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Chongwe River House

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Exclusive use
- Unique design and luxurious decor
- Abundant wildlife
- Chongwe Safaris Portfolio

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Overview

Chongwe River House is a luxurious and private safari getaway located on the banks of the Chongwe River on the southwestern boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Located just one kilometre downstream from its sister property Chongwe River Camp, this unique and delightful home-from-home is designed for the exclusive use of one party, ideal for groups or families. Boasting highly original architecture and stunning views across the flood plains out to the rugged escarpment beyond, Chongwe River House comes with a hefty price tag. However, excellent service, superior accommodation, and a sense of opulent privacy amidst one of the most wildlife-rich destinations in Zambia, make for a splendid stay. Opportunities to see elephant, hippo, and water buffalo abound at the adjacent water's edge, and giraffe, lion, and leopard are commonly spotted within the National Park, along with a myriad of vibrant birdlife.

Beautifully designed with open-sided rooms looking out across the picturesque landscape, the house is an architectural feat. Nestled beneath thatch, it has flowing and curved stone walls interspersed by living trees and branches, with pebbles on the ceiling and a pretty water feature in the main area. The open-plan lounge and dining area contains a delightful carved bar, tables, and sofas scattered with plump cushions. On the deck outside there is a large pool and jacuzzi surrounded by sun loungers. A dedicated team of hosts, private chefs, and housekeeping staff ensure that all needs and desires are catered for with total flexibility. WiFi is available throughout.

The house sleeps eight guests in four enormous ensuite rooms, each containing a king-size double or twin beds, made up with high-quality linens and draped in mosquito nets. The bathrooms house both 'waterfall' showers and characterful bath tubs. Set over two floors, each room has a private seating area looking out across the surrounding landscape, which often features elephants drinking, feeding, and playing nearby in the river.

Guests enjoy the exclusive use of a game-viewing vehicle and a resident expert guide, allowing more flexibility on game-drive times and duration than the shared activities from Chongwe River Camp. Day and night game drives into the Lower Zambezi National Park reward guests with spectacular wildlife viewing, including a high likelihood of up-close encounters. Canoeing, boating, and fishing are also available from a jetty located down a short pathway from the house.

Children over 7 years of age are welcome. The exclusivity of the activities offers greater flexibility to those travelling with children, and staff provide alternative entertainment when age-restricted activities such as walking safaris or canoeing are taking place (children under 12 are not permitted). Board games and babysitting are available, as well as the lovely pool. One of the Chongwe River House’s highlights is the proximity of elephant and other wildlife, so parents should note that even though it’s unlikely for animals to approach humans, children must be kept under close supervision 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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