Few safari destinations in Africa embody the perfect balance of wilderness, luxury and authenticity quite like Chiawa Camp, one of the most celebrated properties in Zambia. Located in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, this family-owned and -operated camp. nestled along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, is the flagship of the Cumings family, who pioneered tourism in the region. Today, Chiawa continues to set the standard for sustainable, responsible safari travel while offering guests an experience that is as thrilling as it is deeply comfortable.
A Setting Like No Other
The Lower Zambezi National Park is often described as one of Africa’s last great untouched wildernesses. Protected by the escarpment to the north and the vast Zambezi River to the south, the park forms a natural sanctuary for wildlife. Guests at Chiawa find themselves immersed in a landscape where elephants wander through camp, hippos grunt from the river shallows and fish eagles call overhead.
What sets Chiawa apart is not only its setting, but also the way the camp integrates into its environment. Built from natural materials, the camp blends seamlessly into the riverine forest while providing a front-row seat to the park’s incredible wildlife and scenery. Every moment here feels rooted in place—from waking to the chorus of birds at sunrise to watching the last light of day dance on the river.
Accommodations: Canvas and Comfort
Chiawa Camp offers nine luxurious safari tents, each designed to deliver comfort without compromising the sense of adventure. Spacious and elegantly furnished, the tents feature king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and private verandahs overlooking the Zambezi. Thoughtful details, like air conditioning, eco-friendly design and subtle touches of local artistry, elevate the experience, ensuring that guests feel both at home and connected to the wilderness.
The tents are positioned to maximize both privacy and views, with wildlife often meandering just beyond the canvas walls. Falling asleep to the sounds of the bush while knowing you are cocooned in comfort is part of the camp’s unique charm.
The Safari Suite: A Private Haven
While every tent offers exceptional comfort, the Safari Suite at Chiawa raises the bar for exclusivity and space. Designed for couples, families or small groups seeking additional privacy, the suite consists of a sprawling canvas pavilion with a lounge and dining area, a spacious bedroom and an indulgent bathroom with a claw-foot tub that overlooks the river.
Guests of the Safari Suite also enjoy a private plunge pool and the dedicated services of a butler and guiding team. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast on your verandah, taking a dip in the pool while elephants splash in the river below or setting out on a personalized safari, the suite ensures a level of privacy and personalization that is hard to rival.
For families, the suite’s flexibility is a game-changer, as children can be comfortably accommodated without losing the sense of luxury and seclusion.
Safari Experiences: Beyond the Game Drive
Chiawa Camp is renowned for the breadth and variety of its safari offerings. Guests can choose from:
- Game drives in open vehicles, perfect for covering ground and spotting big game.
- Walking safaris, which allow guests to connect with the bush in an intimate and thrilling way. Guests must be 12 years and older for this experience.
- Canoe safaris along the Zambezi, offering a silent and awe-inspiring perspective as you glide past elephants drinking at the water’s edge or pods of hippos submerged in the shallows.
- Boat safaris, particularly rewarding at sunset, when the sky turns gold and crimson.
- Catch-and-release tiger fishing, for those seeking a more adventurous pursuit.
This variety ensures that no two days at Chiawa are the same, and guests are encouraged to mix and match experiences for a truly immersive safari. The camp’s guiding team, highly trained and deeply passionate, plays an essential role in tailoring each guest’s experience. Expect to be wowed with thoughtful surprises throughout their stay too.
The Safari Sleepout: A Night Under the Stars
For those who want to take their adventure a step further, Chiawa offers the unforgettable Safari Sleepout. Guests are escorted to a raised platform in the bush, set up with a bed, mosquito net and lanterns. Here, under the open African sky, you can spend the night immersed in the sounds of the wild.
It is at once thrilling and deeply peaceful: the chorus of frogs, the distant roar of lions, the twinkle of the Milky Way above. The Sleepout is an experience that strips away all distractions and connects you profoundly to the landscape—an encounter with Africa in its most elemental form.
Sustainability and Legacy
Chiawa Camp has long been a leader in conservation and community engagement. The Cumings family has worked tirelessly to protect the Lower Zambezi and its wildlife, setting up anti-poaching initiatives, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Staying here means not only enjoying one of Africa’s most exclusive safaris, but also contributing to a legacy of stewardship that ensures future generations can experience the same magic.
5 Reasons to Recommend Chiawa Camp
Chiawa represents a versatile, high-end safari option that appeals to a wide range of travellers:
- Prime Location: Nestled along the Zambezi River with spectacular wildlife and scenery.
- Diverse Safari Offerings: From game drives to canoe safaris and the unique Sleepout experience.
- Luxury Accommodations: Nine air-conditioned tents, plus the exclusive Safari Suite with private pool and butler service.
- Family Friendly: Flexible accommodations and activities suitable for families.
- Sustainability: A pioneer in conservation and community engagement.
Final Thoughts
Chiawa Camp is more than just a place to stay—it is an invitation to experience Zambia’s wilderness at its most vivid and personal. With its remarkable location, wide-ranging safari activities and accommodations that balance comfort and authenticity, the camp is a destination that stays with you long after you leave.
Whether it’s drifting silently along the river in a canoe, gathering stories around the firepit or sleeping under the stars on the Safari Sleepout, Chiawa delivers an experience that defines what an African safari should be: immersive, inspiring and unforgettable.
