Chongwe River Camp

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, a four thousand square kilometre pristine sanctuary, teeming with game, and said to be one of the continent's most picturesque wilderness areas.

A policy of non-intrusive enjoyment of wildlife and low environmental impact has preserved the area and its wildlife. The Lower Zambezi has become one of southern Africa's premier destinations for peaceful game viewing and unparalleled tiger fish angling.

The camp itself looks onto the confluence of the two rivers and the mountains of the escarpment to the north.

Chongwe River Camp is a family owned and run business dedicated not only to providing your dream safari experience but also hospitality that can only be found in a home.

Under a complete canopy of huge Winterthorn Acacias, the 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!

Accommodation

Chongwe River Camp

Be warned! Chongwe River Camp is a luxury 'bush camp' situated in a wilderness area; elephant are more numerous than people in our Albida grove. There are no fences and the animals have complete right of way.

If you wish to enter into the spirit of non-intrusive enjoyment of wildlife, in a relaxed, natural setting, we offer the experience of a lifetime.

The Albida Suite

Opened in 2007, Chongwe River Camps’ Albida suite, designed by Neil Rocher, is situated on the Chongwe and Zambezi confluence with a view of the escarpment to the North. It is on the finest site we have and has been in reserve for a special project. Custom designed tents and organic ferro walling interspersed with natural wood. The two rooms share a lounge and dining area appointed with fine furniture and antiques that over look a private pool and the Zambezi. Albida is the proud culmination of years of design and experience and is also the perfect marriage between Chongwe Camp and Chongwe House.

The en-suite deluxe rooms are separate octagonal tents with gauze windows on seven sides with inter-leading path ways and gardens. The bathrooms have a canvas roof but are open to the bush with a bath, double basins and double shower. One shower is under cover and one is open air.

Perfect for families or friends who travel together. The rooms can have a third bed or cot quite easily. Guests are welcome to join the main camp for meals or a drink or remain in their suite. The exclusivity is optional. If just two people want the whole suite, there is a suite rate that ensures exclusive use of the whole facility but does not guarantee a private guide.

Activities include game drives, including night drives in the National Park or along the Chongwe River, walking safaris, cruising, fishing and canoeing. If the suite is filled and the group is doing the same activity then private guides will be available. Sometimes, if the group splits up, or due to safety and routes on canoes and walks a private guide/activity is not always possible.

The suite offers pure luxury but sill retains the spirit of the bush. We are quite confident it is the finest tented accommodation in the Lower Zambezi if not all of Zambia.

Cassia Suite

Cassia Suite is a stand alone unit at the very confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, built to compliment our executive suite at Albida and provide a luxurious individual tent for Chongwe. This prime site, which was originally owner Chris Liebenbergs’ home in the Valley, has been relinquished for this elite project and is ideal for guests requesting the exclusivity of a suite and offers privacy and the quintessential romantic setting for honeymoon couples.

Built in the same style and grandeur as Albida Suite 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 with organic ferro walling interspersed with natural wood allowing privacy but also a sense of open air bathing.

A lounge appointed with comfortable, plush chairs and sofas and accented with fine antiques sits toward the front of the suite alongside a private pool set at the edge of the river. This area is perfect for relaxing while viewing the confluence of the Zambezi with the Chongwe and a dining area allows meals and drinks to be taken in the suite or in the main camp.

All the usual and expected safari activities are available here with highly knowledgeable and professional guides providing an exhilarating, safe and informative African experience. And with no fences at Chongwe, there are no barriers for an extraordinary safari.