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
"5th time at Chongwe RC, and I will return!! "
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Chongwe River Camp review"
The camp is very comfortable, and staff was very friendly and helpful. We were surprised with a bush lunch along the river one day.
We had 2 guides here, Stephen and Bright, and they were both excellent. We particularly appreciated their awareness of photographer's needs, always working to position us properly and giving warning when they expected a good photographic opportunity to develop.
Activities at Chongwe seemed to be very flexible, with enough guides that they were able to accommodate every guest's wishes. We arrived late afternoon yet they were able to take us on a short sunset river cruise. When we canoed the next day we had 2 guides for the 2 of us so we each had our own canoe." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
"Nice camp, scenic location, further from game"
It is a very friendly and relaxed camp in a beautiful setting, the tented chalet was very warm and comfortable with a private seating area. Elephant and hippo are frequent visitors to the camp day and night but staff are always on hand to keep guests safe.
The food in camp was really good with plenty vegetarian choice. The only issue we had with the catering was the 'bush bbq' which was not a success." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
"Chongwe River Camp review"
Really enjoyed fly camp" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
"Chongwe River Camp review"
The 'elephant in the room' tales on a new meaning when there is actually an elephant in your room. That was very exciting but I think the camp could probably have been clearer about the likelihood of that happening and what we should do when it did. My daughter nearly got caught sitting on her own by the river when the elephant appeared - only a last second warning from Michael enabled to her scramble back to the relative safety of the dining area.
Clement our guide was very good - both in a jeep and on the water.
The boat trips are great and the canoeing was a definite 'life highlight'.
Game in the National Park did sometimes seem a bit thin on the ground - though overall we were more than satisfied with what we saw.
We had stomach upsets in both Norman Carr camps we went to having never previously had a problem in 4 previous safaris in other countries. So we do wonder if their food hygiene is fully up to standard." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
"Great Camp "
The activities with the Canoeing and the Boat safaris were awesome.
Michael who looked after us in the camp is a great person and while being so professional is such a nice guy!
Bright as a guide is again such a lovely person with so much knowledge and he worked so hard to find great game. When we did not get a sighting you could see he was unhappy and was so thrilled for us when we had a great drive! We learned so much from him and he was so much fun to be with!
The Lodge felt slightly less homely than Mchenja and more luxurious. It felt slightly less homely than Mchenja.
We were so fortunate to stay in the Albida suite! What a great treat!
We found the food good at Chongwe not great.
The location was incredible." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Truly memorable in so many ways!"
The service was exceptional throughout our stay. However we had a problem with our hot water that didn't get corrected until our last day there, so I ended up taking cold showers two nights. Luckily we could use the shower in the other chalet, but I wish it had gotten fixed correctly the first time I reported it.
While our canoe safari was one of the most memorable things we did, we learned after our return that it is quite dangerous. I could tell it took hyper-vigilance on the part of our guide, and I trust that only the most expert guides do them. I'm still glad we did it, but I was a little naïve not realizing how dangerous it was." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Aardvark
1 sighting
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
"Great location with super facilities"
Food at Chongwe was slightly disappointing. What we ate was well cooked and well presented, but very uninventive and sometimes a little bland. Yes they are in the bush, but having been to Kakuli and Mchenja previously, i know what these camps are capable of.
Chongwe is set up to offer alternative activities, which was just as well as our big game sightings were not frequent, if at all. I also think their ratios of scouts to customers is not efficient. having said that, our guide Sam was excellent and his knowledge and understanding of the bush fantastic. Given he was also driving the vehicle, his ability to spot animals and bird was amazing.
Canoeing on the river, the boat cruise were both a great way to spend the afternoon and evening and offered a really good alternative to the game drives.
A real bonus is their hide at the water hole close by. For an after dinner short trip, this is a must. We managed to see the very illusive Aardvark and some porcupine from the hide in the same evening." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Aardvark
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Meerkat
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
"Chongwe River Camp review"
Would definitely come here again. Amazing" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 4n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Chongwe River Camp review"
Lovely staff. Soooo kind and friendly. Rooms great .
food fine .
I felt 'cared for' and spoiled !!
Loved the wandering elephants also.
The location/view excellent.
The shared meals with staff and other visitors was great also.
All guides encountered were lovely people and very knowledgeable.
Of course we really liked our guide Moses - such a kind and knowledgeable person.
I cant think of any negatives." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
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