Africa’s fourth largest river, and you begin to understand why this amazing wilderness is so special.

At Chongwe River Camp, activities are tailored to make the most of this incredibly diverse wilderness. Game viewing can be done from a vehicle in either the Lower Zambezi National Park or the Chiawa Partnership Park or, if you prefer, from a boat on the Zambezi. Canoeing, walking and, of course, fishing, are also offered. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, community visits can be arranged.

Responsible Tourism:

Chongwe is committed to the principles and ethics of responsible Tourism. As such, guests rest assured that their holiday spend is contributing directly to the conservation of the environment and the upliftment of the people of the Lower Zambezi valley. We are involved in a number of initiatives such as the funding of Chitende High School in Chiawa village and Conservation Lower Zambezi, an NGO combatting poaching and providing environmental education to local communities.

Chongwe also helped establish the Chiawa Partnership Park and supports the Chiawa Cultural Village. And now, we are launching Tsika Island as a four room canoeing camp option for guests. $50 dollars per guest for every night spent will go directly to the neighboring village.

Helpful Hints

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of the Lower Zambezi Valley. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari; white is definitely not practical, and black and dark blues can attract tsetse flies. Don't bring too much - laundry is available in the camp - and there is a strict 15kg limit for baggage on light planes. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing in a soft bag rather than a suitcase. Soft bags are also essential on light planes.

Don't forget to bring - cameras and binoculars, plenty of spare film or digital memory, spare camera batteries and recharger. The camp has an inverter, so recharging in the evening from the generator is possible.
Climate - Zambia's elevation on a plateau gives it a moderate to tropical climate with three distinct seasons: December to April is warm and wet, May to August (winter): cool and dry, September to November: hot and dry. Average summer temperatures range from 25 to 35 deg C and winter from 6 to 24 deg C

  Accommodation Rates:-  From $550 per person per night sharing. Please contact us for a quote and suggested itinerary.