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Old Mondoro

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Intimate, select camp
- Wonderful riverside location
- Premium service and guiding
- Wildlife in camp

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Overview

Old Mondoro is an exclusive yet authentic bush camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. This select, upmarket camp offers polished service, high levels of comfort, and superb, informative guiding. Offering just four riverside chalets for guests uninhibited by higher prices, Old Mondoro will suit travellers seeking an intimate and immersive wildlife experience. Set in a tranquil acacia and winterthorn grove, the camp overlooks a group of islands frequented by hippo pods and bull elephants. This remote eastern corner of the park sees little tourist traffic, and offers superb wildlife viewing, including high numbers of elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and waterbuck, along with frequent sightings of leopard.

A 45 minute transfer from Jeki airstrip, the camp is one hour downstream from its larger sister camp, Chiawa. Whilst offering similar high standards of cuisine, service, and activities, the focus at Old Mondoro is simpler and more elemental, with many visitors choosing to combine a stay at both camps. Old Mondoro is open from April to November, although visitors from October onwards should come prepared for the extremely high temperatures which coincide with the area’s peak wildlife density.

The thatched, open-sided main area or ‘chitenge’ comprises a comfortable lounge and dining area with a large communal table. Outside is a lovely campfire area overlooking the Zambezi. Mealtimes are usually al fresco, featuring delicious, high quality Afro-European cuisine. Guests can enjoy buffet style lunches in a remote bush location or out on the river, and multiple course dinners by the campfire or under the stars.

Numerous activities include day and night game drives, and bush walks. The camp is renowned for its excellent walking safaris, facilitated by top notch guiding and good visibility in the surrounding woodland and floodplain. Water-based activities include exciting canoe excursions along the Zambezi, relaxing river safaris, and catch-and-release fishing.

The accommodation comprises four open-sided reed and canvas chalets with roll-down canvas blinds. Built on raised decking, each chalet has one king or two twin beds, draped with mosquito nets. An ensuite bathroom comprises twin basins with hot and cold water, and flush WC, whilst outdoors is a huge stone bathtub and luxurious shower overlooking the river. A shaded veranda with superb views includes a daybed for relaxation. The chalets have 24 hour electric lighting, charging points, and electric fans, although note that Wi-Fi is not available.

Children over eight years are extremely welcome. A fifth and larger family unit has a similar specification to the other chalets, with an additional second bedroom and bathroom. Note there is a minimum age of 12 years for canoe safari and guided walking. The camp does not offer child specific activities, and may be more suited to older children. As this riverside camp is unfenced and wild animals, particularly elephants, regularly roam through, parents are reminded that children should be supervised 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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