THE CAMP

Chiawa Camp blends in effortlessly with its idyllic surroundings, and provides a retreat which guests are invited to make their home away from home. Guests receive the friendliest of welcomes, the biggest of smiles and leave as friends to return time and again, to experience the very best in Africa.

On the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.

It is at this very spot where the Cumings Family first explored this area for themselves decades ago, the place where David Livingstone ventured nearly 150 years previously, and where, in 1989, they created the very first photo safari operation in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Through their efforts, Chiawa has since become one of Africa’s most desirable, sought after safari destinations.

A stunning thatched lounge/bar area with upstairs viewing deck provides one of the best views of the Zambezi River, and a fantastic setting to watch the sun set over another day in Africa. After enjoying Chiawa’s renowned cuisine on the al-fresco dining veranda, one can relax by the open camp fire with a cocktail in-hand, reminiscing upon the day’s adventures before retiring for the night. Each of the tents are a sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity.

Also available for guests’ enjoyment and relaxation is a gorgeous swimming pool with timber sun deck overlooking the Zambezi.

For the more active, a small but well equipped, secluded Exercise Area with a splendid view of the Zambezi is available for guests who might wish to work off some calories or keep up their fitness levels.

THE TENTS

The tented accommodation at Chiawa Camp achieves that perfect, rare blend of comfort, luxury and authentic safari. Where natural materials have been carefully crafted by local artisans, taking inspiration from nature and the Cumings Family’s 40+ years of safari experience, balancing form and function into spacious, light and beautiful retreats that are close enough to the wild for a little frisson … but not too close.

We believe that Chiawa Camp’s safari tents set the standard for luxury in the Lower Zambezi National Park, however they still retain the rustic and unpretentious feel that Chiawa is so well-loved for. The Safari Suite was built in 2017, Tents VII & VIII have been refurbished and had improvements in 2020, and Tents I-VI were demolished, repositioned to maximise privacy and completely rebuilt in 2020 so all accommodations are immaculate and up to date.

All tents are spaced well apart and each has an incredible view – Tents VII, VIII & the Safari Suite overlook the Chowe riverbed with quartering views of the Zambezi whereas Tents I–VI face the Zambezi directly.

Chiawa’s tents all have timber floors and verandas and are accessible by paths running behind them, to maximise privacy. 

All share ample comforts, conveniences and unexpected luxuries, complemented by high quality, eco-friendly amenities. These include but are not limited to:

• 24/7 lighting and charging facilities (220v, multi-national plugs and USB outlets)
• 24/7 hot & cold running water
• Super-King size bed with overhead fan inside the mosquito net
• Egyptian cotton linen
• His & Hers washbasin
• Ball & Claw Bath
• Indoor and outdoor shower
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Spacious, shaded veranda
• Private dining on the veranda by special request
• Bench-wallow -a refreshing plunge pool / relaxation area (TI-VIII only); large private plunge pool for the Safari Suite
• Ample luggage storage and charging facilities
• Dressing table and hair dryer
• Tea/Coffee facilities
• Free WiFi