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 51-60 of 120
Duration
Arrival date
Mr H & Miss M
UK

"Wonderful location by the Zambezi river."

5 nights Arrived 29 Jun 2014
"A very comfortable, well-appointed safari camp with a superb location at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers - so all lodges have lovely views onto the waterfront and ample opportunities for animal and bird-spotting .Lodges are also very comfortable with good showers and a spacious sitting area by the river bank although we never got around to reading our books because there was so much to see and enjoy in our surroundings.

Safari drives and walks were well-conducted and very informative as the guides had both knowledge and enthusiasm for their task....we felt they wanted us to enjoy our time with them in Lower Zambezi NP. We had a particularly memorable bird-watching trip on the 2 rivers, and 2 canoe trips which were idyllic.
Food and service were both of good standard and we appreciated the birthday treats which were arranged for us." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 4n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr D & Ms Z
NJ

"Chongwe River Camp review"

4 nights Arrived 10 Jun 2014
"Exellent location. The staff were friendly and accommodated all our needs. The tents were comfortable.

We very much enjoyed the river cruise as well as the canoeing. We saw a wide variety of game and even saw a pride of lions feeding on a kill.

Our guide, Sam, always asked what we wanted and always did his best to show us what we wanted to see.

The visit to the village was a unique experience, enhanced by conversations with the local councilman, the head teacher, and the local nurse/midwife. We gained a perspective that otherwise we would have missed." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Alaska

"Everything Great at Chongwe"

4 nights Arrived 29 Apr 2014
"You will not want to miss Chongwe River Camp. All management and staff top notch. Great location with many different activities.

We enjoyed Michael so much. He took care of us in camp so well -- far beyond any expectations we might have had!

Our guide, George, took us on whatever activity we requested -- fishing, game drives, walks, canoeing. He was extremely knowledgeable and a joy to spend our vacation days with." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 7n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa; 1n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr M & Ms T
Ongar

"Great variety with boat and car based drives"

3 nights Arrived 8 Nov 2013
"Interesting camp. Everything about the technical analysis said it should have been great but there were a few issues that let down the overall experience.

On the positive side the variety offered by boat based trips and vehicles based trips was brilliant and we loved the location on the river bank. The guides Patrick and Victor were both very knowledgeable and passionate abput their subject.

One the negative side,

The rooms were beautiful but balancing the hot and cold water to deliver a shower of an acceptable temperature proved impossible. It was either far too hot or cold. Luckily cold was acceptable most of the time given th temperature!

The hosting at dinner - after the sheer professionalism of Nkwali and Tafica this was terrible. Daniel (Maintenance Manager) did not understand the concept of coaxing the guests to talk to one another - preferring to hold court on subjects that he clearly knew little about having only been in Africa 6 months. It proved a viscious circle. The more he talked the less the guests talked so the more he talked to fill the silence. As he also answered all the questions that the local people should have answered, we also felt that the team was not entirely happy. Two of the guides left dinner early when (we suspect) they felt surplus to requirements or at least left out of the monologue. I think Daniel's intentions were of the best but the end result was a bad expereince for both the guests and for the locally based team.

Without this issue, the overall experience would have rated excellent." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs LK
SW London

"Chongwe River Camp"

3 nights Arrived 30 Oct 2013
"The guiding at Chongwe was excellent. Victor was a knowledgeable and sensitive guide, who helped us overcome our fears following unfortunate canoeing/walking experiences on a previous trip to Lower Zambeze (at another camp). Young Daniel was also very knowledgeable and has a nice manner.

The game was very good and we had some great sightings, although it is fair to say that the animals seemed more spaced out than in South Luangwa. Do try the full range of activities e.g. the gentle canoe trip down a channel off the Zambeze.

The Tetse flies were quite an issue for us here, particularly on one overcast morning. This was in spite of deet and peaceful night sprays; they bite through clothes, including thick socks. Not sure what to suggest (the guides say elephant dung lit in the 4 x 4 helps!), except I would recommend bringing some antihistamine cream and tablets.

Chongwe is in a very pretty spot with a nice outlook and the rooms were good. However, it was not really our sort of safari experience. One immediate disappointment was to see guests huddled over their phones and iPads in the reception area - this really does change the atmosphere and lands you straight back into the stressful 'civilised' world. If people have to have internet access on a safari holiday, how about giving them the equivalent of a smokers' room so they can do it away from other guests who want to continue their 'away from it all' experience. Chongwe also has some pretentions that did not feel appropriate e.g. towel-agami and a poem at bedtime - a bit naff really.

The food was good, lunches better than supper, with nice salads. But the house wine was absolutely appalling, worse than the cheapest plonk you might get on a student ski trip. It is served out of a decanter, but when my husband asked to see the bottle, he was shown a white sauvignon blanc bottle, with red wine inside! Sure, you can buy a better quality bottle of wine, but this is embarrassing and inappropriate with communal dining and at the price charged pn, should not be necessary

We had a mix up with our laundry - clothes were delivered to the wrong guests, suggesting that their systems need looking at.

This was not a restful camp. Even at breakfast, the set up lent itself to constant engagement in small talk. We are not anti-social people, but there are times when you just want to chill out and soak up the remoteness of the scenery. Many camps have an area where the seating allows this, but the Chongwe set up does not. To some extent, the atmosphere at camp is set by the hosts and whilst those at Chongwe were pleasant, they did not seem very at ease with themselves, the guests or indeed the bush. It somehow felt that we had arrived at a UK dinner party in Africa, which is not at all what we wanted. Perhaps it is just that this size and style and camp is not for us, we prefer a more restful, remote experience, also with hosts who have a more in depth knowledge and experience of the bush." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms G
Washington

"Bucket List Destination!"

3 nights Arrived 12 Oct 2013
"Chongwe River Camp is just the right amount of luxury yet keeping a feel that you are very much a part of the surrounding environment. The customer service of the staff and guides could not be better. They were all highly trained in the wildlife that you see on your safari drives as well as just sitting outside your tent in the camp! If you are looking for a place where the focus is on the wildlife viewing, then this is the place to be! Not only do you not even need to leave the camp to see lots of wildlife (including crocodiles, hippos, elephants, bee eaters, and many more) but often times you have a sleep mate outside your tent at night! (totally safe and an incredible experience)

Believe me when I say that the food quality is not compromised by the fact that you are in the middle of the wilderness! Our meals were all fantastic and varied. You are never without options for food as well. Even if you eat at a different time than the rest of the camp. The staff are extremely accommodating.

Put this place on your Bucket List and you will be glad you did!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs & Mr O
California

"Unbeatable Beginning to our Safari at Chongwe"

4 nights Arrived 9 Oct 2013
"Chongwe River Camp was our first camp on our first safari, setting the standard so high it would be difficult to surpass. The camp has a idyllic setting along the river warmed by the early morning sun, with the escarpment and 'Never Again' mountain acting as a stunning back drop. Though a relatively large camp, Flossie seemed everywhere, always relaxed and smiling, making sure our every need was met. Having a large number of guests, from many parts of the world, made for enjoyable and entertaining dinner conversations. My dirty laundry has never, before or since, been returned so clean and tightly folded.

We loved the elephants who frequently wandered through camp, entertaining us with their antics. It was a real treasure to watch their greeting rituals up close and personal, and to observe a variety of their eating habits, again very close.

We stayed in the chalet furthest from the camp's central area and the Zambezi River, but closest to a floodplain along the Chongwe River. We enjoyed the near constant wildlife activity: impalas sparring; warthogs kneeling to eat between wheeling bouts, running off with tails straight up; baboons with their young clinging to bellies or backsides; cattle egrets by the hundreds; the early morning and evening procession of hippos to and from their nighttime grazing; countless variety of birds; and occasional bush or water buck, monitor lizard, frogs, etc. to keep us highly entertained. The pathways were raked frequently, allowing easy observation of tracks. I found it fascinating to learn what all was walking through camp.

I liked the screen netting of the tents, which allows a breeze and sounds to enter, but also allows one to see out (there are drapes pulled for privacy at night). Looking out paid off one morning as we had a hippo grazing next to our chalet, so I was able to move around and make a little noise, encouraging the hippo down into the river before I ventured out to sit under the awning, watching and listening to the day beginning as the sky gradually lightened. Coffee or tea was brought with the morning's wake-up call.

There is not the same density and variety of wildlife at Chongwe, as can be found deeper within the Lower Zambezi National Park, or especially as compared to the South Luangwa NP. But the close encounters with relaxed elephant was unrivaled in all other of our camps. The opportunity to sit in a boat near a pod of hippos, watching and photographing their interactions during the warm light of the setting sun, delivered us the best hippo experience of our entire trip. When Flossie became aware of our photographic desires, she turned our care over to guide Patrick, for the most part to ourselves, spoiling us early in our trip.

We spent an entire (12-hour) day in the park watching--a group of lions with cubs resting and playing, then unexpectedly giving chase to a kudu; the dynamics of baboons, birds, and antelope sharing the ripe fruit of a fig tree; a group of bad-boy elephants gather, then encircle a tree, bent on destruction; elephants, hippos, baboons, impala, waterbuck, kudu--a field of water lilies, termite mounds, erosional features where a town once was, always Patrick had us there with the best light, patiently explaining and answering our questions. Passing other camp's vehicles filled with 9-passengers, we were very appreciative of Chongwe's flexibility and willingness to help us attain our desires.

The bird life along the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers is very abundant and diverse. The islands, banks, floodplains, and trees offer a wide range of habitat, so is filled with innumerable species. We very much enjoyed both our boat excursions, on both the Chongwe and the Zambezi, but the highlight of our stay was the canoe trip. The afternoon light was spectacular, gliding quietly through the water relaxing, with sounds breaking the silence enlightening. Sitting low in the water, it is very impressive looking up to buffalo, and having elephant mock charge. We eased for close up views of monitor lizards, butterflies, and birds. If I'd had any idea how thoroughly we'd enjoy the canoe trip, I would certainly have opted for more than one such outing.

I cannot recommend Chongwe River Camp highly enough for their varied water activities, elephant encounters, hippo viewing, and abundant birdlife." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr S
Southam

"Wow factor location in the Lower Zambezi"

4 nights Arrived 8 Oct 2013
"Super location at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe rivers, camp is well laid out along the river front with spacious and stylish communal dining, bar and lounge lounge (small shop and charging facilities too) in the middle of the tents which are top quality pitched on concrete bases with thatched roof and an open air en suite, they also have a nice sitting area directly in front of the tents on the river front where you can watch the wildlife at leisure.

Be prepared for close encounters, frequent visitors to the camp included elephant, kudu, impala and baboons, you are escorted back to your tents after dark!! The camp is very well run by Chongwe's General Manager, Flossie who spends a lot of time at the camp despite managing the other Chongwe operations in the area, Flossie is very ably supported by her husband and co-manager Allan, what a great couple! Food is excellent, Chongwe is blessed with a fantastic chef! Three meals a day with nibbles on activities and afternoon tea, a particular highlight were the dinners, superb! Special mention to Wilson the barman, attentive and always there!

Activities were flexible based on what you wanted to do but included drives, walks, boat trips, kayaking and fishing, all of which we did! Guides are top quality, very knowledgeable and friendly, many thanks to Richman for his great guiding. Although the end of the dry season during our stay there was still plenty of water about compared to South Luangwa and so wildlife was more dispersed, drives in to the Lower Zambezi NP were longer and generally game was less prolific than South Luangwa, it was good to spend time in a different location though. Activities on the water were particular highlights.

As with Kaingo the camp enjoyed a multinational set of guests during our stay which we enjoyed, the camp has a much more relaxed and laid back feel to it than many other camps I have stayed at, the more informal approach certainly provides for a very friendly and welcoming camp, there was a lot of laughter! The downside (only a small one) is that at times the small details can be overlooked or forgotten and time can slip away when you are wanting to get out and about. We had the opportunity to see the Albida suite, a 2 tented suite with private dining and lounge, this looks superb and would be fabulous for a family or group of friends.

Overall a great stay at a well run, superbly located camp with good guides and camp staff, I would definitely consider returning as part of another trip to Zambia." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr B & Ms B
Horsham

"Chongwe excellent river camp but limited game"

4 nights Arrived 2 Oct 2013
"This is a super camp in a lovely location with resident elephants! The camp staff are very welcoming and helpful which made our stay very enjoyable. However, the game drives were not of the same high standard as the two previous camps. This could be partly due to the relative paucity of game in the area and also the fact that our guide (Patrick) was not very outgoing and had obviously come back to work too early from being unwell. However, on the two river "drives" he demonstrated a huge knowledge (and enthusiasm) about the birds.

The individual "tents" are excellent and bathrooms very good as are the communal areas. All meals were really excellent - let down very slightly by the wine which although absolutely drinkable was not quite as good quality as the other camps. Because this camp is larger, there wasn't the same feeling of cameraderie as at the South Luangwa camps." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Devon

"Chongwe River Camp review"

3 nights Arrived 23 Sep 2013
"This camp is sited on the Chongwe river, but with the backdrop of the great Zambezi river, both with flowing water. It was marvellous to see the constant activity of game and bird life across the Chongwe.

Once again elephant browsed their way through the camp at all times of day and night and had to be negotiated as we made our way to and from activities, not to mention the odd hippo en route.

On the first evening the staff had secretly arranged a bar-b-q in the bush a little way from the camp. A very nice touch, very well carried out with candle light and plenty to eat and drink for about 20 assorted visitors, most of whom disappeared at breakfast the next morning.

Excursions onto both rivers were great fun, and to see the game and birds from the river was most interesting. A beautiful leopard warming itself on top of a cliff face, which we watched for ages from the boat. Attempts to catch a fish failed, but it was a lot of fun trying.

It was here that the couple with whom we were travelling announced their engagement to be married, and the staff very kindly put out champagne for all present to celebrate the news. A kind and thoughtful gesture." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Showing 51-60 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