Zambia - Chiawa Lodge

Stephanie Rogers-Julian has travelled to Africa regularly and she visited Zambia in mid 2009, a country that has various national parks that appeal to tourists. One of the most notable of these is the Lower Zambezi National Park that starts at Victoria Falls - a perfect start or end point for a Zambian holiday. Part of the reason for the current lift in tourist numbers in Zambia is the turnaround in attitude towards wildlife such as elephant and rhino. Nowadays poachers appear to be becoming proud anti-poaching conservationists and guides.

The owner of Chiawa Lodge on the banks of the Zambezei said to Stephanie “…that wildlife and habitats should be left alone from any interference by man but that in reality wildlife and habitats have to pay for or justify their presence and protection.” Chiawa is part of the reality of this philosophy.

The 8 “tents” of Chiawa are built on raised wooden platforms and provide a sophisticated level of creature comforts and the guides are mostly locals.

Camp life can be as peaceful or as people-full as you wish and as activity full or inactive as you wish. There are private verandahs for each tent as well as communal lounges with the best possible views of the Zambezi. Animals such as elephant, hippo and vervet monkeys regularly visit the camp and so sitting on your own verandah or on a bench in the camp grounds can be a lively pastime. After sundown, drinks are provided at the campfire and dinner is announced when the all male staff gather and sing in complicated and intriguing harmonies, making you drift to the candlelit tables more metaphorically than physically

This smoothly running camp is a sophisticated and an award-winning operation and it is in the hands of an energetic young couple who make Zambia, and in particular, the Lower Zambezi National Park, a place you want to revisit in a hurry.

A Chiawa package includes:
• accommodation in unique, luxury safari tents that overlook the Zambezi River
• day and night safari drives in open 4×4 vehicles
• bush walks, canoeing, game viewing by boat, fishing
• all meals and beverages
• daily laundry
• personalised service and some of Africa’s best safari guides (best in Africa 2008)
• park fees and transfers between local airstrips and the camp.

Not included:
• visa fees
• travel to and from the Lower Zambezi National Park
• gratuities

Contact John for more information on (02) 8270 4800 or email him at jchekian@conciergetraveller.com.au

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