About Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi lies on the banks of the Ngwenya Channel, looking across to the main Zambezi River ...
... in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. As the easternmost camp in the park, it feels very remote, set in a quiet area between mopane forest and a winterthorn grove. The camp is small and luxurious, yet with a rustic feel, and offers a range of activities.
Previously the smaller sister camp of Anabezi, Amanzi is now mainly used for private group bookings.
Amanzi is a stylish, yet rustic, comfortable camp in a game-rich area of the park.
Our view
Amanzi is a stylish, yet rustic, comfortable camp in a game-rich area of the park.
Zambia expert
Traveller reviews of Amanzi
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryAmanzi: Our full report
Opened in 2015, Amanzi lies on the banks of the Ngwenya Channel, looking across to the main Zambezi River ...
... in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. As the easternmost camp in the park, it feels very remote, set in a quiet area between mopane forest and a winterthorn grove. The camp is small and luxurious, yet with a rustic feel, and offers a range of activities.
Previously the smaller sister camp of Anabezi, Amanzi is now mainly used for private group bookings.
Set on a low ridge above the Ntwenya Channel, looking out to the main river and several of its islands, with just four tented rooms, it’s a peaceful and intimate camp. The tents are spacious, their canvas roofs topping substantial structures of wood and canvas, with reed walls at the back and huge gauze windows in front. Each is raised on a wooden deck along the ridge, with views across the river.
Inside, the tents are furnished with either a king-size bed or two doubles, all within a large walk-in mosquito net. Mattresses are comfortable and extra blankets are provided for the cooler winter months. Dark wood complements the cream furnishings, and African textiles add a dash of earthen colour to the room.
At the furthest end of the tent is a large indoor bathroom, in cool cream concrete, with similar dark wood and cream furnishing elements. Separate shower and toilet cubicles are set behind a sink and vanity unit, with a variety of toiletries supplied. Wooden units house hanging and shelving space, kitted out with dressing gowns and slippers, and a small safe.
To the other end of the tent is a sitting area with comfortable armchairs, which overlook the surrounding countryside through the mesh sides of the tent. You’ll also find a minibar, a tea and coffee station plus kettle, and a desk with a multi-socket (UK and US) charging point. An outside deck has sturdy rattan chairs and a small table, though on our last visit, in June 2017, we particularly liked the cushioned hammock chairs that face the river.
Two of the tented rooms are set up individually, while the other two are connected at the back by a short walkway. Once the connecting doors are unlocked, these two tents can form a two-bedroom unit for families or small groups.
The tents are connected to the main area by a raised walkway which is lit at night, offering a bit more security to walk around (though you will be escorted to and from your tent at night by a member of staff).
The open-sided main area, incorporating a bar, dining area, and large deck, also overlooks the river. Along with rustic furniture and comfortable sofas, there is a tea and coffee station, complete with coffee machine and a jar of home-made rusks.
Steps from the main area lead down to river level, where you’ll find Amanzi’s infinity pool, along with an area of lawn (with relevant warnings about the resident hippos and crocodiles!) and a firepit with surrounding chairs.
The range of safari activities at Amanzi includes walking safaris, boat trips, fishing, canoeing and birding. Day and night drives are offered, too, and Amanzi does its best to have no more than four guests in one vehicle. There is also the opportunity to do a day trip through the Mpata Gorge.
On our last visit, we took part in day and night game drives and a boat trip, and were impressed with the high standard of guiding. The 2017 rains were later than in previous years, so the grass in June was still high and there was plenty of water around the bush. This restricted the game viewing a little, though we heard a lot of animals around, and still enjoyed good lion and elephant sightings. We also saw a large variety, and plenty of, plains game, including several antelope species.
Our night drive was particularly rewarding, with sightings of Pel’s fishing owl, porcupine, civet and the rarely seen honey badger. Given the fantastic game viewing we experienced around Anabezi during a previous visit in October 2014, we’d expect the game around Amanzi to be more abundant later in the dry season.
Geographics
- Location
- Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a stay of three nights at Amanzi, though guests who wish to partake in the full range of activities may prefer a longer stay.
- Directions
- There are scheduled flights from Lusaka to Jeki airstrip, taking approximately 35 minutes, then the transfer to camp takes around an hour.
Alternatively, Kulefu airstrip is a 5–10-minute drive from the camp, with charters available from the majority of Zambian airstrips. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- During our last visit to Amanzi, we were impressed with the variety and quality of food available. The camp is able to cater for vegetarians, and to specific dietary requirements.
We enjoyed our sunrise breakfast at individual tables on the deck, though if wished it can be served to guests around the fire. Available between 6.00am and 8.30am, it included a wide selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, pancakes and porridge, with eggs to order, plus tea, coffee and fruit juices.
Lunch at Amanzi is served buffet style, usually around 12.30pm. We had the choice of roasted beetroot, marinated chicken, pork kebabs, curried cauliflower salad and cheese and vegetable quiches, accompanied by freshly baked rolls.is served at 3.30pm, a time for tea or coffee, plus cake. Guests in camp during our visit had various allergies, yet we enjoyed a delicious dairy and nut-free iced lemon drizzle cake.
Amanzi will check your choices for dinner during afternoon tea; each course has two options, plus a vegetarian option if requested.
We chose courgette and parmesan fritters to start, then one of our team went for the herb-crusted beef fillet with roasted vegetables, while the other chose salmon and bream fishcakes with salad – and we were both impressed. To finish we both went for the poached pears in red wine, with crème anglaise, though there was also the option of a cheeseboard.
A good selection of South African wines was served with our evening meal. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No food items are served or offered in the tents, to deter monkeys and baboons from entering.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, local and imported wines and local spirits are included. Fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs, which need to be requested in advance, are charged as extras.
The tap water is filtered and suitable for brushing teeth, but is not recommended for drinking. Bottled drinking water is provided in the rooms.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- The varied vegetation types around Amanzi, plus its wildlife-rich location and knowledgeable guides, make it a great camp for birdwatching in Zambia. Birds can be seen from drives, walks and canoes. Our best sightings have included goliath herons, paradise flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, Pels fishing owl and numerous African fish eagles.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Amanzi generally accepts children over the age of 12, but at their discretion the age limit is eight.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The age limit for walking safaris is 12, and for canoeing is 16.
- Special activities & services
- The camp provides guidebooks for children to use during the game drives.
- Equipment
- With adjoining tents linked by a walkway, Amanzi can accommodate a family of four. The fenced walkway between the two rooms is open to the air, so we’d suggest that parents should accompany younger children between the rooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- Activities are limited for younger children and so we feel that Amanzi is best suited for responsible and mature children over the age of 12 years.
- Notes
- The pool is unfenced, as are the walkways through camp, and there are often elephants and other high-risk game in camp. We recommend that children are under parental supervision at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- 90% of the camp’s power is generated through solar panels, backed up by an on-site generator, to provide power 24 hours a day.
Multi-socket charging points are available in the rooms and the main area. - Communications
- The camp has limited cellphone reception, but there is a satellite phone in the office for emergency use, and the camp is in constant radio communication with Anabezi. WiFi is available in the main lounge area.
- TV & radio
- Amanzi has no TV or radio.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Amanzi pumps water from the Zambezi, which is then filtered. The camp has plumbed flush toilets, and an electric geyser system for 24-hour hot water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is always a medically trained member of staff on site. The closest doctor is based in Chirundu, a 30-minute flight from the nearby Kulefu airstrip, or a four-hour boat ride. In case of medical emergency, guests would be evacuated to Lusaka and then potentially to Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guards patrol the site day and night, and watchmen will escort guests to and from their rooms at night. Foghorns are provided in the tents to raise the alarm in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in the tents and also in the main area. Staff are trained in their use.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A daily laundry service is included at Amanzi, though ladies’ underwear is not included, for cultural reasons; washing powder is provided in the rooms for this purpose.
If you leave your clothes in the laundry basket provided, prior to the morning activity, they will usually be returned by nightfall (depending on the weather). Clothes are machine-washed and air-dried. - Money
- Each tent has a personal safe, and there is also a safe in the manager’s office, near to the main area, for larger items. The camp is unable to offer currency exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payment for any extras may be made in cash in US dollars, euros and Zambian kwacha. Amanzi also accepts both Visa and Mastercard. They do not accept travellers' cheques.
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Amanzi's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Amanzi.
Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
For an intimate safari in the Lower Zambezi, with superb guiding, Old Mondoro is up there with the best.
Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.
Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree is a high-quality safari camp offering a luxurious stay and excellent personal service deep inside Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.
Anabezi Luxury Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers a high degree of understated luxury in a very lovely, quiet part of the Lower Zambezi with outstanding wildlife.
Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple tented camp located on Kulefu Island.
Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a stylish four-bedroom house designed for the exclusive use of families and small groups, affording the ultimate in flexibility on safari.
Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.
Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
When to go to Lower Zambezi National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Amanzi in Lower Zambezi National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lower Zambezi National Park in January
At the peak of Lower Zambezi's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours on many days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but wildlife disperses, making game viewing challenging. The thick vegetation limits walking safaris. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migrant species boost the park's bird count.
Many camps close during this period, but those remaining open offer their lowest rates. The Zambezi River swells, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. Despite the challenges, the park's beauty during this wet season is undeniable, with vibrant colours and dramatic skies.
- Peak of rainy season, hot and humid
- Most camps closed, limited accessibility
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Dispersed wildlife, challenging game viewing
- Lowest visitor numbers, cheapest rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Lower Zambezi National Park in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Lower Zambezi National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
The abundance of water disperses game, making wildlife viewing more challenging. However, the swollen Zambezi River allows for unique boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present. The lush vegetation creates a picturesque backdrop for photography.
While game drives may be less productive, canoeing trips can be particularly rewarding, allowing quiet approaches to wildlife along the riverbanks. The few camps that remain open charge their lowest rates, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to experience the park's wet season beauty.
- Continued rainy season, hot and humid
- Many camps still closed, limited options
- Green landscape, photographic opportunities
- Difficult game viewing due to thick vegetation
- Low visitor numbers, affordable rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Lower Zambezi National Park in March
March marks the last month of the green season in the Lower Zambezi. Heavy downpours still occur most days, with water levels at their highest. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.
While many camps remain closed, those few remaining open offer unique wet season experiences. Boat safaris are particularly exciting, with the swollen Zambezi River providing extended exploration areas. Wildlife sightings may be sporadic, but many animals are raising young, offering heartwarming scenes.
Predators like lions and wild dogs are active, taking advantage of vulnerable prey. The lush, green landscape and clear air create stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration. Despite challenges, March offers a different perspective of the park's ecosystem.
- Late rainy season, occasional showers
- A few camps begin to reopen
- Landscape still green, good for photography
- Improved wildlife viewing as vegetation thins
- Few visitors; rates for camps low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Lower Zambezi National Park in April
As the rains transition to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a period of change in Lower Zambezi National Park. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush. While larger wildlife viewing may be sparse, this is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts.
The Zambezi River is at its highest, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape. As camps slowly start to reopen, visitors can enjoy lower off-season rates. The park's famous canoe safaris become increasingly viable as water levels stabilise.
Night game drives can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot nocturnal animals like civets and genets. April's transitional nature provides a blend of wet and dry season experiences.
- End of rainy season, drier conditions
- More camps open, better accessibility
- Landscape transitioning, good for photos
- Improved game viewing, animals more visible
- Visitor numbers rise, rates remain low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Lower Zambezi National Park in May
May typically marks the start of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures reach highs of around 26°C/79°F. The landscape begins to dry out, improving access throughout the park.
Most camps reopen, offering a wider range of accommodation options. Game viewing improves significantly as animals start to congregate around permanent water sources. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River become increasingly popular, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Walking safaris resume, providing intimate wildlife experiences. May's pleasant weather and improved game viewing make it an excellent time to visit, with some camps still offering shoulder season rates.
- Start of dry season, cooler temperatures
- Most camps open, full range of activities
- Landscape drying, clearer wildlife sightings
- Excellent time for walking safaris
- Visitor numbers increase, rates go up
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Lower Zambezi National Park in June
The Lower Zambezi sees virtually no rainfall in June, with sunny days predominating. Humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures range from 10°C/50°F at night to 25°C/77°F during the day. The landscape remains relatively lush, but vegetation starts to thin, significantly improving game viewing.
All camps in the park are open, some offering shoulder-season rates. The Zambezi River's water levels begin to recede, concentrating wildlife along its banks. This is an excellent time for canoe safaris, offering unique perspectives of the park's ecosystem.
Game drives become increasingly productive, with higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. June's pleasant temperatures and improved wildlife sightings make it a popular month for visitors.
- Dry season, cool days and cold nights
- All camps open, peak activity options
- Improved wildlife viewing around water sources
- Prime time for walking safaris and game drives
- High season begins, increased rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Lower Zambezi National Park in July
As the dry season continues in Lower Zambezi National Park, vegetation thins and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife is starting to cluster around major water sources, particularly the Zambezi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit but dropping to single digits at night. Early morning and late evening game drives can be very chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles.
This is prime time for walking safaris, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Canoe trips on the Zambezi River are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting elephants coming to drink. Visitor numbers increase, and properties charge peak season rates.
- Peak dry season, clear skies
- Excellent game viewing, especially near river
- Popular time for canoe and boat safaris
- Night drives offer nocturnal wildlife sightings
- Peak season, highest rates and visitor numbers
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Lower Zambezi National Park in August
August in the Lower Zambezi offers excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed. Temperatures can drop below 5°C/41°F at night but climb to the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit during the day.
The thinned vegetation provides clear views of animals, making this one of the best months for photography. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Tiger fishing is at its peak, attracting anglers from around the world.
Walking safaris provide thrilling up-close wildlife experiences. This is one of the most popular months to visit, with camps charging their highest rates and often fully booked well in advance.
- Very dry, animals concentrate near water
- Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities
- Ideal for photography and walking safaris
- Zambezi River cruises highly recommended
- Peak season continues, advance booking needed
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Lower Zambezi National Park in September
September is one of the best times to visit Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and daytime temperatures climb to the low 30s Celsius / high 80s Fahrenheit.
Water is scarce, concentrating wildlife around the Zambezi River and remaining water holes. Game viewing is at its peak, with high chances of seeing predator-prey interactions. Elephant herds are frequently spotted crossing the river.
Canoe safaris offer thrilling close encounters with wildlife. Night game drives provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and genets. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species nesting. However, this popularity comes at a price: camps charge their highest rates and are often fully booked far in advance.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Excellent month for wildlife viewing
- Zambezi River at its lowest, great for canoeing
- Increased elephant sightings near water
- High season, camps can be fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Lower Zambezi National Park in October
October marks the peak of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, the national park is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, often exceeding 40°C/104°F during the day.
Despite the heat, this is considered the best month for game viewing. The scarcity of water forces animals to congregate around the main river, leading to frequent wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions.
Boat safaris offer relief from the heat and excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Walking safaris may be challenging due to the heat but provide thrilling wildlife encounters. October is prime time for spotting large predators like lions and leopards.
- Hottest month, animals congregate at river
- Peak time for wildlife viewing and photography
- Excellent for boat safaris and fishing
- Chance to see elephants crossing the river
- End of high season, some rate reductions
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Lower Zambezi National Park in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While the timing of rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Early November may still offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. As the month progresses, the arrival of rains leads to rapid vegetation growth and wildlife dispersal. This transition period can be fascinating to witness. The initial rains bring relief to the parched landscape, with new growth attracting grazing animals.
Birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive in the valley. While some remote camps close, those that remain open significantly drop their rates. November offers a unique opportunity to experience both dry and wet season aspects of the park.
- Start of rainy season, occasional showers
- Wildlife disperses as water becomes available
- Good birding as migratory species arrive
- Lush landscapes return, photography improves
- Shoulder season, lower rates and fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Lower Zambezi National Park in December
December marks the start of the green season in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Heavy thunderstorms occur most days, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The rainfall brings abundant water to the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick bush and dispersed wildlife, this is an excellent time for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive, boosting the species count. Boat safaris on the swollen Zambezi River offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape.
Many camps close for the season, but those remaining open charge their lowest rates. Despite the challenges, December offers a green and vibrant aspect of the park, with dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
- Rainy season in full swing, hot and humid
- Some camps close, limited accessibility
- Newborn animals, great for bird watching
- Challenging game viewing, but lush scenery
- Low season, cheapest rates, fewer tourists
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December
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