A herd of elephants wades across the river in front of Chiawa Camp's thatched lodge on a tree-lined bank.

On the sandy banks of the lower Zambezi, you’ll find Chiawa, the tented holy grail of modern-day explorers. Camouflaged by a riverine canopy of ebony and fig trees, just nine sprawling “tents” and about nine thousand hippos – await you. With their indoor-outdoor flow, canopied decks overlooking the river, and outside rain showers you’ll remain cucumber cool even in the heat of the moment. Track buffalo, lions, leopards and elephants in the expert hands of your guide, cast a rod into the deep waters, or simply wallow, G&T in hand, in your own sunken half lounge, half plunge pool – altogether the most marvellous invention this side of the equator.

 

Sunset river side drinks on a safari tour at the classic Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia.

Stuff we love

Shaded by a riverine canopy

  • The can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it feel of an owner-run camp. You’re even more than family here.
  • Thrilling canoe rides spent dodging hippos and marvelling at nesting bee-eaters in the riverbanks.
  • Warming yourself at the side of a firepit (strictly) fuelled by already-dead or elephant-uprooted trees. We really love this!

Chiawa in pictures

Lodge activities

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Game Drive
Night Drive
Night Drive
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Bush Walk
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Boat Safari
Outdoor Bath
Outdoor Shower
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Canoeing
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Gym
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Fishing
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Private plunge pool

Our Reviews

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The most famous safari co. you've (probably) never heard of.

Hidden Africa
5.0 43 reviews
out of 5
Owen Brenner
Owen Brenner
2 years ago

Chad at Hidden Africa was absolutely wonderful to work with. We worked together to fully customized our 2 week elopement … read more

Miroslav Levanic
Miroslav Levanic
a year ago

How do you write a review for a travel agency that is above perfect? It's not hard! Hidden Africa listened … read more

Sumana Moole
Sumana Moole
a year ago

I cannot recommend Hidden Africa and Chad highly enough! From the very first conversation, Chad was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely … read more

Sonia Kolar
Sonia Kolar
6 months ago

Geraldine worked with my friend Cheryl to arrange the most amazing Southern Africa trip. Geraldine even worked around some of … read more

HOW IT WORKS

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