Crawshay's Zebra Safari: Day-by-day

Built on the banks of the Luangwa River, Nkwali Camp sits under the shade of tall mahogany, ebony and sausage trees. Owned and run by Robin Pope Safaris the camp is well situated a relatively short drive from Mfuwe Airport and overlooking South Luangwa National Park.

"Nkwali.. was as great as ever. 56 different species of animals.. pretty amazing"

Mrs K.fromMiddlesex

Arrived 11 Oct 2019, 2 nights

Nkwali is an excellently run camp with impressive open fronted chalets that truly allow you to feel like you're staying in the bush. Its position close to the airport and lower price makes it a great option for accessing the park, while taking advantage of its own pontoon across the river to avoid the worst of the crowds in the game rich Mfuwe area. With its location on the river and year round opening, it also allows rare access to the park when it transforms during the rainy season. See our full report on Nkwali

Run by Robin Pope Safaris, Tena Tena is in the remote but game-rich Nsefu Sector, on the north side of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Due to the changing course of the river, the camp was moved about a kilometre upstream in 2012, and while it is still on the riverbank, the river itself can be some distance away during the dry season. Tena Tena focuses on excellent guiding and flexible activities, with personal service and attention, all in very comfortable surroundings.

"The camp provides an immersive African bush experience."

Mr DfromCalifornia

Arrived 4 Sep 2019, 2 nights

Tena Tena manages to strike a balance between being simple yet stylish, without compromising at all on comfort or standards. For those looking for a touch of wilderness and superb guiding at a good-quality tented camp, Tena Tena is an excellent choice. See our full report on Tena Tena

On the banks of the Zambezi River, beneath a grove of mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp sits in the heart of Zambia's wildlife-rich Lower Zambezi National Park. Chiawa was the first camp in the park, opened by the Cumings family in 1989, and is still run by Grant Cumings. Over the years, it has evolved in size and comfort to a high degree of understated luxury.

"Luxury in the jungle."

MrD & MsKfromGold Coast

Arrived 3 Sep 2019, 3 nights

In many ways, we think Chiawa is one of the best, and best-run, camps in Africa. The service and food are top-notch, with a team who tend to go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable – and have consistently left us feeling that nothing was too much trouble. The camp manages to be luxurious, while still feeling homely and welcoming, a balance that can be difficult to get right. A good complement of excellent guides and a flexible attitude towards activities means that guests will usually get to do what they want, more or less when they want. We love it. See our full report on Chiawa Camp

Hidden deep in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Old Mondoro is small and traditional – with plenty of subtle creature comforts. Owned and operated by the Cumings family, the camp has long been renowned for exceptional guiding in a truly peaceful area of the park. In such experienced hands, this is a place where the wildlife comes first – so don’t be surprised to have an impromptu night drive if leopard are spotted during dinner.

With just four reed-enclosed chalets, intimacy here is guaranteed. Looking out over the water – the Zambezi or a natural lagoon – from waist-high walls, the chalets are as close to nature as possible.

Canvas flaps can be rolled down at night should you wish, and discreet electric lighting is on hand, but foregoing these “luxuries” simply enhances the connection with the bush. Few would begrudge the permanent hot water, though – especially if you choose to take a bath under the trees.

"Staff, food, accommodation and activities were great...guides were outstanding."

Mr & Mrs EfromDevon

Arrived 18 Sep 2019, 3 nights

The open layout of the camp allows wildlife to roam through unhindered. And as elephants are partial to the overhanging winterthorn trees, you may well have to let them finish browsing before returning from a hearty lunch to your chalet. That’s the deal at Old Mondoro – and it’s very much a bonus. See our full report on Old Mondoro Bushcamp