Chongwe River Camp

About Chongwe River Camp

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Chongwe River Camp is situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. The Chongwe River is the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The camp has a wonderful view of not only the confluence of the two rivers but also the mountains of the impressive Zambezi escarpment. Situated under a canopy of albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, the 9 classic thatched tents are a good size, well appointed with ensuite open air bathrooms (8 with shower only, 1 with a bath too).

The bathrooms are an experience on their own. All fittings are made from natural materials found near the lodge and the front of the room have doors not zippers so they are easy to get in and out! There is solar power electric meaning that guests can now charge camera batteries and have lights in the rooms.

There is a swimming pool, large shady gardens and a comfortable lounge bar area. A variety of land and water based activities are on offer including game drives (day and night) and walks, canoeing, motor boating and fishing.

A normal day consists of an early morning activity followed by a hearty brunch and siesta time through the heat of the day, then afternoon tea and cakes followed by another activity and evening dinner.

Lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, and elephant are frequently seen on activities. In between big game sightings at the camp, one can expect to see plenty other game such as impala, warthog, waterbuck, kudu, bushbuck, hyena and baboon. The area also has rarer species like honey badger, porcupine, aardvark, klipspringer and pangolin.

One of the most appealing things about Chongwe River Camp is the scenery from camp and surrounding the area - changing from riparian woodland to open plains and dense forest all with the backdrop of mountains and the mighty Zambezi make this area simply beautiful to immerse yourself into, away from the modern, western world.

The 'Albida Suite' on the edge of the main camp is in a gorgeous position on the river looking towards the mountains. This luxury suite consists of two large bedrooms share a central lounge and dining area with a private plunge pool. The luxury bedrooms are en-suite and have octagonal sides with 7 sides of gauze letting air through with a walkway to private garden areas. Bathrooms have a canvas roof but open to the bush with bath and showers.

The 'Cassia Suite' was built in the same style as the Albida Suite (but with only 1 bedroom) with a custom-designed octagonal room tent, this has gauze windows, which may be rolled up during the day, on seven sides of tents. The adjoining bathroom has a canvas roof with double basin, shower and free standing bath. A lounge is appointed with comfortable chairs and sofas. It is at the front of the suite alongside a private pool set at the edge of the river. This area is perfect for relaxing and a dining area allows meals and drinks to be taken in the suite or in the main camp.

[NOTE: Bushbuck Camp is no longer running].

Read about Tribes' eco-rating system

Gallery and information

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Highlights

Stunning views of the hills of the Zambezi Escarpment.
Great game viewing.
Amazing birdlife.
Very comfortable and large rooms and open air bathrooms.
Luxury Albida Suite and Cassia Suites perfect for honeymooners or two couples.

Situation

On the banks of the Chongwe river at the confluence of the Zambezi River, bordering the Lower Zambezi National Park. 10 mins drive from Royal airstrip (30 mins flight south of Lusaka).

Activities

Game drives (day and night), walking, boating, canoeing, fishing.

Facilities

Lounge/Bar, large tented chalets, swimming pool. Seperate luxury suite with own plunge pool.

Open

Open from 1 April - 15 November

Best time

Warm and dry from April to September then hot and dry with occasional showers in November.

Inclusions

Accommodation, all meals, game viewing, park fees, drinks, laundry, airstrip transfers.

Meals

Meals are often taken communally but this depends on the number of guests. The meals are great quality, and usually eaten outdoors.

Pricing guidelines for Zambia

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless airlines have special offers). Zambia combines well with Malawi and Botswana.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £150
	£150 to £300
	£300 to £500
	£500 to £800
	Over £800

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week mid-high season safari staying in one park in good lodge or tented campBetween £3000 and £5000
2 week safari in various parks in quality lodges and tented camps.Between £4000 and £6000
1 week ‘green season’ safariFrom about £2500 +
2 weeks Zambia and Lake MalawiBetween £4000 and £5000

Tribes Advisor

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I think the position of this camp is stunning, and possibly a deciding factor when trying to compare with other camps in Lower Zambezi. OK, it’s not actually inside Lower Zambezi National Park (it’s just across the small western boundary river), but I can see why David Livingstone apparently used it as one of his campsites!

I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 nights here but it wasn’t long enough. You really need 3 (maybe 4 ) nights to make the most of all the activities you can do here, and frankly I’d be happy to stay a week.

The staff are friendly, the meals are great, the guiding is excellent (thanks Patrick).
I was treated to a stay in Cassia suite which I thought was fabulous (and you get badly pampered!), but the classic tents are also very well done and comfortable, with equally good positions on the Chongwe River.

Amanda Marks, Tribes managing director, stayed here in April 2011

Chongwe was my favourite camp in Lower Zambezi! I remember thinking that the duvets and crisp sheets were the most comfortable sleep I'd had in a long time .... shame I never had time to lie in and enjoy them! However, if you do stay here you WILL have time and you can lie in bed and watch the birds outside and the hippos and crocs cruising past ....

The hosting and food here is great - nothing too fancy, just good, honest home cooking and variety. The location for me is what really sells Chongwe, sitting off the main Zambezi river on the Chongwe, the views up to the mountains are stunning. If you want a variety of water activities then this is a great option too and being in the GMA you can do night drives and also visit the local village if you have time.

Julie Croucher, Africa Sales Manager - stayed here 2007

Zambia