Tsika Island Camp: Our full report

Tsika Island Camp is a sister-camp of Chongwe River Camp, which started this as a community partnership project on an island near a local village. The village's name, Mgugrumenu, means “pulling teeth"!

Although not open yet, the plan is for Tsika Island Camp to be a canoeing camp that travellers can canoe to and from, but also to offer a community experience with visits to the local school in Mugurumenu, and to a 'cultural village' called Tsika, which is being set up on the mainland nearby.

As part of an agreement between Chongwe and the local community, the village will receive $50 per night per guest, in return for pledging the use of the land for the camp.

The main activity which will be available from Tsika Island Camp is canoeing on the Zambezi. In addition, fishing trips (on a 'catch and release' basis), walking safaris on the island are also planned.

Geographics

Location: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Ideal length of stay: It's our understanding that Chongwe will be offering 1 – 2 night stays on Tsika Island.

Directions: A light aircraft flight from Lusaka or Mfuwe takes guests to Royal airstrip. From there it is a 20-minute road transfer to Chongwe, and guests will then canoe out to the camp.

Key personnel

Owner: Independent/Owner-run - Chris Leibenberg

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Children

Attitude towards children: We understand that the minimum age at Tsika will be 12 years.

Notes: Parents should be aware that the camp is unfenced and dangerous animals pass through exceedingly frequently. (During the dry season, there are elephants wandering around almost constantly.) Children should be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: None

Communications: The camp has radio connection with their guides at all times.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The guides at Chongwe are trained in first aid. For more serious inflictions guests will be taken to Lusaka by light aircraft.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: No Laundry Facilities