Reviews of Chiawa Camp

"this was our third visit to Chiawa so we knew what to expect

the camp was extremely well run but compared to the other two camps we stayed at did seem much larger, but we could do the water activities which we could not in South Luagana" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"A totally different camp to that of Tena Tena and Kaingo, much more opulent and in an ideal location to finish off a 10 day safari in that it is relatively close to Lusaka for the flights home. However should add that this does not imply any criticism of either Tena Tena or Kaingo, just that Chiawa is a different style.

The tents are much larger than that at Tena Tena with both indoor and outdoor showers, a bath plus his/her washbasins. Again ample hot water all through the day. As with the other camps the standard of food was extremely good, down to having a choice of two main courses for the evening meal.

The wildlife have free run of the camp which can make for some interesting journeys between the main camp area back to the rooms, especially in the evenings !! Certainly the game viewing was very good and the two pairs of mating lions of the last morning was quite an experience.

A wide variety of activities were on offer, fishing, canoeing, walking as well as the normal game drives, and our only criticism would be that as result of this wide variety we ended up with different guides over the three days which was different to what we have been used to in the past.

A nice touch from the camp team was an e-mail on our return home hoping that we had enjoyed our stay and had a safe trip home." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"This was our fifth visit need we say more. Each time we vist the camp has been improved and this time all the tents were now superior tents with very tasteful interiors which only enhances ones experiance. A new tent No. 9 has been built and its situation and decor is absolutely superb. If you were lucky enough to stay in it you would never willingly want to leave.

The guiding as always was first class and this time we fell in love with six lion cubs which we were fortunate to spend many an hour watching.

Thanks to Grant whilst we wrer there he was kind enough to arrange for us to spend 24 hours at Old Mondoro. This camp is our favourite bush camp with its own unique kharma.This was arranged so that we could see the changes that have been made there to the individual hut facilities.

These have been so well done that while they greatly improve one's creature comforts they in no change its appearance and the atmosphere at this camp is more than maintained." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia

"This was our second time at Chiawa and it continued to live up to expectations. It seemed to have got a bit bigger since 2001 and the rooms/tents definitely have improved.

Again, as in Tafika, although the food was always excellent, we were overwhelmed with the amount of food and really didn't feel the need for a full four-course meal in the evening. We seem to remember that before we had a quick cup of tea/coffee with some small snack before morning activities, back for a brunch, afternoon activities and/or evening activities followed by an evening meal. Have all the camps changed that they provide three main meals a day, plus cake with afternoon tea, plus many other snacks in between?? Are they trying to fatten us up?!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Absolutely amazing! The hosts, Jason and Michaela, couldn't do enough. The food was out of this world and I can now understand why it is so expensive. The camp was almost full but everyone was able to choose exactly what they wanted to do. My husband went tiger fishing by himself, they sent a boat out just for him! They also suggested combinations which must have made more work for them. For example, we went on a afternoon canoe trip for a couple of hours and they then picked us up to join the truck for sundowners and remaining night drive. The food is out of this world. This is a must go to camp, I cannot recommend it highly enough." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"friendly knowledgable staff, beautiful location, care and attention" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"Since this was the most expensive camp we stayed at, we had high expectations. The tented rooms were large and there was lots of room for us despite the fact that we had 3 in a room.

The hosting couple are present and really go out of their way to make sure you have a special experience. The food here was superb and one can enjoy an a la carte dinner menu. The house wine was also excellent here. Special touches included a surprise lunch for the 5 of us that travelled together on a boat. After an excellent canoe excursion we were greeted by the hostess and had sun downers on a sandy spit. Later, all guest were treated to a surprise dinner in the bush. Even posh loos were set up for the guests.

The guys went fishing out on the river here with a guide in between an activity. There is lots of choice here. It is almost like a safari resort, yet I don't mean that in a negative way. Everything runs smoothly here and the atmosphere is relaxed. Some of the ktichen staff even sung a few songs for the guests. A Chiawa water bottle is given to you so that they can cut down on plastic water bottles. You have to be boated in here which adds to the adventure of this camp. The night drives were superb here. The best of any of the 4 camps we stayed at as there were always cats to see.

I did not enjoy the walking safari that much here as the area we walked in had very little to see. Also, a guide should ask have you been on any other walking safaris as since we had already been on 5 walks this trip and others on different trips, we had some basic knowledge about the common stuff you see. Also, since the terrain is hilly here, the walk is in a flatter area, but as a result ended up being quite short- 1.5 hours. I also had a hrad time understandiing our guide at times.

Two of the guides here were excellent- Paul and Rory. I am sure they are tops in their field. Paul led us on an amazing canoe safari , proably a highlight for me. The channel is full of birds and I enjoyed them and I am not a birder. Also, we had a thrilling expereince with the elephants that crossed the water channel and had a mud bath!

Rory took us out for a 4 hour plus morning jeep ride and since there was not lots of game out, he focused on the birds, plants and trees. Some of the guides were in training , but thier communication skills will need to really improve if Chiawa wants to maintain its status of having top guides. Again, I prefer just having one guide but we had many here. The setting is again idyllic and the moutains provide a wonderful backdrop. This was the perfect place to end our safari vacation." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"Grant & Linsey were in charge, and did a terrific job. Linsey organised a (surprise) private dinner for us on a boat on the Zambezi, which was delightful. They organised a "bush" dinner for the whole camp the next night as a surprise - wonderful.

The birding, both on land and on the river, with Rory as a guide, was excellent - definitely to be recommended to serious birders.

Chiawa cannot be compared to the previous 3 camps as it is operated on a different level. It lived up to everything we had expected." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Chiawa Camp - excellent management, by owners Grant and Lindsay Cumings and by manager Jason. Atmosphere was warm and welcoming, all staff treated guests in the same warm, friendly manner.

Only difficulty was the monkeys were able to open the zippers and get into the rooms, causing havoc in the room and stealing all medications, pills etc. They are working on solving this problem.

Loved being able to boat on the river, from sunset cruises to fishing to canoing." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia

"This was our fourth visit to this camp which says everything.

I cannot fault it in any way and can only say it is excellent in everything it is and does." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia