LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

This is Zambia’s newest Park and as such is still relatively undeveloped, but it’s beauty lies in it’s absolute wilderness state. The diversity of animals is not as wide as the other big parks, but the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels are spectacular. The Park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife sanctuary.

The rivers edge is overhung with a thick riverine fringe, mostly diasporus, ficus and other riverine species. Further inland is a floddplain fringed with mopane forest and interspersed with winterthorn trees Acacia albida. The hills which form the backdrop to the park are covered in broadleaf woodland.

The Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4,092 square kilometres, but most of the game is concentrated along the valley floor. There is an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the parks animal species. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the rivers edge. ‘Island hopping’ buffalo and waterbuck are common. The park also hosts good populations of lion and leopard.

Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp looks onto the confluence of the two rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north. Under a complete canopy of huge Winter-thorn Acacias, Chongwe River Camp occupies an unrivalled location, used twice by David Livingstone on his travels, as did Courtney Selous, when he hunted in this, his favourite wilderness!

The accommodation are large, well appointed Mulati tents under thatch, with a luxury open air bathroom on suite. Situated under a canopy of Albida thorns and surrounded by cool lawns, they command fabulous views over the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers. Each tent sleeps two people, in twin or double beds. The Bathrooms are an experience on their own. Shower under the stars or the early morning sunshine. All fittings are made from natural materials found near the lodge.

Be warned! Chongwe River Camp is a luxury 'bush camp' situated in a wilderness area; elephant are more numerous than people in their Albida grove. There are no fences and the animals have complete right of way. You do not have to even leave the camp to see and hear a wide variety of wildlife. Relaxing in the sitting out area over looking the river, you can see a constant procession of game coming down to drink as well as over 250 species of birds.

Exceptional Game viewing opportunities are available from the Camp, either by open safari vehicle, on foot or by canoe and motorboat.  Link to camp web site

Season: April to November

Chiawa

An exquisite location under a shady grove of mahogany trees, in the heart of big game country with expansive views of the mighty Zambezi River. Chiawa Camp consists of 8 spacious, well-ventilated safari tents, each set on its own elevated wooden platform under shade with a panoramic view of the Zambezi. The secure tents are insect-proof, have twin or double beds with spring mattresses, solar lighting, solar/electric fans & battery charging, and en-suite flushing loos with hot & cold showers. One of these, the Honeymoon Suite, is particularly romantic with a shower for two and a bath with private views of the Zambezi and the escarpment! The access paths run behind the tents to maximize privacy.

Chiawa Camp has a carefully positioned viewing hide overlooking the confluence of the Zambezi & Chowe Rivers, providing excellent, peaceful viewing of birds and the large mammals, often including the big cats!

Activities include day and night game drives, river cruises on a motorised pontoon (sometimes breakfast is served on the cruise), canoeing on the Zambezi and bush walks an armed ranger will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements. Typically, a few hours is sufficient. Link to Lodge web site.

Season: 01 May to 15 November

Old Mondoro

The concept of Old Mondoro is simply to take a step back from the ultra-luxurious lodges that have sprung up in recent times. Rather to provide guests with an authentic remote safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience Where the call of the hyena replaces the hum of a generator, where harsh electric light is replaced by the soft glow of a lantern, where some of the best guides in Africa will help guests experience a closer look at the natural world.

Old Mondoro, is set in a grove of Acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park. It is a beautiful site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. Appropriately constructed of canvas and natural materials, the camp has an open and more adventurous feel yet provides a comfortable retreat after a day filled with excitement in the bush, where emphasis is placed on non-motorised safari activities. Accommodating only eight guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is somewhat reminiscent of the mobile camps of East Africa, rebuilt from scratch and then dismantled each safari season. The accommodation "tents", resting on temporary slabs, have en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins. Lanterns provide ambient lighting. The tents are left with open views during the day, and at night canvas drop-down blinds with windows are lowered to provide more privacy and security. Link to Lodge web site.

Season: June to end October inclusive

Sausage Tree Camp

Sausage Tree Camp accommodation is in six luxurious white Bedouin style tents, dotted discreetly along the Zambezi River bank. Islands of cool minimalist style in which the reddish brown teak furniture including, sumptuous four poster beds, contrasts crisply and cleanly with pure white fabrics and flowing white mosquito nets. Nearly hidden from one another, and shaded by mature Sausage and Mahogany trees, the tents are cool, private sanctuaries to return to after an early morning game drive. Each tent has a private open – air ensuite bathroom, which has become a distinct trademark for this world renowned tented safari camp. From the loo with a view, to the steaming hot shower, to the honeymoon tent which offers a bathtub worth marrying for!

Sleeping only 12 guests, Sausage Tree Camp offers a truly personalized safari experience. Each tent has its own personal butler (Muchind) to attend to guests every whim. Bereft of fences, elephant frequently walk through camp, allowing guests to enjoy game experiences from the comfort of their tents. With a silenced generator, for tent lighting and battery charging and evening escort to and from guest tents, Sausage Tree offers a civilized approach to a true bush environment with lavish attention to detail. Link to Camp web site.

Season: April to November inclusive

Kasaka River Lodge

Kasaka offers a unique luxury experience - its very own rhythm, people and animals living side by side in an unrivalled location.

Kasaka River Lodge is a 22 bed luxury en-suit tented camp nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Chiawa Game Management area 4 kilometres by road from the Lower Zambezi National Park - this is the only stretch on the 2,700 kilometre course of the Zambezi River where one finds National Parks on both banks of the river - the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and the famed Mana Pools World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe.

The river extends the length of the property and there are breathtaking views over the water with sightings of buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Link to Lodge web site

Season: April to November inclusive