Reviews of Chongwe River Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
122 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chongwe River Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
93% success
54% success
0% success
7% success
100% success
100% success
86% success
79% success
61% success
16% success
13% success
8% success
0% success
"Classy"
We would have appreciated a less hectic motor drive on the river. Pottering through the reed islands is what we wanted. On the other hand the fishing trip was a great success.
Justin and George were excellent guides." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Canoeing, the Zambezi & luxury-a good combo!"
For example, we arrived from the airstrip mid pm, but lunch had been kept for us; we were able to go canoeing on the Zambezi within an hour of arriving so no time was wasted; we arrived back to a lamp-lit dinner for two on the banks of the Zambezi with the moon, the river, a fire, a suprise bottle of champagne, and the silhouettes of the local hippo pod to complete the scene.
Edward, one of the Albida Suite's two dedicated staff was wonderfully attentive and yet non-intrusive. The suite itself was unabashed luxury in a tent and superbly situated on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe rivers." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Chongwe River Camp review"
I'd recommend that the staff do a more thorough job warning guests not to approach the elephants that freey walk around the camp. I can see someone getting too close and getting trampled on." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Chongwe River Camp review"
"Chongwe River Camp"
Our suite was superb and our dedicated butler made sure we were always well served. The birds animals and fishing all exceeded expectations. We will surely visit again." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
"Baboons in the bathroom"
Elephants were frequent visitors - bit too frequent really! Baboons went into our bathroom and threw the toiletries all over the place, and stole the toothpaste (our only tube of course) so NB to other guests to take your essentials into the tent.
No kikois here - It would be a good idea to advise future travellers to take a sarong that can be damped down if the weather is too hot. Also old flip flops for wearing to the bathroom and in the shower would be a good tip.
Russell, the chef, and his team were a marvel. How such superb food was created in the back of beyond in all that heat is baffling. And unfortunately, fattening...! Caroline was a superb hostess who seemed to be at work behind the scenes but also always with us. We all enjoyed listening to Duncan - there cannot be much he doesn't know about the bush and all that entails. A great asset. This was my favourite camp - probably because of the water.
We went on a river crusie, a game drive, went fishing (caught 2 tiger fish), canoe down the Chongwe - wonderful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
“We are refurbishing the bathrooms at Chongwe Camp in time for opening next season and these will be designed to allow extra privacy whilst showering. We are also sourcing kikoy wraps for guests for the summer heat.
We were sorry about the “baboons in the bathroom” situation – historically this has not been a problem at camp but as a result of this feedback we will be advising guests to keep their belongings outside and not in the bathroom area.”
"OK - but not perfect"
The "Albida Suite" is very good. Excellent accommodation, and a good concept. But - they do need to keep to that concept, and not invite others in the camp to dine, as happened on our second night.
We were not very impressed with our guide ("Leve" ?): he didn't see a lot and ended by dropping us at Sausage tree at 9.00am, which caused some consternation.
Logistics leave a bit to be desired (plerase call if you want more details)
We asked for a walk, and were told that "ZAWA don't allow walks because the elephants are beoming too skittish". But no problems at Sausage Tree - over to you." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Beautiful setting, sparse game at this season"
As Lisa [Ed: Lisa is one half of this couple!] is not keen on water it was possible for her to go with the vehicle & have her own private game drive on 2 occasions when Chris went canoeing (the vehicle then collecting the group from further up river).
Going to Lower Zambezi Conservation to see Zamma the orphan baby elephant was a highlight. Silky the impala who lives around camp always turned up for her cornflakes at breakfast & was found indside a tent one day sleeping by the bed!
The food was good - however, although a good vegetarian option was provided each day for lunch, at dinner this seemed to be forgotten & the veggie option was simply the meat dish minus the meat.
While the proximity of the river meant this was a great area for birds, there was a distinct shortage of mammalian game apart from elephant & impala (presumably because the drought had meant that those animals that could had moved up to the hills in search of grazing)." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Wonderful camp site and staff"
A visit in september saw the constant attention of elephants in the camp to eat pods from the winterthorn trees. A very relaxed, warm and hospitable camp. Take it at the pace you want - lots of activities on land or water or just sit overlooking the river and let the game come to you!
Quality of food was excellent and probably the best of all the camps we experienced." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Close Elephants at Chongwe!"
the variation in activities using the river was great and staying for a few days great care was taken to offer alternative types of activities." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
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