Lower Zambezi

For many years this was a forgotten wilderness although it covers an exceptionally beautiful 4,092 square kilometres with a backdrop of the steeply rising Zambezi Escarpment. Its most characteristic feature is of course the river itself and the surrounding area is superb gameviewing country. Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and huge herds of Cape Buffalo are resident here, together with Impala, Puku, Baboon, Vervet Monkey and Nile Crocodiles.

Perhaps though, the Zambezi is best known for its boating safaris. Nowhere else is there such a combination of breath-taking scenery and varied wildlife. Tranquil yet exciting, these trips through waters such as the Chifungulu Channel, are an excellent way to appreciate the Zambezi. You can go out on motor-boats and birdwatch or fish, or head out in a canoe. With 6 - metre long Canadian canoes and trips lasting from an hour to a whole day, the options are endless! One of the most popular canoe safaris is a gentle afternoon's paddle (always downstream!) to 'Sunset Strip' for sundowners followed by a night drive back to camp.

There are three key properties that we work with here, Chiawa Camp, Sausage Tree Camp and Old Mondoro, Chongwe River House - one of our new 'Safari Houses'. They all offer day and night game-viewing, walking safaris and of course plenty of time on the river.

Chiawa Camp offers superb accommodation together with magnificent game-viewing and scenery. The camp consists of nine tents under thatch. The 8-metre motorised pontoon at Chiawa is an ideal vessel to take advantage of the river. Early morning, midday and sunset cruises through numerous channels, viewing Hippo, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and prolific birdlife are all on offer.

Old Mondoro Camp is Lower Zambezi's only bush camp, accommodating eight guests in four simple but comfortable chalets. Each chalet has en-suite facilities with a flush toilet and hot water from a bucket shower. Walking safaris through towering acacia woodland are a particular speciality from Old Mondoro.

Sausage Tree Camp is a simply designed tented camp in a stunning setting. The six luxurious, white, ovalshaped marquee tents, all with en-suite facilities, are spread along the bank of the Zambezi River with wonderful secluded views. There is a central dining and bar area, set high on the riverbank, overlooking scenic channels dotted with water lilies and pods of Hippos.

Kulefu Tented Camp is on the banks of one of the permanent channels of the Zambezi River in a lovely sheltered and shady area. It accommodates sixteen people in spacious tented rooms on raised decking with beautiful views over the Zambezi.