There’s a lot of pride in Chiawa Camp, built on the spot where the owner’s family first explored the area back in the 80s. Being located inside the National Park (and the first photo safari experience to open in the Lower Zambezi) means the camp has become renowned for showing off its magnificent surroundings. The journey from the airstrip sets the tone as a speedboat whisks guests past elephants and hippos; after that, jeep safaris are complemented by the likes of canoeing, bush walks, night drives and Wildlife photography in the hide. Evenings take a more romantic turn, with swoon-worthy private dinners being enjoyed on an islet or in a gently flowing part of the river, and a night on the sleep out deck showcasing the Zambian stars at their finest. 

Shaded by mahogany and acacia trees, Chiawa is centred around an eye-catching thatched lounge where photos of safaris gone by gaze out from their frames and decks come with sweeping views of the Zambezi River. Views that continue to the nine timber-floored tents that fan out along the bank and into the flood plain, complete with locally crafted furniture and ‘wallow benches’ – sunken alfresco lounge-area-cum-plunge-pools. Its beauty is more than skin deep though, because it’s not just the landscape that the camp prizes, but also its service. From drinks ordered at the bar, remembered, and waiting during sundowners on a game drive, to special experiences crafted daily from even the smallest of comments, you’ll find no detail passes the staff by.