Description
Located deep inside the Lower Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River, Chiawa is an outstanding family owned and managed safari camp which offers superb accommodation and personal service, fantastic game viewing and a large variety of activities in a magnificent setting.
A stunning thatched lounge and bar area with an upstairs viewing deck provides an outstanding view of the Zambezi. Chiawa’s renowned cuisine can be enjoyed on the al-fresco dining veranda where guests share the delights of the day. The camp rests peacefully on the riverbank, in a grove of mahogany and acacia trees and is constructed essentially of natural materials to ensure its idyllic setting can be fully appreciated.
The Cumings Family first explored this area for themselves decades ago, where David Livingstone had ventured through nearly 150 years previously, and where in 1989 they created the very first photo safari operation in the Lower Zambezi National Park - and through their efforts what has since become one of Africa’s most desirable, sought after safari destinations. The camp is totally unfenced so game can wander freely through and elephants are regular visitors. The nine luxury safari tents, including one Honeymoon Suite, are built under thatch and provide guests with total privacy on their own elevated shady wooden platforms, with gorgeous views of the Zambezi River. As a family run operation, no effort is spared to ensure that every guest receives personal attention and a truly first class African safari.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 9 tented rooms including a Honeymoon Suite. The tents all have timber floors and verandas with excellent views and are accessed by paths running behind them to maximise privacy. All share ample comforts, conveniences and unexpected luxuries such as 24/7 lighting and charging facilities (220v UK plugs), hot & cold running water, king size beds, Egyptian cotton linens, his & hers washbasins, indoor and outdoor showers and ball & claw baths.
Childcare
As Chiawa is in an area with high wildlife densities, and the rooms are relatively open, children below the age of 8 are not accepted. Children aged 8 and over are allowed to accompany game drives and motor boat cruises with their parent or guardian. For children aged 12 to 16 wishing to accompany walks and canoeing, this is solely at the guide's discretion.
Facilities
Chiawa Camp is renowned for its excellent cuisine, often described as an Afro/Euro fusion, in which even the most demanding palates are catered for. Chiawa’s imaginative Executive Chefs ensure meals are of the highest standard and that they are prepared with the freshest of ingredients. The camp also has a viewing hide.
Activities
At Chiawa Camp activities revolve around the wildlife, the bush and the river, guests can chose to go on morning or evening game drives, river safaris, canoeing, guided walks or fishing, all led by an award winning team of Africa-born guides with an unmatched fleet of vehicles, boats and canoes at their disposal.
Services
Personal attention is the name of the game at Chiawa Camp. The friendly, well-trained staff are always on hand to ensure that your comfort and convenience are well catered for.
When to travel
December to March is rainy season and the camp is closed.
The Lower Zambezi has a moderate to sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: from November to March is the Emerald, or the rainy season, April to July is Zambia's winter, when the weather is cool and dry, and August to October is summer, when the weather is hot and dry. In terms of game viewing, the dryer months, meaning a higher concentration of game at the permanent water sources, are a superb time to visit. Alternatively come for some superb birdwatching at the end of the rains.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Chiawa camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. With the mountains of the Zambian Escarpment as backdrop and across the River from the Mana Pools National Park.
How to get there
Guests can fly into Lusaka or Livingstone Airport and then connect with an air transfer to Royal airstrip. A short 10 minute drive to the Zambezi River and a 20 minute boat transfer delivers guests to Chiawa on the banks of the Zambezi River.
