Chiawa Camp

The safari tents at Chiawa Lodge are luxurious and comfortable. Built in a classic style, with canvas or thatch roofs, the tents are spacious and authentic. Polished wooden floors run throughout and exposed beams on the ceiling and walls add character. Sat in the middle of the tents is a large king size bed, which can be configured into two large single beds, which are swathed in mosquito netting, and sit opposite large sliding doors, which afford a view of the sparkling Zambezi River. A neutral colour palette of creams and pastel colours works to accentuate the vibrant colours of the surrounding nature. Wide doors and windows fill the tent with bright, natural light. Each tent comes with an ensuite bathroom which includes a large standalone claw-footed bathtub and an indoor shower.

All tents also come with a unique outdoor bathroom, with an outdoor shower, perfect for cooling off in the heat of the day. An expansive verandah sits outside the front of the tents and comes complete with a dining table for private dinners and a sunken stone lounge area. This ‘bench wallow’ area is the starring feature of these tents, as the middle can be filled with water to create a plunge pool for those hot afternoons. Enjoy a refreshing dip in this unique pool whilst keeping your eye out for animals cooling off on the river bank.

The safari suite is luxurious, spacious, and includes all the home comforts one could want or need. A thatched roof is exposed inside the suite, running through the whole space adding character and dimension to the open plan space. This is the perfect suite for honeymooners looking for romance and privacy, or a family, as the suite has daybeds which can be conveniently converted if need be.

The front side of the suite includes floor to ceiling sliding doors, meaning the whole side can be open facing if guests so wish. A large king size bed sits in one section of the suite, romantically draped in mosquito netting and overlooking the endless horizon, so guests can enjoy the stunning views without having to leave the comfort of the bed. There are two lounge areas in this suite, one indoor and one outdoor, both with comfortable cushioned sofas and excellent views. An ensuite bathroom includes a large claw footed bathtub which is perfectly placed for a soak with a view.

The expansive decking includes an outdoor shower, cushioned sun loungers, a cosy daybed and a large sparkling swimming pool. Just a step down from the decking is a fire pit where guests can gather round at night and enjoy a drink under the wide starry sky, with the gentle waters of the Zambezi River flowing close by.

There are a variety of unique dining experiences offered at Chiawa Camp. Dine in the very heart of the bush, under the wide starry skies, on a boat on the river, or privately in your rooms. Wherever guests choose to dine the food will be freshly prepared, cooked in a mixture of African and European cuisines. Drinks can be enjoyed around the crackling fire outside the restaurant before or after dinner, where you can chat and share stories of your day with fellow guests.

Adventure through the Lower Zambezi National Park on a game drive, in the comfort of a 4wd vehicle. For a traditional safari experience, head out in the early morning, to avoid the heat of the day, and drive through the park, keeping an eye out for lions, herds of elephants, buffalo and the occasional monkey all undisturbed and in their natural habitats. Game drives can also be conducted at night for a chance to see some of the more elusive nocturnal creatures of the park, such as leopards.

For a more intimate experience with nature, explore the Lower Zambezi National Park on foot. Whilst you may explore less of the park than on a game drive, you will explore in more depth. A friendly and experienced guide will take you through the wilds, pointing out micro-ecosystems and animal tracks whilst imparting his knowledge on the flora and fauna and explaining the need for conservation in the area.

Being located close by to the magnificent Zambezi River means Chiawa Camp is perfectly situated to offer guests river safaris. Float down the river looking for bloats of hippos and elephants bathing in the shallows or grabbing a drink. River safaris are available in the morning and afternoon, as well as for sunset and sundowner cruises, so you can enjoy raising a toast while surrounded by the golden tones of the sunset.

Get even closer to the water by spending an afternoon canoeing. Glide along the water, and explore channels which can’t be accessed by the larger safari boats. Marvel at colourful reed frogs and wading birds as well as the bigger animals stopping for a drink on the river banks. Paddle to the sunset strip for a sundowner drink before canoeing back on the golden waters to the camp.

Enjoy an afternoon spent catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi River, either from the river bank or a boat. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to take you to the best spots where you can cast your line and try to catch a famous tiger fish.

Since Chiawa Safari’s began operating, their philosophy has been “to live in harmony with the natural environment … to deepen the commitments towards sustainable development at all levels, from local to global.” This philosophy extends to the belief that it is the local communities who are the stakeholders in the environment, and they are the “ultimate beneficiaries of conservation.” Chiawa have a deep understanding of the importance of protecting the environment, and their priority is to “conserve rather than to consume.”

They are involved in conservation which benefits the whole community as well, through “conservation projects, education, social development, and through safeguarding the earth’s natural resources by respectful practices for a green future.” Chiawa’s leading efforts in conservation has earned Chiawa Camp the title of 3rd Best Ecological Lodge in Africa.

At Chiawa Safari’s they follow the ‘SEE’ acronym to make sure their profits benefit all three categories. The ‘S’ stands for ‘Social’ which encompasses guests, staff and community members. The ‘E’ stands for ‘Environment’, and includes the habitat and wildlife. And the second ‘E’ stands for ‘Economic’, which includes their business and  other people who do business with them.

Some policies under ‘social’ include, employing local staff – 70 staff members currently – empowering communities, educating guests, educating communities, providing school uniforms and training for work, and support for local orphanages and hospices. Policies under ‘environment’ include a push to reduce, reuse and recycle, training qualified safari guides, the funding of anti-poaching activities, making sure their camps are low impact, using eco-friendly products and initiatives in the running of their camps, and to educate staff and guests on the importance of this. And under ‘economic’ is the simple knowledge that “ethical business practices must be maintained at all times, with our suppliers and vendors, otherwise our business cannot thrive.”

When Chiawa Camp opened in 1989 conditions in the Lower Zambezi National Park were dire. There was no road access, and poaching for bushmeat and ivory was rife. The owners of Chiawa Safaris over the years have become personally involved in conservation of the wildlife and environment in the Lower Zambezi. Taking part in many initiatives such as establishing their own charity called the “Lower Zambezi Conservation Collection” which raises funds to help environmental education throughout the Lower Zambezi.

Chiawa also supports the Africa Wild Dog Conservation program, have conducted their own monitoring program for tiger fish, as well as fighting for a ban on the killing of any fish in the Lower Zambezi National Park, and have provided funding and support to a Cheetah repopulation program.

Chiawa Safaris have worked in partnership with Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) by committing “100’s of man-hours of their personal time and resources in support of the conservation activities.” Chiawa’s owners themselves hold important roles within the CLZ as executive and board members.” Whilst chairman of the CLZ, Grant implemented an “environmental education program” which works alongside the anti-poaching activities. Altogether throughout the year Chiawa Safaris raises and donates roughly $50,000 to aid conservation in Lower Zambezi.

Chiawa Camp was one of Africa’s first safari camps to be certified as carbon neutral. Carbon Credits are purchased through Biocarbon Partners, who calculate the emissions and offset them.  All Chiawa Safaris camps are built with renewable materials and built to blend into the natural environment, and all are constructed to the code of Environmental Council of Zambia and Zambia Wildlife Authority.

As well as being carbon neutral they also implement eco-friendly policies to make sure the impact on their environment is limited. Reusable metal water bottles are given to guests on arrival to cut down plastic use, walks and canoeing are promoted activities as they don’t use any fossil fuels and recycled paper is used in all promotional materials.