This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp

Reviews of Chongwe River Camp

Wildlife sightings and reviews

122 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chongwe River Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 30 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Chongwe River Camp.
Lion

93% success

Leopard

54% success

Cheetah

0% success

Wild dog

7% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Buffalo

86% success

Spotted Hyena

79% success

Zebra

61% success

Aardvark

16% success

Eland

13% success

Sable antelope

8% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 111-120 of 122
Duration
Arrival date
Mrs R
Bath

"Classy"

3 nights Arrived 6 Sep 2008
"Chongwe was at a level and cost appreciably higher than the other three camps. The managers were involved and attentive. Beautiful locations.

We would have appreciated a less hectic motor drive on the river. Pottering through the reed islands is what we wanted. On the other hand the fishing trip was a great success.

Justin and George were excellent guides." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Night Herons
Surrey

"Canoeing, the Zambezi & luxury-a good combo!"

2 nights Arrived 19 Aug 2008
"Other than an unforgettable experience where we got up close and personal with a bull elephant who fancied chomping on albida pods right by our outside bathroom (about 3 or 4 ft away at most), it was the little touches that made our stay so special.

For example, we arrived from the airstrip mid pm, but lunch had been kept for us; we were able to go canoeing on the Zambezi within an hour of arriving so no time was wasted; we arrived back to a lamp-lit dinner for two on the banks of the Zambezi with the moon, the river, a fire, a suprise bottle of champagne, and the silhouettes of the local hippo pod to complete the scene.

Edward, one of the Albida Suite's two dedicated staff was wonderfully attentive and yet non-intrusive. The suite itself was unabashed luxury in a tent and superbly situated on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe rivers." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The Crocodiles
Utah

"Chongwe River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 18 Aug 2008
"Lots of activity choices in the bush and on the river. Fishing for Tiger Bass was a thrill!

I'd recommend that the staff do a more thorough job warning guests not to approach the elephants that freey walk around the camp. I can see someone getting too close and getting trampled on." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Lovebirds
Cambridge

"Chongwe River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 31 Jul 2008
"A really enjoyable stay, made all the more special by the attentive hosts." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
S & D
London

"Chongwe River Camp"

5 nights Arrived 5 Nov 2007
"This was our second visit to Chongwe and it was even better this time.The management staff went out of their way to make sure we had a great holiday.

Our suite was superb and our dedicated butler made sure we were always well served. The birds animals and fishing all exceeded expectations. We will surely visit again." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B Bath
UK

"Baboons in the bathroom"

3 nights Arrived 30 Oct 2007
"Fab - wonderful views of the river. A much more spacious camp accommodation wise, although the bathroom could have done with a screen in front of the shower! It was bliss to have a pool.

Elephants were frequent visitors - bit too frequent really! Baboons went into our bathroom and threw the toiletries all over the place, and stole the toothpaste (our only tube of course) so NB to other guests to take your essentials into the tent.

No kikois here - It would be a good idea to advise future travellers to take a sarong that can be damped down if the weather is too hot. Also old flip flops for wearing to the bathroom and in the shower would be a good tip.

Russell, the chef, and his team were a marvel. How such superb food was created in the back of beyond in all that heat is baffling. And unfortunately, fattening...! Caroline was a superb hostess who seemed to be at work behind the scenes but also always with us. We all enjoyed listening to Duncan - there cannot be much he doesn't know about the bush and all that entails. A great asset. This was my favourite camp - probably because of the water.

We went on a river crusie, a game drive, went fishing (caught 2 tiger fish), canoe down the Chongwe - wonderful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr & Mrs S
Cheshire

"OK - but not perfect"

2 nights Arrived 30 Sep 2007
"Mixed experience.

The "Albida Suite" is very good. Excellent accommodation, and a good concept. But - they do need to keep to that concept, and not invite others in the camp to dine, as happened on our second night.

We were not very impressed with our guide ("Leve" ?): he didn't see a lot and ended by dropping us at Sausage tree at 9.00am, which caused some consternation.

Logistics leave a bit to be desired (plerase call if you want more details)

We asked for a walk, and were told that "ZAWA don't allow walks because the elephants are beoming too skittish". But no problems at Sausage Tree - over to you." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Mrs & Mrs G
UK

"Beautiful setting, sparse game at this season"

2 nights Arrived 29 Sep 2007
"The overriding memory of Chongwe will be the elephant in camp. We saw several every day, some almost too close for comfort! The staff were always on hand to advise what to do with the elephant when they came in close. The activities on offer were varied, although mainly water based.

As Lisa [Ed: Lisa is one half of this couple!] is not keen on water it was possible for her to go with the vehicle & have her own private game drive on 2 occasions when Chris went canoeing (the vehicle then collecting the group from further up river).

Going to Lower Zambezi Conservation to see Zamma the orphan baby elephant was a highlight. Silky the impala who lives around camp always turned up for her cornflakes at breakfast & was found indside a tent one day sleeping by the bed!

The food was good - however, although a good vegetarian option was provided each day for lunch, at dinner this seemed to be forgotten & the veggie option was simply the meat dish minus the meat.

While the proximity of the river meant this was a great area for birds, there was a distinct shortage of mammalian game apart from elephant & impala (presumably because the drought had meant that those animals that could had moved up to the hills in search of grazing)." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr A
UK

"Wonderful camp site and staff"

2 nights Arrived 21 Sep 2007
"Has to be one of the lovliest locations for a camp site. Would be a great experience without the addition of game.

A visit in september saw the constant attention of elephants in the camp to eat pods from the winterthorn trees. A very relaxed, warm and hospitable camp. Take it at the pace you want - lots of activities on land or water or just sit overlooking the river and let the game come to you!

Quality of food was excellent and probably the best of all the camps we experienced." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr & Mr T
Bucks

"Close Elephants at Chongwe!"

6 nights Arrived 16 Aug 2007
"The venue and amazing closeness of wildlife( almost touching distance for elephants outside the tent!) gave a special feel to the experience.

the variation in activities using the river was great and staying for a few days great care was taken to offer alternative types of activities." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Showing 111-120 of 122
96%
122 reviews of Chongwe River Camp by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
101
17
4
0
0
Filter by month

Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia

From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Old Mondoro Bushcamp

Old Mondoro Bushcamp

For an intimate safari in the Lower Zambezi, with superb guiding, Old Mondoro is up there with the best.


99% (127 reviews)
Chiawa Camp

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.


98% (92 reviews)
Sausage Tree Camp

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.


98% (44 reviews)
Potato Bush Camp

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.


100% (19 reviews)
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp

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.


98% (19 reviews)
Amanzi

Amanzi

Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.


96% (10 reviews)
Kutali Camp

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.


95% (8 reviews)
Chongwe River House

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.


100% (8 reviews)
Kasaka River Lodge

Kasaka River Lodge

Kasaka River Lodge is a relatively simple, family-friendly camp. It's outside the Lower Zambezi National Park and, with a recent change of ownership for the better, it offers a great-value safari destination.


93% (6 reviews)
Chula Island Camp

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.


95% (4 reviews)
Lolebezi

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.


100% (1 review)
Royal Zambezi Lodge

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.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa