Chiawa Camp

On a serene stretch of the Zambezi River, in a landscape dappled with islands and lagoons and beneath a shady grove of mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp makes for an idyllic safari experience. Blending in effortlessly with its surroundings, Chiawa promises a visit to the Lower Zambezi National Park as authentic now as it was 150 years ago when Livingstone first set foot here – if a touch more luxurious. A home from home, where staff will welcome you with open arms, relax out on the vast terraces of the nine luxurious tented suites and soak up the stunning river views, with the likes of elephants, leopards and waterbuck all spotted from the comfort of your daybed.

Location

Just a quick 35-minute flight from the busy streets of Lusaka is all it takes to arrive into the breathtaking surrounds of the Lower Zambezi. More remote, more exclusive and more experiential than anywhere else we have safari-ed, Chiawa and the Zambezi make for a truly unique safari experience. Sure, more patience may be required when on the lookout for game but it’s so worth it when you finally do catch of some of the animal kingdom’s finest moments.

Your Room

At Chiawa, unexpected luxuries have been combined with eco-friendly initiatives to create nine luxurious tents to retreat to after days walking, driving or canoeing the plains. Setting the standard for luxury in the Zambezi, they boast super-king-size beds topped with Egyptian linens and claw-footed bathtubs placed just-so to afford the best views of the natural kingdom. But for a real showstopper, the Safari Suite, perched three elephants high above the Zambezi, opens up onto an expansive deck complete with outdoor fireplace and private pool and the most commanding views in the entire park. It’s so stunning, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Why we like it

Dining at Chiawa is always a pleasure. Whipped up by an innovative culinary team, seasonal menus balance an Afro-Euro fusion guaranteed to tantalise taste buds. But its the setting we can’t get enough of. Served al fresco with a table lit only by the stars overhead, the flicker of a candle and the crackle of a campfire; it’s a true Out of Africa experience. For something even more immersive though, why not dine in the midst of the Zambezi onboard the camp boat? Immersive and oozing romance, it’s pretty hard to beat.