Old Mondoro Camp (Lower Zambezi National Park) Zambia
Location:
Owned and operated by the Cummings family of Chiawa Camp rpute, Old Mondoro is set in a grove of Acacia trees that tower above the massive elephant bulls that seem to be constantly feeding on them. On the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 35km downstream from Chiawa Camp this is a beautiful and remote site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. With only 8 beds Old Mondoro is the Lower Zambezi’s most intimate and private safari camp.
Whilst Chiawa Camp is more luxurious and sophisticated, guests will also enjoy the very different and “back to the bush” atmosphere of Old Mondoro. The concept of Old Mondoro is simple – to step back from the larger, ultra-luxurious lodges seemingly springing up everywhere, and rather provide guests with an authentic remote safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience whilst not forgoing any necessary creature comforts. “Emperor Akbar The Great Of India once said of Kashmir ‘if there be paradise on this earth, this is it’. But he was wrong - he never visited Old Mondoro” Robin Bradshaw, UK Lower Zambezi National Park ~ Zambia
Accommodation:
With only 8 beds Old Mondoro is the Lower Zambezi’s most intimate and private safari camp. Set in a grove of Acacia trees that tower above the massive elephant bulls that seem to be constantly feeding on them, on the banks of the Zambezi River, also in the Lower Zambezi National Park and some 35km downstream from Chiawa Camp - this is a beautiful and remote site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. Whilst Chiawa Camp is more luxurious and sophisticated, guests will also enjoy the very different and “back to the bush” atmosphere of Old Mondoro.
The concept of Old Mondoro is simple – to step back from the larger, ultra-luxurious lodges seemingly springing up everywhere, and rather provide guests with an authentic remote safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience whilst not forgoing any necessary creature comforts. Best combined with a visit to Chiawa Camp (why not stay 3 nights at each to get the best of both worlds?) Old Mondoro is also ideal as a stand alone destination for those wanting a camp that is smaller, less complex and lower priced but still with outstanding guiding and service.
Game Viewing & Activities:
The terrain around Old Mondoro is very different from the rest of the Park, which is on higher ground characterized by thicker bush and large inland lagoons. Here, the Park is characterized by vast flood plains and open woodland making for ideal walking and game viewing opportunities. There are some excellent walking areas right out of Camp, and more just a short drive away. It is unquestionably the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi.
Also on offer at Old Mondoro are - game drives (day and night), - canoeing, - game viewing by motor boat - catch and release fishing for tigerfish with all tackle (conventional and fly) available. The Park offers excellent game viewing throughout, with there being more elephant, lion and buffalo activity closer to Chiawa Camp, and Old Mondoro’s area to the east which seems to deliver more frequent leopard and serval sightings, and more plains game such as Zebra and Kudu.
Old Mondoro is also noted for its wild dog sightings as the dogs often den in the vicinity, and was the base for the African Wild Dog Conservation researcher for two years. Conservation Lower Zambezi now monitors the wild dog population on behalf of AWDC whilst the dogs go about their daily business as ever.
Guests have the opportunity and freedom of choice to decide exactly how to fill their days with 3 brilliant pro guides led by one of Zambia’s finest, Levy Farao, who has a knack for finding excellent sightings including an amazing scene of four lions chasing three leopards (yes, 3 allegedly elusive spotted cats) up a tree one morning. Easy going and knowledgeable, Levy makes a safari into the Lower Zambezi’s bush a delight and adventure.
Game Drives:
This is the safest and most effective way to view big game. Drives are conducted in open 4wd Toyota Landcruisers that have been specially adapted for safari use. Usually departing in the early morning, drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. 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 and it is dark enough for the powerful spotlights to become effective, night drives commence. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives, perhaps the most interesting of safari activities. This is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see 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. Again, these drives can last up to 4 hours depending on the action!
Bush Walks:
Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a "micro-safari". An armed ranger will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues.
The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements. Typically, a few hours is sufficient.
Canoeing:
Although the Zambezi offer many activities, perhaps it is best known for canoeing. No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Tranquil yet exciting, these trips through waters such as the Chifungulu Channel are an excellent way to best appreciate the Zambezi.
Canadian canoes (6m long) are used and these trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day. Our most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to "Sunset Strip" for sundowners and then a night drive back to camp.
Accommodation Rates:-
From $610 per person per night sharing. Please contact us
for a quote and suggested itinerary.