Chiawa & Old Mondoro Bush Camps
Chiawa Camp
Resting peacefully 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 David Livingstone ventured through nearly 150 years previously, where the Cumings Family in 1989 created the very first photo safari operation in the Lower Zambezi National Park and what has since become one of Africa’s most desirable, sought after safari destinations.
Constructed mainly of natural materials Chiawa Camp blends in effortlessly with its idyllic surroundings and it is here where guests receive the very best Africa has to offer. A stunning thatched lounge/bar area with upstairs viewing deck provides one of the best views of the Zambezi.
Enjoy Chiawa’s renowned cuisine on our al-fresco dining veranda - naturally vegetarians are catered for; however please give us advance notice of any special culinary requirements. After dinner, retire to the campfire and enjoy a cocktail or two while taking in the sounds and magic of the African night.
In the heat of the day take a dip in the refreshing plunge pool, complete with sundeck, overlooking the Zambezi of course
There are five Classic Safari Tents one Honeymoon Tent and three Superior Tents at Chiawa Camp, accommodating a maximum of 16 guests on an individual basis or a maximum of 18 guests if the camp is booked out in its entirety for a group.
The tents all have excellent views and are accessed by paths running behind them to maximise privacy.
Old Mondoro Bush Camp
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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