Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp in Zambia is one of the oldest and most established properties on Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, but after a recent facelift, this award-winning luxury tented camp has secured its place as one of the finest on the continent. Standing at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers on the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chongwe River Camp combines first-class hospitality and luxurious accommodations with the exceptional game viewing and uncanny natural beauty of the region.

Property Details

Chongwe River Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia exists within one of the most picturesque settings in Southern Africa. Each of the camp’s nine classic safari tents looks out onto the breathtaking mountains to the north and the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers below. Light and lovely, all of the Mulati tents rest under a canopy of Albida thorns and thatch roofs, ensuring maximum coolness in the heat of the African sun. Cotton linens, local textiles, and handcrafted furniture blend seamlessly with natural fittings sourced from the land around the lodge. This love affair with Mother Nature extends all the way into the spacious, open-air bathroom, where tall showers and large vanities offer an ideal place for relaxation amid Africa’s wonderful wilderness.

The Chongwe River Camp experience is topped off with two extravagant and exclusive-use suites: the opulent Albida Suite and the romantic Cassia Suite.

Chongwe River Camp – Albida Suite

The lavish, self-contained Albida Suite is arguably the finest onsite, hosting up to four guests in complete colonial luxury. Two spacious, octagonal rooms stand on either side of a private dining room and lounge, where a bar fridge, plunge pool, and fire pit invite families and friends to congregate in the privacy of their own space.

Chongwe River Camp – Cassia Suite

Mimicking the grandeur of the Albida Suite is the Cassia Suite, a luxury tented haven for two located on the most private and romantic corner of the rivers’ confluence. Clawfoot bathtubs, intimate rainfall showers, and private butler service round out the honeymoon-worthy experience.

A typical day at Chongwe River Camp begins with views of the wild, sipping on a hot cup of coffee while watching the elephants peacefully wander through camp and the hippos stir in the river waters. After returning from a morning game drive or walking safari, share tales of the morning’s adventures over brunch and afternoon tea. In the evening, set out on another game drive or take to the water on a canoe ride or fishing excursion in search of the infamous tiger fish. Or, simply sit back and enjoy a sundowner boat cruise, soaking in the magnificent panoramic views of the Lower Zambezi as the boat floats down the river. The day’s adventures conclude with pre-dinner drinks and canapés around the roaring firepit and a delectable three-course dinner served al fresco under the stars in full view of the dramatic Chongwe and Zambezi River confluence.

Guests of Chongwe River Camp are treated to a true wildlife spectacle on the banks of Africa’s fourth largest river, home to plenteous elephant, ‘island hopping’ buffalo, and big cats. Each activity is tailored to make the most out of this diverse wilderness, whether from a vehicle in Lower Zambezi National Park or the Chiawa Partnership Park or from a boat on the Zambezi River. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the region, visits to the Chiawa Cultural Village are always available. Chongwe River Camp is deeply invested these local communities and ecosystems, funding the Chitende High School in Chiawa village and supporting Conservation Lower Zambezi, an NGO combatting poaching and providing environmental education to local villages.