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 open now

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
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
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

120 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, 28 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Chongwe River Camp.
Lion

93% success

Leopard

54% success

Cheetah

0% success

Wild dog

4% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Buffalo

85% success

Spotted Hyena

78% success

Zebra

58% success

Aardvark

17% success

Eland

13% success

Sable antelope

8% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 21-30 of 120
Duration
Arrival date
A & B
Larbert

"Nice camp, scenic location, further from game"

4 nights Arrived 24 Aug 2018
"We knew this camp was further from the park than those we stayed in at South Luangwa but we had not appreciated how much difference this would make. The game drives were long and often very lacking in game, it sometimes seemed more like a race to each radio sighting. However the camp itself does promote it's river based activities more than the drives.

It is a very friendly and relaxed camp in a beautiful setting, the tented chalet was very warm and comfortable with a private seating area. Elephant and hippo are frequent visitors to the camp day and night but staff are always on hand to keep guests safe.

The food in camp was really good with plenty vegetarian choice. The only issue we had with the catering was the 'bush bbq' which was not a success." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

2 sightings

Elephant

2 sightings

Hippo

3 sightings

Lion

2 sightings

Spotted Hyena

1 sighting

Mrs G
Oxon

"Chongwe River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 22 Aug 2018
"Fantastic location, very warm friendly staff.

Really enjoyed fly camp" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

2 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Lion

2 sightings

Spotted Hyena

2 sightings

Mr & Ms S
London

"Chongwe River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 10 Aug 2018
"Beautiful camp. Albida suite is fantastic - incredible views up the Chongwe and Zambezi and so much space. The plunge pool is lovely. Michael our 'butler' looked after us very well but was not at all intrusive. Breakfast omlettes cooked on the camp fire were the perfect start to the day. My wife was ill one day and the camp managers were very solicitous.
The 'elephant in the room' tales on a new meaning when there is actually an elephant in your room. That was very exciting but I think the camp could probably have been clearer about the likelihood of that happening and what we should do when it did. My daughter nearly got caught sitting on her own by the river when the elephant appeared - only a last second warning from Michael enabled to her scramble back to the relative safety of the dining area.
Clement our guide was very good - both in a jeep and on the water.
The boat trips are great and the canoeing was a definite 'life highlight'.
Game in the National Park did sometimes seem a bit thin on the ground - though overall we were more than satisfied with what we saw.
We had stomach upsets in both Norman Carr camps we went to having never previously had a problem in 4 previous safaris in other countries. So we do wonder if their food hygiene is fully up to standard." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

3 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

1 sighting

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

The Golds
UK

"Great Camp "

4 nights Arrived 14 Jul 2018
"We loved Chongwe and had a great experience.

The activities with the Canoeing and the Boat safaris were awesome.

Michael who looked after us in the camp is a great person and while being so professional is such a nice guy!

Bright as a guide is again such a lovely person with so much knowledge and he worked so hard to find great game. When we did not get a sighting you could see he was unhappy and was so thrilled for us when we had a great drive! We learned so much from him and he was so much fun to be with!

The Lodge felt slightly less homely than Mchenja and more luxurious. It felt slightly less homely than Mchenja.

We were so fortunate to stay in the Albida suite! What a great treat!

We found the food good at Chongwe not great.

The location was incredible." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms S
Piedmont

"Truly memorable in so many ways!"

3 nights Arrived 29 Jun 2018
"Chongwe River Camp was breathtakingly beautiful! We were so fortunate to stay in the Albida Suite, which was so perfect and such a treat for our family. Our guide Treat was amazing! He could do everything we wanted to do, including a walking and canoe safari and fishing. Everything about the lodge and our experiences there surpassed our expectations. I loved that they had a hide, even though we weren't lucky that evening. I wish we could have tried it again, but we ran out of time.

The service was exceptional throughout our stay. However we had a problem with our hot water that didn't get corrected until our last day there, so I ended up taking cold showers two nights. Luckily we could use the shower in the other chalet, but I wish it had gotten fixed correctly the first time I reported it.

While our canoe safari was one of the most memorable things we did, we learned after our return that it is quite dangerous. I could tell it took hyper-vigilance on the part of our guide, and I trust that only the most expert guides do them. I'm still glad we did it, but I was a little naïve not realizing how dangerous it was." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Aardvark

1 sighting

Buffalo

1 sighting

Elephant

3 sightings

Hippo

4 sightings

Leopard

1 sighting

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

3 sightings

Mr C
EBMATINGEN

"Great location with super facilities"

4 nights Arrived 27 Jun 2018
"Really good accommodation which offered luxury and a rustic feel in one being comfortable, clean and in a good setting, with plenty of space and facilities. Lots of staff who were extremely efficient, friendly and helpful and this was a very well run camp. A special thanks to the management who were proactive in helping to get our luggage delivered and outbound flights reconfirmed after a mix up on the inbound flight.

Food at Chongwe was slightly disappointing. What we ate was well cooked and well presented, but very uninventive and sometimes a little bland. Yes they are in the bush, but having been to Kakuli and Mchenja previously, i know what these camps are capable of.

Chongwe is set up to offer alternative activities, which was just as well as our big game sightings were not frequent, if at all. I also think their ratios of scouts to customers is not efficient. having said that, our guide Sam was excellent and his knowledge and understanding of the bush fantastic. Given he was also driving the vehicle, his ability to spot animals and bird was amazing.

Canoeing on the river, the boat cruise were both a great way to spend the afternoon and evening and offered a really good alternative to the game drives.

A real bonus is their hide at the water hole close by. For an after dinner short trip, this is a must. We managed to see the very illusive Aardvark and some porcupine from the hide in the same evening." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Aardvark

Multiple sightings

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Meerkat

2 sightings

Spotted Hyena

3 sightings

Mr S
Sanur, Bali

"Chongwe River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 24 May 2018
"Lower Zambezi is serene, and Chongwe River Camp sits well in this serenity. We were so happy to be booked in the Cassia Suite. What a gorgeous set up. It really has an understated luxurious feel without losing any of its roots. The staff and management were amazing. Having an elephant walk into the room while having lunch was the cherry on top. The activities were great, the highlight was definitely the canoeing, i had wished this was more emphasized as a 'must do'. I would have definitely sacrificed a game drive or two for the canoeing (especially since there were other game drives to be had at other camps). Our guide was good. Fun and upbeat character who is definitely knowledgable. Going on game drives did feel a little rushed at time, rushed in a sense that he was driving quite fast and the animals would often bolt. The game driving experience was good nonetheless, however the sightings was average at best, fortunately the surroundings made up for it all.

Would definitely come here again. Amazing" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 4n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Buffalo

2 sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

1 sighting

Lion

2 sightings

Zebra

1 sighting

Ms U
Dungannon

"Chongwe River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 13 Oct 2017
"fabulous- from the moment we arrived
Lovely staff. Soooo kind and friendly. Rooms great .
food fine .
I felt 'cared for' and spoiled !!
Loved the wandering elephants also.
The location/view excellent.
The shared meals with staff and other visitors was great also.
All guides encountered were lovely people and very knowledgeable.
Of course we really liked our guide Moses - such a kind and knowledgeable person.
I cant think of any negatives." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs D
Buckingham

"The Zambezi below us"

4 nights Arrived 27 Sep 2017
"As we flew in to Royal airstrip we could see the Zambezi below us stretching far into the distance.

Chongwe River Camp was the location that prompted our trip to Zambia and we were not disappointed by the camp or by the spectacle of the river as it flowed in front of us.

We were privileged to be guided by Ronald who not only was the font of knowledge about the park and its animals but was also a highly engaging companion on our trips on the river, to the local village and through the park.

The team at the camp made us extremely welcome." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms D
Ireland

"Best stay ever at Chongwe River Camp "

5 nights Arrived 4 Sep 2017
"This was my 4th time going back to Chongwe River Camp and had my best stay ever (even though I didn't think it was possible to improve on previous trips!). The entire team is still as welcoming and professional as ever. The vibe is palpable in this beautiful setting by the river, with great wildlife in and around the camp. I was extremely pleased to see the addition of a hide this year, from which I saw a porcupine & hyena "face off" at night! The range of activities is fabulous (game drives, walking, canoeing, boat cruise and fishing) and they are now also offering the option of a fly camp (I was the first guest to experience their new "suspended" tents, and absolutely loved the experience). Top class guiding by George who shares his passion of the bush, constantly making you aware of sightings, scents and sounds. The fishing (one of my favourite activities) was brilliant with a good few very decent size tiger fish and a 32lb vundu. Another memorable stay and certainly not the last one!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 5n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Showing 21-30 of 120
96%
120 reviews of Chongwe River Camp by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
99
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% (123 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% (89 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% (42 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% (17 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.


99% (14 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 Fly-Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-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)
Tafara Springs Bushcamp

Tafara Springs

Tarafa Springs offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in this rustic bushcamp located next to the main Zambezi escarpment.


100% (1 review)

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

Africa