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Chongwe River Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Luxurious tented accommodation
- Picturesque location
- Abundant wildlife
- Chongwe Safaris Portfolio

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Overview

Chongwe River is a luxury safari camp situated on the west bank of the Chongwe River in central Zambia's Lower Zambezi Valley. Characterised by a relaxed atmosphere, sumptuous food and service, up-close wildlife sightings, and an exciting variety of water and land-based activities, this property offers superb value since its location just outside the Lower Zambezi National Park boundary makes for considerably reduced prices in relation to similar high-end camps located within the National Park. The location, however, does nothing to detract from the abundance of wildlife viewing, with dense concentrations of lion, leopard and elephant to enjoy. The camp is reached via light aircraft from Lusaka or Mfuwe, followed by a 20-minute road transfer.

The main areas are stylish and elegant, with the bar and lounge area containing a small library and numerous plush sofas set out under canvas hung from the surrounding trees. The outdoor dining area provides a candlelit setting for evening meals, and there’s also a fire pit surrounded by wooden armchairs. To one side, behind a sturdy wall to keep the elephants at bay, is the small but refreshing swimming pool. A stay includes all drinks, meals, laundry and activities, and WiFi is available throughout.

The accommodation comprises a total of eleven rooms. There are nine comfortable, en-suite tents lining the riverbank, with handcrafted furniture and either king-sized double or twin bed formation. The well-appointed open-air bathrooms contain toilet, shower, basin, and wardrobe. Thatched roofs help regulate temperature, and each room has a private veranda overlooking the valley’s pristine wilderness. There are two larger, more exclusive tented suites, boasting individual butler service and private plunge pools. Albida offers colonial-style décor, combining African textiles and Victorian details, and sleeps four in two capacious bedrooms set out in king-size double or twin formation. The open-air bathroom contains a claw-foot bath in addition to the standard facilities. The Cassia Suite has a similarly luxurious feel. Popular as a honeymoon retreat, this suite boasts a full bar alongside its private riverside pool.

Safari activities consist of day and night game drives, boat cruises, walking safaris, and canoeing. The guiding is exceptional, with small group sizes maximising up-close encounters with the area’s spectacularly rich wildlife. If guests have time, a full-day excursion into Lower Zambezi National Park is also available. Walking safaris along the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment are a real highlight, with opportunities to spot the elusive Samango monkey, and fishing is available on a catch-and-release basis.

Children of 8 years and over are welcome. Note, however, that children under 12 are unable to participate in walking safaris, and for children aged 12-16 participation is at the guide's discretion. The Albida Suite is best suited for smaller families, but larger groups should consider the camp's sister property Chongwe River House, a lovely four-bedroomed safari base set a little downstream. As the camp is unfenced and wild animals pass through with thrilling regularity, parental supervision is essential at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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