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Accommodation | Zambia | Chongwe River Camp
Chongwe River Camp is located at the confluence of Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers and looks opposite Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe and shares the boundary with Lower Zambezi National Park. Seasons Chongwe is open from 1st April to 30th November. The weather is warm and dry from April to September with cool nights. Warm clothing is needed for night drives. September to the end of November is hot and dry with the occasional shower at the end of November. Accommodation Luxury tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms. The tent is a large walk in canvas safari tent with two single or one double bed. The tent is hung from a thatch roof and stands on a concrete plinth. The bathrooms are open air surrounded by a half stone and half grass wall for privacy. The water is heated by a gas geezer so hot water is guaranteed and available at any time. The fine weather and ample shade allow for an open air / star lit shower. Activities A normal day consists of early morning activities followed by a brunch and then time to rest during the heat of the day. After high tea guests will then go out for their afternoon / evening activities before dinner. We are happy to cater for any reasonable dietary requirements or preferences with a minimum of a months notice. Game Drives Game drives are conducted day and night in the park. The likelihood of not seeing one other vehicle on a four hour drive is very good. All guides when qualifying for the area are lectured extensively on etiquette. If there are other vehicles around we stay out of each other�s way and do not crowd sightings. This sense of wilderness is central to our and all operators� ethics in the Lower Zambezi. The Lower Zambezi does not boast the greatest variety of mammals but the area has more big game than most destinations. Lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, and elephant are frequently seen. In between one hardly ever stops seeing impala, warthog, waterbuck, kudu and baboon. The area also has healthy wild dog populations and other rarer species like hone badger, porcupine, aardvark and pangolin are seen. The birding in the area is spectacular as the large river adds so many waders and other water dependant species as well as the mountains making another habitat available. The aspect of the area that most guests comment on is the scenery. Changing riparian woodland, open plains and dense forest all with the backdrop of mountains and the Zambezi make this area simply beautiful to look at and be in. Walks As with most owner/guide run camps in Zambia, walking safaris are our favorite activity. We do most of our walks on the boundary of the park (Chongwe Valley) and then our guides can carry our own .458 caliber rifles. The area is extremely game rich and out destination is the picturesque Chongwe water falls where we will set up picnics or breakfasts in the bush for the guests. If guests require an extensive walking program then we will acquire a National parks scout to walk in the park. A multi day walking itinerary, tailor made to groups requirements can be arranged. The Wildlife Authority of Zambia allocates scouts and sites, which can also affect availability and early booking is required. The over night camps are a mobile camp with shared facilities and fully serviced tents. The sites vary from water holes, plains and the mountains for the view. Fishing & Boating The Zambezi River offers a variety of additional activities that few if any other destination can offer. Simply cruising around the river amongst the islands looking at hippos, crocodiles, and birds is often the highlight of many visitors experience. Sunsets from the river are a spectacle. We are a safari camp in essence but many guests do enjoy a break from the vehicle or walks. Fishing for the famous tiger fish or the delicious bream is not reserved for the experienced angler only. Our expert fishing guides will patiently help first timers whose excitement of catching their first fish is always a pleasure and surprise. We do also cater for the serious angler with our local knowledge and a lifetime of angling experience. As skilled fly fishermen ourselves we welcome the more challenging clients of this discipline. There is a strict catch and release policy on tiger fish and Vundu. Limited numbers of some species are allowed to be taken. There are four different boats available for the different needs of client. Two large cruising boats for 7, a large speedboat for 4 fishermen a pontoon boat for 4. Canoeing The activity that the Lower Zambezi is most well known for is canoeing. It is a special experience for the nature lover but not some thing that we encourage for the more nervous client. Due to the nature of this activity use only the safest of routes and make sure the client is able bodied enough. There is still no better way to get close to elephants and other drinking game. The peaceful nature of the activity always impresses clients, but we do find that a half or one full day is often enough to enjoy this activity. Over night camping on islands can also be arranged and early booking is required. Water levels and availability of island sites by Wildlife Authority can also affect availability. As with the walks these camps are mobile by nature so there are no en-suite facilities but the camp is fully serviced. Age Restriction We feel that a 12 year old limit is over prohibitive. We have fount that children of 8 years and above are interested and well behaved. It is also important to start a love of nature as early as possible. Community & Conservations Projects Chongwe River Camp is involved with local community and conservation projects. We help canvas for donations for some of there projects but a purely voluntary basis. Conservation Lower Zambezi is a long sanctuary NGO that assist the Wildlife Authority in all spheres of operations. As founder members and committee members we are active in fundraising and operations. Chongwe is an advisory partner in the communities� local tourism project and actual information centre.
2010 Rates: US$500 - US$700 2011 Rates: US$550 - US$ 800
Open 1 April to 30 Nov annually.
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Zambia WOW! ... The smell of the land, the colours … the elephants safari was excellent. The raft cruise was exhilarating. Thanks Dean for collaborating…this trip to be as I had a great time. |
