Welcome to Chongwe River House, a four-bedroom private house on the banks of the Chongwe River with more than a touch of the Fred Flintstone, accommodating a minimum of 4 people. Designed by renowned architect Neil Rocher, the house is a grand architectural medley of curving walls and enormous leadwood furniture – there’s barely a straight line in sight. But you’re not coming on safari for style we hear you say? Well that’s ok then as the house comes complete with a private guide, armed guard, vehicle, boat and kayaks for the ultimate exploration of all corners of the Lower Zambezi National Park.




There’s honestly not a straight line or even a door or wall to be seen inside the house, but somehow it still manages to feel intensely private and extremely luxurious. The open-fronted living area extends seamlessly to the wooden deck and swimming pool, creating an excellent al-fresco dining area with the river and mountains glittering beyond. The furniture is spectacular and all carved out of a single enormous leadwood tree which lends a nice, earthy feel to the place.
The organic, flowing lines continue into the four en-suite bedrooms which are spacious, comfortable and perfectly grand. Two are upstairs and two downstairs and all have super-size king size beds on a spectacular moulded stone base (mattresses can be separated into twins if you require). All have an open wall to make the most of the views to the bush and beyond. In the bathrooms, expect rainfall showers and great stone bathtubs, expertly carved into the walls in a work of natural art.
Activities at Chongwe House are peaceful, relaxing and never ever dull and with your own guide, days are yours to do exactly what you want with. Explore the furthest corners of the park by vehicle or stay closer to home and amble along the river. Or perhaps take to the water and cruise alongside the wildlife in a boat or canoe before trying your hand at spot of Tiger fishing. The choice is yours!
The magic of staying in such a beautifully-designed and stunning house – and it’s all yours for the duration of your stay.
Try your hand at a spot of tiger fishing in the river in front of the house. These aquatic predators are fearsome and wily and catching one is quite the achievement!
Unusual designs always divide opinion and what one person loves, another might not enjoy quite as much. We’ll leave it at that!
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their properties. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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Glide down the Zambezi by boat, spotting elephants and tiger fishing to your heart’s content.