The Lower Zambezi: Chiawa Camp

 
Ahh, another one of Zambia's many gems! The Lower Zambezi National Park will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our Zambia-Zimbabwe Safari in June 2012, which Nadia Eckhardt of Africa Easy will be leading.

The Lower Zambezi is a true adventurers haven with land and water activities and an amazingly low number of tourists. The park is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in south-eastern Zambia, opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. The Lower Zambezi NP is 4092 sq. kms and offers visitors miles and miles of river front (120 kms of river frontage to be exact!) - and the excellent game viewing that comes with it - to explore! Highlights of the park include the rugged and picturesque escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. There are approximately 50 mammal species and 400 bird species, which thrive in the Park, as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers.

This area is still unspoiled as it is new to tourism and is afforded a high level of protection from the Zambian Government and the local tour operators. It was only declared a National Park in 1983, and the Cumings Family, who own and operate Chiawa Camp, brought the first tourists to the Park in 1990.

On our Africa Easy safari, we will be based at the stunning Chiawa Camp, set directly on the banks of the Zambezi River and all within view and earshot of the its impressive wildlife. Our camp focuses on understated luxury, top levels of service, fabulous cuisine and giving guests the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy this unique environment. Our "tents" are both rustic and luxurious featuring all the modern conveniences like power plugs, hot and cold running water, Egyptian cotton linens, indoor and outdoor showers, but in keeping with the traditional safari experience allowing guests to experiences the sounds of the wilderness while sleeping under canvas. From the verandah, enjoy views of the river and surrounding wilderness and sit back and enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon cocktail!

Daily we will explore the Lower Zambezi NP by boat, canoe, on foot and in specially equipped 4x4 safari vehicles. Game drives vary in length and include night drives with special filtered lights as to not disrupt the nocturnal wildlife - civet, genet, porcupine and more! From impala, kudu and hippo to leopard, wild dog and lion, we will experience some of Zambia's best game viewing.

Africa Easy's signature Zambia-Zimbabwe Safari has just a few remaining spots available and they are going fast. Call Africa Easy today to reserve your space on this amazing safari and get ready to explore the Lower Zambezi NP first-hand!

Photos courtesy of Chiawa Camp