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LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIa
Iconic locations, unedited wilderness
With exceptional river- and land-based safaris, explore one of Africa’s finest safari destinations on day and night game drives, walking safaris, boat trips and fishing.
DID YOU KNOW?
Due to a shorter safari season Zambia does not attract the larger corporate safari brands who seek year round operations. Instead, this is a destination driven by passionate individuals.
Lingering along the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this iconic region (which is still relatively undeveloped) is renowned for abundant wildlife in a raw and remote wilderness. It is one of the most spectacular safari destinations, where wildlife includes island-hopping elephant and buffalo, to prides of lion and prolific leopard sightings. Riverine ebony and fig trees grow thickly along the water’s edge, bordering inland floodplains with towering winterthorn and acacia trees, attracting a large variety of birdlife. The park is just over 4,000 sq.km and confined between the Zambezi escarpment and river.
Award winning Chiawa Camp is Zambia’s premier luxury safari camp. A scenic 90-minute boat journey downstream takes you to the authentic and unedited, back-to-bush atmosphere at Old Mondoro.
Founded and run by the Cumings family, who have vast experience in guiding, conservation and the safari industry, guests are assured of the highest standards in all aspects of their safari. Today, Grant and Lynsey Cumings run the safari operation together with a dedicated team, building on over 30 years of experience on running safaris in Zambia.
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Chiawa Camp: US$ 1 510 – US$ 2 495 per person per night
Old Mondoro: US$ 1 510 – US$ 1 995 per person per night
FLY: From Lusaka or Mfuwe, both camps are serviced by flights into Jeki Airstrip.
BOAT & DRIVE: From Jeki it is a safari transfer by vehicle and boat to access both camps. Between the camps is a very scenic 90 minute boat transfer.
Located within the Lower Zambezi National Park, which covers over 409,000 hectares of protected wilderness along the Zambezi escarpment.
8+ years at Chiawa Camp | Old Mondoro 12+ years
World-class safari experience on the banks of the Zambezi with expert guiding and a rich variety of activities – from morning and sunset game drives and heart-stopping walking safaris to water-based boating and catch-and-release fishing – all set in a spectacular river ecosystem.
Wildlife wonderland with walking, day and night drives, boating and fishing.
Generations of multi-award winning guides and each activity has a specialist guide. This way you are always under the care of one of the best.
One of Africa’s finest safari destinations, located on the majestic Zambezi River. This area offers exceptional land and water-based safaris with some of the best game viewing in Africa.
A premier luxury safari camp, Chiawa Camp, and a back-to-bush camp, Old Mondoro.
The family owned and operated, multi-award-winning Chiawa Camp, is the pioneer of the Lower Zambezi National Park. In the local Soli language, Chiawa means ‘The one who shares’ – an appropriate name for such a camp that honours the local people and their traditions.
Each of the luxury tents offers spectacular river views and an excellent safari from the comfort of your tent, with plenty of resident wildlife in camp. Chiawa ensures a gentle and unhurried experience for both wildlife and guests, while still offering a diverse range of activities including game drives to game walks, as well as boating and angling – all in the company of Africa’s finest guides.
The Star Bed Tower stands almost 4 meters high, with incredible views overlooking the Zambezi. It is complete with a cosy queen size bed, under a mosquito net, bath tub, wash basin and flushing loo. Book the Star Drift experience as an add-on, which includes a 4 course dinner river cruise, a night in the Star Bed Tower with bubbles and a scrumptious breakfast with the most spectacular views.
The incredible wildlife encounters at this quintessential safari camp are those found only in your wildest dreams. Under the canopy of winterthorn trees and bordering the mighty Zambezi river, wild animals are part of the camp, sharing in your daily routine.
Old Mondoro is an intimate camp of only 5 chalets and 1 family house. The concept is simple – to provide guests with an authentic and unedited Zambian safari, and providing a “back to the bush” atmosphere that focusses on the wildlife and wilderness experience.
The area is known for big cat sightings (some of the most prolific leopard sightings to be had in Africa), with the magic of the water providing island-hopping buffalo and elephant, as well as an extreme concentration of hippo.
Bookings can be made by contacting the Chiawa Safaris reservations team.
Email: res@chiawa.com
Tel: +260 211 261 588
Emergency: +260 977 767 433
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. Based in Lusaka.
Arrive into Lusaka International Airport. From there, is it s quick 35 minute scheduled charter flight to Jeki Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi.
From Mfuwe Airport (South Luangwa) to Jeki, it is a 70-minute scheduled flight.
Chiawa Safaris offer meet & greet services at Lusaka Airport.
Both Camps
- Safari experiences within Lower Zambezi National Park, managed by Zambia Wildlife Authority and supported by Conservation Lower Zambezi.
- Fully inclusive stays with all meals, drinks and professionally guided safari activities.
- Transfers between Chiawa Safaris camps and local airstrips.
- Highly experienced guiding teams with a strong focus on conservation and safety.
Chiawa Camp
Amenities
- Classic luxury safari camp set beneath ancient mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi River.
- Spacious safari tents with en-suite bathrooms and private river-facing decks.
- Central lounge, dining area and riverfront spaces for relaxed safari living.
- Swimming pool and shaded relaxation areas.
Activities (Included)
- Day and night game drives in open safari vehicles.
- Guided walking safaris (12+ years, guide discretion).
- Boat safaris and river cruising on the Zambezi.
- Angling and fishing (catch-and-release; permits required*).
Old Mondoro
Amenities
- Intimate, remote safari camp in a secluded stretch of the Lower Zambezi.
- Elegant tented accommodation with en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the river.
- Central dining and lounge areas designed for privacy and immersion in nature.
- Small swimming pool and shaded riverfront relaxation areas.
- Ideal for experienced safari travellers seeking exclusivity and solitude.
Activities (Included)
- Day and night game drives in a remote concession.
- Guided walking safaris (12+ years, guide discretion).
- Boat safaris and canoe-style river exploration (conditions permitting).
- Angling and fishing (catch-and-release; permits required*).
*Additional cost: Fishing permits and replacement of lost or damaged tackle.
The owner of Chiawa Safaris, Grant Cumings is a founding member and Trustee of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), a non-profit organisation committed to the protection of the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the surrounding Chiawa Game Management Area.
Chiawa Safaris’ basic ethos is to consider communities as stakeholders and ultimate beneficiaries of conservation and eco-tourism. This commitment led to Chiawa Camp being awarded 3rd place in Best Ecological Lodge in Africa in 2010, and acknowledged as One of Fifty Great Green Places To Stay Worldwide in the Responsible Tourism Awards 2006.
- Paying US$ 120 per person per night for a Park, Conservation and Carbon Fee.
- Staying at Chiawa Safaris supports Conservation Lower Zambezi, which funds environmental education and essential conservation in the area.
- Taking part in safari activities in the area, together with contributed funds, supports anti-poaching efforts.
- Practicing only catch-and-release tiger fishing on the Zambezi River.
- Supporting a camp which employs more than 70 local Zambians, who in turn support another 500 individuals.
- Choosing to stay at a camp which has a Carbon Neutral, Silver status. Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro are Africa’s first carbon neutral certified safari camps, and, through an initiative with other camps, have made the Lower Zambezi Africa’s first Carbon Neutral national park.
- Although by no means perfect, Chiawa Safaris is leading the way in Zambia in responsible tourism and ensuring that future generations will inherit a better planet and be able to see the wildlife and scenes that we enjoy today. Join them and be part of this success story.
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