Chongwe River Camp

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

Overview

Chongwe River Camp is appealingly situated on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, on the very edge of the Lower Zambezi Park. (The camp forms the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the Chiawa Partnership Park.) Chongwe prides itself on its relaxed ambiance. This is a place where you can curl up with a good book and not have to worry about dressing for dinner!

Highlights of Chongwe River Camp

  • Activities on offer: game drives, bush walks, boat cruises, tiger fishing
  • Attractive setting at the confluence of two rivers
  • Set safari program

Chongwe River Camp lies under a canopy of tall thorn trees with very pretty views to the escarpment in the north. The main area at Chongwe River Camp comprises a convivial bar and simple lounge  all under two flowing canvas roofs. However all meals take place on the large terrace in front which overlooks the Zambezi River. Comfortable wooden chairs surround the campfire which is a popular gathering spot after the day's safari activities. And there's a facility for recharging camera and video batteries.

Accommodation

Nine classic tents are large, airy and comfortably appointed with handcrafted local furniture and textíles. Plus at the back there's a spacious en suite open air bathroom. They are all under thatch to keep the rooms as cool as possible in summer. Each suite has a private veranda overlooking the Chongwe river with glorious views to the escarpment. And all the fittings at Chongwe River Camp are made from organic natural materials found near the lodge.

Activities

Activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, sundowner boat cruises, canoeing on the river and tiger fishing on a catch and release basis. There’s also the option of a full day game drive into the Lower Zambezi National Park with a picnic lunch under the trees. Back in camp, the brand new wildlife hide is great for photography, especially rare nocturnal creatures.

Cassia and Albida Suites

But being private and exclusive, the Chongwe River Suites offer sublime luxury and service in this beautifully wild setting. Nestled under ancient winterthorn trees at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, the Cassia and Albida Suites are perfect for honeymooners or families and friends traveling together. Both have butler service, plunge pools overlooking the river and private dining options.

The Cassia Suite is a luxurious private suite. It is perfect for honeymoon or romantic couples. Or simply people seeking an extra dash of luxury. It comprises a huge octagonal bedroom decorated in a fusion of fluid organic lines and colonial decor, with a canopied sitting and dining area complete with a private plunge pool. There's a romantic outdoor bathroom under a Bedouin style canopy with ball and claw bathtub, rainfall style shower and double basins.

The Albidia Suite is a colonial-styled tented suite with two octagonal bedrooms on either side of a private sitting/dining area. Colourful African textiles are mixed up with comfy sofas, wooden furniture and traditional silverware. Each has an en suite bathroom under a tented canopy with shower, ball and claw bath, double basins and toilet. The Albidia suite also has a private plunge pool and firepit, perfect for dinner discussions of the day's safari experiences. All in all, a perfect option for families or two couples traveling together.
Guests staying at the Cassia or Albida suites have their own butler and private dinners can be taken in your suite or at the main camp, whichever you prefer.

At A Glance

  • Swimming pool
  • Rural location
  • Walking Safari

Chongwe River Camp on the map

Rooms

Safari Tent

Dotted along the forested riverbanks, Chongwe River Camp is surrounded by wild beauty. 9 Safari tents with en suite bathrooms and open air showers.

Albida Suite

The Albida Suite sleeps four guests in two spacious bedrooms with elegant en-suite bathrooms, set on either side of a private dining room and lounge area. The whole suite is open air, with views of the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers on one side and the Zambezi Escarpment on the other. With privately guided activities, it is ideal for families or friends travelling together. The suite offers butler service, a plunge pool and firepit overlooking the river and private dining options. Wildlife regularly pass through the area, with elephants often playing and crossing the channel directly in front of the suite.

Cassia Suite

The Cassia Suite sleeps two guests in a spacious bedroom with elegant en-suite bathroom, with a private dining room and lounge area. The whole suite is open air, with views of the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers on one side and the Zambezi Escarpment on the other. The Cassia Suite is perfect for honeymooners or couples seeking an extra dose of romance and luxury. The suite offers butler service, a plunge pool and firepit overlooking the river and private dining options.

Great game viewing
"Chongwe River camp is a lovely setting and the tents very comfortable. Spotlessly clean too.The proximity to elephant and hippo surely won’t ever be beaten.Nice to see game from a different a ..." -
Great Game Viewing
"Chongwe River camp is a lovely setting and the tents very comfortable. Spotlessly clean too. The proximity to elephant and hippo surely won’t ever be beaten. Nice to see game from a different ang ..." -
Very special place
"Chongwe River Camp is a very special place. Wonderfully run by Flossie and her team. Terrific location. We had such a good time there; we will certainly return. " -
 

Exclusive Offers

Long Stay Offers

Stay 7 nights, pay for only 6 OR Stay 10 nights, pay for only 8 (cheapest one complimentary)

Terms & Conditions: Park fees still payable on the free nights, Not all camps are open year-round

VALID FROM 01/01/2024
VALID UNTIL 31/12/2025

Stay 4 nights, pay for 3

Stay 4 nights, pay for only 3...

Stay 4 nights across any of their camps and get one night free. Valid Nov to May. Note that only Chinzombo Camp and Kakuli Camp (only from 20th Jan to 4th April) are open for much of this time. Rest of the Camps are open as follows: Chongwe - April to 15 Nov Other Bush camps 20 May to 31 Oct (Mchenja & Kakuli to 7 November)

Terms & Conditions: Also Nov to Dec 24 (Chinzombo only camp open then)

VALID FROM 01/11/2024
VALID UNTIL 31/05/2025