Read 8 traveller reviews of Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp is located at the confluence of the Zambezi and its tributary, the Chongwe River, which forms the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park. It's directly across the Zambezi from the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.

The riverbank in this area of the Zambezi is very open, and dotted with tall winterthorn' acacia trees. Chongwe stands under the shade of their high canopy, helping to keep it lovely and cool in the hot summer months. Look to the north of camp and there are lovely views of the mountains of the escarpment, which is relatively close to the river at this point.

When we visited in 2007, Chongwe River Camp's main area had recently been refurbished and made larger. It was covered by two large suspended canvas roofs, and included the bar and lounge area – which felt very light and airy. Here built-in seats were covered in brightly-coloured African fabric scatter cushions, which looked very inviting. There was always a continuous supply of tea, coffee and juice available in the lounge as well as a small selection of books to browse through.

Separate from the main area is a refreshing swimming pool, surrounded by a few umbrellas and lounge chairs, and a sturdy fence designed to keep the elephants out!

There are two types of rooms at Chongwe River Camp, all stand on the banks of the Chongwe River:

- eight spacious en-suite tents, all with unspoilt views of the Chongwe River.

- two albida suites, which share a private lounge and dining area.

There's a varied choice of activities at Chongwe River Camp. These range from :
• 4WD day and night game drives into the Lower Zambezi National Park
• Walking safaris with an armed guide and scout
• Boat safaris on the Zambezi River
• Canoeing either on the Zambezi or up the peaceful Chongwe River
• Fishing – tiger fish, catfish and bream are the speciality here and equipment is provided. Fishing here is strictly on a catch and release basis.


Enjoy pre-dinner drinks around the campfire followed by dinner shared around a large communal table under the stars.

Chongwe River Camp is still run by its owner, Chris Liebenberg – who, together with his enthusiastic team, has gradually built up the camp over the years.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 8 twin or double rooms plus 2 new rooms at the Alb

Season: Seasonal

Ideal length of stay: 3 or 4 nights

Central facilities: The main area has recently been refurbished and made larger. There are two large suspended canvas roofs over the bar and lounge area making it light and airy. Built in seats covered in brightly coloured African fabric scatter cushions invite you to sit back and relax after an exciting game activity. There is a continuous supply of tea, coffee and juice available in the lounge as well as a small selection of books for you to browse through.

Geographics

Location: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Directions: Fly into Royal airstrip and then a 20 minute transfer into Camp.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Chris Liebenberg

Staff: Camp Manager: Caroline Jenkins and Gary Brouwer GM Guide: Duncan Menzies, Chris Liebenberg, Troy, Levy Cheebwa, George Mwanza Chef: Russell de Wet

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Food here was good and wholesome. Lunch is normally buffet style consisting of a selection of salads, fresh bread and a hot dish (for example we had chicken stir-fry when we visited in June 2007) Dinner is communal dining with a starter, main course and a desert. We had soup, followed by stuffed chicken breast and a delicious warm chocolate tart served with cream.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Drinks included: Soft drinks, house wine and local beers are included. Any imported and branded drinks are extra.

Children

Attitude towards children: No children under 8 years.

Age restrictions: Children under 8 are not accepted in Camp. No children under 12 years at Bushbuck Bush Camp.

Activities: No although there is the swimming pool.

Equipment: None. It is possible to fit an extra bed into the tents.

Generally recommended for children: No – not for children under 8 years

Notes: There is always game in camp especially elephant so not recommended for small children.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: Email and satelite phone

TV & radio: No

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Nearest doctor in Lusaka

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Unarmed watchmen on duty to escort you to your tents after dark.

Fire safety: None in Camp but there is in the kitchen and in the office.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Yes

Money: US dollars, euros, pounds and rands are accepted in cash.

Accepted payment: Credit cards are not accepted.

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