Reviews of Chongwe River Camp

"Perfect situation on the river bank. Particularly liked safaris which started or ended with boat trip along the Zambezi.

The lodge was very comfortable and the staff were all very safety conscious. In particular they made a great fuss over Susan and always helped her when walking around the camp. Of all the camps, we felt that the staff in this lodge, were to a greatest extent, genuinely interested in their guests.

The guide was excellent and made a point of trying to see the wildlife that was of most interest to guests. He was also excellent in finding good camera angles to take photographs. We never felt at risk from the animals given the knowledge and capability of the guides.

We had a great time at the camp with no complaints about the wildlife viewings Nevertheless, we both felt that, overall, the wildlife viewing was better in South Luangwa in terms of number of sightings. In terms of food, I felt that the quality of the food at the 2 camps in South Luangwa was better but this is just a personal opinion and I would note that another guest far preferred the food here rather at Kakuli.

Lunch on the banks of the Zambezi a little distance from the lodge was a delightful surprise" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

"Chongwe River Camp is in one of the beautiful locations I've ever seen. Set on the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, the camp's tents are comfortable and nicely appointed with attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The staff couldn't be nicer. Activities include game drives, canoeing and fishing. I really enjoy the birds and elephants that come to visit the camp. Guiding is excellent." See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa

"Chongwe is a fantastic mix of game viewing from the jeep and water based activities. The option to mix it up how you want to adds a new dimension to your holiday.

We saw plenty of wildlife and plenty of birdlife, for sure.

The guides are all hugely experienced and unbelievably good at spotting animals that seem to appear from nowhere!

Add to this the excellent accommodation, fantastic food and brilliant camp staff and you have a recipe for the most amazing safari holiday ever." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

"Having come from South Luangwa, this was very different.

The flight in was great with the views of the park and the Zambezi.

We had been travelling all day after waking at 5am and going on a long game drive ending at Mfuwe airport after lunch, flying to Lusaka and then to Royal Airstrip via Jeki. We had been travelling with another couple with whom we had been sharing game drives and meals for the previous 5 days and had become friends. However, on being met at Royal airstrip, we were ushered into a separate vehicle from them, joining another couple (who struggled with english and were just starting their holiday). The guide then stopped en route to the camp for a lengthy briefing on the activities we could enjoy at Chongwe, most of which was already known to us. This delayed our reaching the camp and on arrival, this briefing was repeated.

There followed much confusion as to which chalet we had been allocated. We were told initially that it was number 3, but then told that that had elephant damage so it would be number 1, which we were taken to. It was set up with twin beds which needed to be re-arranged. Within minutes, we were told that we could have number 5 if we wished (although on examination it turned out to be identical, and that our friends had been given the un-damaged number 3). During all this time, our bags were left in reception and I had to go and get them as the guide was waiting to take us on a game drive. We had by then had the chance to ask if we could drive with our friends.

All this could have been avoided by asking us at the airport (or earlier) if we had a preference. It would also have been better to have recognised that we had had a long day and although perfectly willing to go straight out on a drive, we could have been helped to do so. It also transpired that despite the lengthy briefings, we had not been told about more important details such as flexible meal times, wake up calls etc, all of which we learned by osmosis subsequently.

This sounds like a rant but is meant to be genuinely constructive. We really enjoyed Chongwe and the contrast from South Luangwa camps. Although it is clearly a bigger operation and busier, the water activities were superb, particularly the canoe trip. The icing on the cake was the surprise lunch on a boat on the last day before leaving for the airport.

One very minor point was that we really appreciated the damp towels offered to us on return from dusty game drives when in South Luangwa. Could this perhaps be offered in Chongwe?

We loved the elephants that came to lunch in the restaurant, despite the disruption of them serving themselves behind the bar." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"Too many staff, didn't feel sincere, staff robotic, yawning, bored. We changed our guide on 2nd day.

This camp suits first time visitors to Africa - not for photographers or experienced safari travellers. The camp was very large, tents very luxurious and comfortable. We just didn't feel the vibe here. wished we had only stayed 3 nights and 5 nights at Old Mondoro.

The food was adequate - not great. Staying outside the NP was a waste of travel time each day. Too many elephants, impala and baboons in this part of the park.

We spent a day fishing - that was a good break from the jeep." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia

"Our second visit to Chongwe and very happy we made the decision to go back to this excellent camp. Location is perfect and this gives a range of activity options outside of the game drive.

Tent was very well laid out and facilities were all spot on. Clean, tidy, well stocked and nothing to fault.

Being critical, the food was somewhat basic compared to other camps, but it was all extremely well prepared and presented, tasted excellent, and there was plenty of it. Getting a menu choice and having somewhat flexible eating times made the whole food experience very good indeed.

Perhaps the very best part of the camp is the wonderful staff, from the managers to the night guard and gardener, they were all friendly, helpful, efficient and made this a wonderful stay.

A special mention to our guide Sam - nothing was too much for him, no question too small, and his knowledge is widespread." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"Beautiful view - river, mountains and into the national park.

Elephants walking in to camp and past our tent! Great close up shots. Elephant in musk charging the jeep as we somehow we got between him and some females hidden in the bush.

Saw lioness with cubs and two juvenile males. Also saw 6 wild dogs, they ran past the jeep and then later we caught up with them as they were sleeping.

Our guide here was Hastings and again he was very knowledgeable and experienced. Very expert reversing down a narrow 800 metre track to get away from the big bull elephant!" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa

"Really lovely place - great setting on the river, great rooms and food. Felt 'busy' after my previous two stays but enjoyed chatting to fellow guests nonetheless. A bit disappointing to have wi-fi so I pretended it didnt exist (but at least one other guest was thrilled) and have to admit it was useful. Ate well, slept well, and generally was very well looked after. Would happily return.

Several visitors in camp - a fractious elephant, Albert the hippo is a regular, some shy warthogs who were keen to graze. A slender mongoose and water monitor lizard passed barely 6ft away as I sat on the verandah. Often lots of activity on the river bank opposite my chalet - elephants, crocs, baboons, various birds.

Bob was a great guide and covered lots of ground to ensure we saw all the different aspects of the park and its inhabitants. Our canoe trip was a definite highlight - genuinely an amazing experience (if slightly tense at one point, passing a grumpy elephant! We were in safe hands with Hector and Bob though). Really enjoyed how peaceful it was in the beautiful landscape, and closer to the birds/smaller animals who were less disturbed by us in a canoe than they would have been by us in a jeep." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"Everything about this camp faultless.

Our guide Ronald was one of the very best that we have had on our several visits to Africa.

The food was excellent and every member of staff extremely pleasant and efficient. the accommodation suits us, we are not looking for hot tubs etc and the camp is very well managed in every way." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"This was my fifth visit Chongwe River Camp, and each visit is better than the last. The staff and guides are friendly, knowledgeable and just wonderful people. The camp's location, set at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, is truly beautiful. I particularly enjoy the view from Tent #4 as one can view both the Chongwe River and escarpment to the north and the Zambezi to the south. Activities include not only game drives and walks but also boating and fishing activities. Food is very good too. Elephants and impala were frequently wandering in camp, searching for winterthorn pods which had begun to fall. There is always some kind of wildlife to watch right from the tents." See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia