Chiawa Camp: Our View

The Cumings family were one of the original pioneers of photographic safaris in the Lower Zambezi National Park when they opened Chiawa Camp back in 1989. To this day the camp is still operated by the same family. With this long experience, it is no surprise to find that Chiawa is one of the best run safari camps in Africa with superb levels of service, guiding, food, and a fantastic location right by the river in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Chiawa took advantage of the enforced Covid closure in 2020-21 and totally rebuilt the camp with brand new rooms. Chiawa Camp has always been of a high standard, however, this recent refurbishment has elevated it into a truly luxurious camp, although one which still retains a real bush camp feel and connection to nature. With just 8 rooms it offers a very intimate experience.

Despite the upgrades, the focus is still firmly on providing a superb safari experience. Chiawa Camp has a prime location with easy access to some of the best game viewing areas in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Chiawa Camp is certainly one of our favourite camps in Africa and delivers in every area - very personal and attentive service, superb guiding, luxury accommodation, and access to superb game viewing. You would pay much more for a camp of this quality in other premier safari areas like the Okavango Delta, and for clients looking for a high end safari camp, Chiawa really offers fantastic value for money. The same company also operates Old Mondoro Camp in Lower Zambezi and Puku Ridge Camp in South Luangwa. They also offer very good discounts for multi night stays. A combination of these camps would be a great option for clients looking for a longer safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park, or a combination of Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa.

Chiawa Camp: Quick Facts

• 8 luxury tented rooms and 1 safari suite with ensuite bathrooms with bath, indoor & outdoor showers
• Spectacular location overlooking the Zambezi River
• Diverse activities - game drives, night drives, walking, canoe and boat safaris, as well as fishing offered
• Swimming pool 
• Accessed via Jeki airstrip with direct flights from Lusaka
• Children 8 years and older permitted, younger children may be allowed at camp’sdiscretion
• Wi-Fi available

Chiawa Camp: The Details

Chiawa Camp was the first camp to open in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This meant they were able to choose a prime location. Chiawa is right next to the Zambezi River in one of the best game viewing areas of the Park. The 8 tented rooms were totally rebuilt in 2020 and they are now larger than before. They are very luxurious but still blend perfectly into the surrounding bush and have that real feeling of being connected to nature. Some of the rooms overlook the Chowe Riverbed, with partial views of the Zambezi River. Some of their rooms have full views onto the Zambezi River. The rooms are elegantly furnished with furniture made by local craftsmen. Each room has a spacious ensuite bathroom with twin wash basins, a freestanding bath, and indoor as well as outdoor showers. Other practical features are a writing desk, hairdryer, plenty of international plug points with USB sockets, and lots of lighting. Large sliding doors open on to a shaded verandah which is the perfect place to relax, with a dining table and comfy leather reclining safari chairs. A unique feature is the ‘bench wallow’, Chiawa’s clever innovation on an outdoor pool. During the colder months it can be used as a sunken seating area and during the hot months it can be filled with water and used as a plunge pool!

For the ultimate in luxury, the safari suite offers some of the most lavish accommodation found in Africa, with superb views onto the Zambezi River. It is ideal for families or couples looking for the very best whilst on safari! At 220sq metres there is plenty of space,with a bedroom, lounge area, and a gorgeous bathroom. Daybeds in the lounge area can be used for extra people when booked by families. Sixteen metres of sliding and folding doors open onto a large deck area, with outdoor dining and lounge areas, and private fireplace - plus a 16m pool!

The communal areas are just as beautiful. The large, thatched lounge/bar area also has an upstairs viewing deck with stunning views onto the Zambezi River. There are areas for outside dining as well as a boma (campfire area), and a reasonably large swimming pool.

Chiawa Camp is so lovely that it may be hard to leave, but guests are here for the game viewing of course, and that will certainly not disappoint! Chiawa Camp is in one of the best areas in the Lower Zambezi National Park and is famous for the high quality of its guides. It also offers some of the most diverse activities of any safari camp, with options for game drives, night drives, walking safaris, and boat or canoe trips - as well as fishing. For the keen fishing enthusiast the Lower Zambezi is a great location as it is one of best places in Africa to catch the formidable Tiger Fish. All fishing is strictly on a catch and release basis.