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Chiawa Camp

Chiawa is located right on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park and with the mountains of the Zambian Escarpment as backdrop, it is difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting for a safari camp.

Across the River, on the Zimbabwean side, lies Mana Pools National Park – together, these two Parks provide a fertile and untamed sanctuary for Africa’s big game. The Zambezi River, attracts wildlife to its banks.

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In 1989, the Cumings family opened Chiawa Camp, pioneering tourism into the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi and becoming the first safari lodge inside the National Park. No effort has been spared to provide guests with a truly sensational Zambian safari experience.

Chiawa operates seasonally and is open from April through November.

Accommodation

Chiawa Camp is situated in an exquisite location under a shady grove of mahogany trees, in the heart of big game country, with expansive views of the mighty Zambezi River. The Camp consists of 8 spacious, well-ventilated safari tents, each set on its own elevated wooden platform under shady tress and with a panoramic view of the Zambezi. The secure tents are insect-proof, have twin or double beds with spring mattresses, solar lighting, solar/electric fans and battery charging, and en-suite flushing loos with hot and cold showers. The Honeymoon Suite is particularly romantic with a shower for two and a bath with private views of the Zambezi and the escarpment!

Dining

Chiawa’s chefs take immense pride in preparing their renowned cuisine, be it a scrumptious bush breakfast, a secluded picnic lunch, or a romantic dinner under a full moon on an island in the Zambezi. An unsurpassed level of care and attention is experienced during all aspects of a guest’s stay at Chiawa.

Activities

Chiawa specializes in providing tailor-made safaris to best suit each group or guest. With 4 pro-guides, 4 vehicles, and 3 boats, guests are offered a maximum of choice. Activities include game viewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, bush walks with an armed guide, night drives (usually after sundowners in the bush or on the river to see the nocturnal creatures), canoeing (half and one-day trips), bird safaris, bush breakfasts, visits to iron age sites, angling for the infamous tigerfish, and more.

Chiawa Camp also has a carefully positioned viewing hide overlooking the confluence of the Zambezi and Chowe Rivers, providing excellent, peaceful viewing of birds and the large mammals, often including the big cats! The hide is a popular spot for midday relaxation while still allowing for wildlife observation and photography.

We have some excellent safari itineraries that include the Chiawa Camp, please click below for details.

Zambia Two River Safaris – 7 Nights / 8 Days

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Chiawa Camp Gallery

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Your stay- what you need to know

Nkwali Lodge
Prime Riverfront Setting

Perched on a wide bend of the Luangwa River, Nkwali offers superb panoramic river views and frequent wildlife sightings from the bar, dining area and riverbank.

Private Land & Rich Habitat

Set on Robin Pope’s private land, the camp is surrounded by ebony woodland and open grasslands — exceptional terrain for game viewing right from camp.

Access to Mfuwe Sector and South Luangwa

With easy access to the Mfuwe Sector, guests enjoy outstanding chances to see leopard and the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe, plus a wealth of general game.

Intimate Chalets & Authentic Design

Six spacious A-frame chalets (max 12 guests) crafted from woven bamboo and thatch, each with generous open-air en-suite clay bathrooms for an authentic bush experience.

Expert Day & Night Game Drives

Fully guided open-vehicle game drives and night drives led by experienced guides provide superb wildlife encounters across diverse habitats.

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Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Man feeding a giraffe in a wildlife park with other giraffes in the background
Rick McIntyre

Rick McIntyre

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.

You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers

Rachel Chambers

Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams! 

You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com 

Smiling woman in a woven cowboy hat posing in front of rustic wooden cabin wall
Julie Roggow

Julie Roggow

Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.

Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. 

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure. You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre
Rick Mcintyre
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me. My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience. Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Hi, I'm Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams! You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
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