Lower Zambezi

Chiawa Camp

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Chiawa Camp

About Chiawa Camp

Understated elegance with a tremendous reputation in the heart of the Lower Zambezi.

Established by the Cummings family, Chiawa was one of the first camps to be developed in the Lower Zambezi in the 1990s and has certainly earned its fabulous reputation. Owner-run camps are a rare breed in Africa and Chiawa is truly the blue-print for the remaining bastions. Here, understated luxury is standard and nothing is ever too much trouble for the owners and their dedicated team. Mix this with a superb location on the banks of the Zambezi where hippos splash in the water and buffalo graze lazily on the grassy islands and you have a camp that is hard to beat.

Lower Zambezi , Zambia

From $1.6K per person/per night

Safari

9 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

No matter which cosy seating area you choose in the two-storey main area, a magnificent view of the mighty Zambezi will prevail. The separate dining area at the front shares the impressive view and meals are served here or more often than not in the riverbed surrounded by glowing lanterns. Also on offer is a shaded plunge pool for a quick refresh in the midday heat and 2 hides and a viewing platform to vary your game viewing.

The rooms

The 9 Meru-style tents are all elegantly furnished in neutral tones with dark mahogany furniture atop shining floors and snug beds looking out to the spacious verandas. The en suite bathrooms offer power showers and a smattering of Victorian grandeur with polished brass taps on the tub and basins. All rooms are stylish and very spacious but number 9 gets our vote due to its location atop a nearby hill and resulting privacy. Their latest addition, a luxury safari sleepout, is a dream...bathtub and all!

Activities

As with most Lower Zambezi camps, there is a wide range of activities on offer but what really stands out at Chiawa is the efforts of the guides to fulfil everyone’s wishes for their dream itinerary. Game drives and walking safaris are conducted in a bountiful area of the park and are good fun and very educational. It would be a shame however to not spend time on the magnificent Zambezi, adventuring in a canoe or exploring by boat and chancing your hand at tiger-fishing.

What you'll love

The highest of standards prevail here - from the expertly-guided activities to the attentive service to the picture-perfect rooms.

Insiders Tip

Drift down the river with a bottle of wine and a three-course feast at one of Chiawa’s famous “floating lunches” on their large boat.

Something to think about

Activities here are most often shared with other guests so if you’d like a tad more privacy, think about booking your own vehicle and guide.

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

Chiawa Camp is owned by Robin Pope Safaris, and committed to responsible tourism that benefits the environment, wildlife conservation, and local communities. They employ green technology, support anti-poaching efforts, provide healthcare and education, and promote local trade. Staff are treated fairly, trained extensively, and encouraged to advance. Their operations aim to protect ecosystems and alleviate poverty through sustainable practices. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

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