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.
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.
