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.
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.
PRICE INCLUDES
Contact Us for prices
Speak to one of our specialists for prices and more information
SPECIAL OFFERS
Special Offers
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Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in 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.
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!.
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.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent. I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps. I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas, celebrated for its dramatic river scenery, abundant wildlife, and diverse safari activities. Below are further recommendations for where to stay when exploring the Lower Zambezi ecosystem.
