Chiawa Safaris

The family owned and operated, multi-award-winning Chiawa Camp, is the pioneer of the Lower Zambezi National Park, the first camp to settle along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Zambia’s premier luxury safari camp, Chiawa is a gentle and unhurried experience for both wildlife and guests, while still offering up a diverse range of activities. From game drives to heart-stopping game walks as well as canoeing, boating and angling – all in the company of Africa’s finest guides.

Each of the luxury tents boast spectacular views over the Zambezi River and its vast array of resident wildlife. Elephant, lion, leopard, hippo and much more, occupy this gorgeous region of Zambia.

The creative culinary team at the Chiawa Camp ensure meals are of the highest standard, from seasonal menus developed and enhanced over time.

Along with Chiawa’s renowned dedication to its guests, staff, local communities and conservation, allow yourself to share in Chiawa’s passion, so that you can enjoy one of Africa’s finest safari camps and the wildlife adventure of a lifetime.

In the Soli language, Chiawa means ‘The one who shares’ – an appropriate name for such a camp that honours the local people and their traiditions. Read more about Chiawa Camp, its range of luxury Lower Zambezi lodges, and its rich history.

The effortless and grounded luxury that Chiawa Safaris is known for, is right here at Old Mondoro. An intimate camp of only 5 chalets, the concept of this camp is simple – to provide guests with an authentic and unedited Zambian safari, providing a “back to the bush” atmosphere that centralizes on the wildlife and wilderness experience. That disconnects you from the internet and reconnects you with nature, yourself, and your loved ones.

A destination in itself, Old Mondoro is owned and operated by the Cumings family of the pioneer Chiawa Camp, which boasts enhanced luxuries and bush-sophistication, making a combination safari of these two camps a most rewarding visit to the Lower Zambezi.

Incredible wildlife encounters at this quintessential safari camp are those only found in your wildest dreams. Under the canopy of winterthorn trees and bordering the mighty Zambezi river, wild animals are part of the camp, sharing in your daily routine. Big cat sightings (some of the most prolific leopard sightings to be had in Africa) with the magic of the water providing island-hopping buffalo and elephant, as well as an extreme concentration of hippo.

“Mondoro” in Goba language means Lion. The camp name honours a mythical white lion that used to prowl nearby – although “Old Mondoro” is long gone, his descendants still roam the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi, wild and free.

Newly renovated with no aspect left unattended to, the upgraded Puku Ridge blends style and comfort seamlessly with nature. From the elegant architectural lines to the thoughtfully outfitted game viewing vehicles and the perfectly-positioned photographic hide in front of the camp’s private watering hole.

Located well inside the incredible South Luangwa National Park with an outlook onto a private floodplain and watering hole, this remote and elevated landscape framed is enriched by the rolling gait of giraffe, the heart-shaped nose of the puku, and the midnight whoop of the hyena.  

A collaboration between its new owners, Chichele Safaris, and the Cumings Family of Chiawa Camp & Old Mondoro – the reimagined Puku Ridge is situated on one of the Park’s prime sites.

The well-known and much loved facilities, service and guiding have been upgraded to the highest of standards that the Cumings Family’s own Lower Zambezi safari camps have become renowned. Unique in design but traditional in outlook, it has been completely rebuilt with a lighter footprint.

Elements from the Luangwa bush camps of old have been combined with traditional village life and authentic, local art works complement crucial creature comforts making for one of the most appealing and welcome safari camp launches for many years.

Previous guests of the old Puku Ridge will feel that everything has changed, but nothing has changed, as many special touches from the past have been retained.