The Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area.

This was in the time of the great explorers and when David Livingstone travelled through the Lower Zambezi on his ill-fated mission to prove that the Zambezi River was navigable.

Although the old white lion has long gone, Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit that lives on in his descendants that still roam free in this unique part of Africa.   

The concept of Old Mondoro is simple – to step back from the ultra-luxurious lodges seemingly springing up everywhere, and rather 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, which is a joint venture between the owners of Chiawa Camp and Sausage Tree Camp, is set in a grove of Acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 10km downstream from Jeki Airstrip, near the Chakwenga River confluence.

 A beautiful site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. 

Here, the Park is characterised by vast flood plains and open woodland making for ideal walking and game viewing opportunities.

This is very different from the rest of the Park, which is on higher ground characterised by thicker bush and large inland lagoons.

The Park offers excellent game viewing throughout, with there being more elephant, lion and buffalo activity west of Jeki, and Old Mondoro’s area to the east which seems to deliver more frequent leopard and serval sightings, and more plains game such as Zebra and Kudu. 

Whilst Chiawa Camp and Sausage Tree Camp are more luxurious and sophisticated, guests will also enjoy the very different and “back to the bush” atmosphere of Old Mondoro.

 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.

There are some excellent walking areas right out of Camp, and more just a short drive away. It is unquestionably the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi. However also on offer at Old Mondoro are game drives (day & night ), canoeing and game viewing by motor boat.

Accommodating only eight guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is somewhat reminiscent of the bush camps of the South Luangwa, built from natural materials and partially dismantled each safari season.

The “tents”, resting on temporary slabs, have en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins.

Paraffin lanterns provide natural 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.

Two of the tents have two twin beds and two tents have a double, all with thick foam mattresses, comfortable bedding and large mosquito nets. Furniture in the tents is simple, with shelving throughout, a coffee table and chairs in each – complemented by shaded sundecks and outstanding views.

The Main Tent, which serves as a lounge and dining area, rests under a Winter Thorn tree and next to a Sausage Tree overlooking the Zambezi. 

A traditional bush kitchen will supply outstanding meals and fresh bread baked daily from a homemade oven. The entire experience is unpretentious and uncomplicated, but promises a unique safari that gives guests the best bush experience possible.

The charming Roelof and Helen Schutte are your hosts and between them ensure that all aspects of a visit to Old Mondoro is unforgettable and filled with magic memories. They look forward to welcoming you at one of Zambia’s finest, and the Lower Zambezi’s only, bush camp

Old Mondoro is also noted for its wild dog sightings as the dogs often den in the vicinity, and was the base for the African Wild Dog Conservation researcher for two years.

Conservation Lower Zambezi now monitors the wild dog population on behalf of AWDC whilst the dogs go about their daily business as ever

Also on offer with the introduction of Old Mondoro will be multi-day canoe trips. These upmarket trips will be unlike any other in as much as the entire trip will take place within the National Park, staying at Chiawa Camp and Sausage Tree Camp along the way.  For more details click on Packages.

Never before has so much variety been available in the Lower Zambezi.

It is strongly recommended that a weeklong visit combining Chiawa Camp with Old Mondoro Bush Camp will enable guests to fully appreciate the natural spectacle that is the Lower Zambezi.