Chongwe River House

Chongwe River House sleeps eight in four spacious en suite bedrooms, making an ideal safari base for a family or a group of friends wanting a private safari. This unique house stands on the banks of the magical Chongwe River, close to the Zambezi, and with a sensational view of the dramatic mountainous escarpment beyond. Sitting on the deck, under a huge winterthorn tree and next to the large pool, your view across the Zambezi escarpment is magnificent. Many animals come to the Chongwe River to drink and from the deck the game viewing can be as good as any safari activity. The property comes fully staffed with Chongwe’s resident head guide Matt Porter, house managers Scott Simpson and Kim Bailey, private chefs and a full complement of support staff – all of whom will tailor your private safari.

The four bedroom house has been built around a frame of wild wood with ferro walls following the natural lines of the branches. All the furniture in the sitting room has been carved from a single fallen winterthorn tree and colored pebbles from the river decorate the ceilings. Nature has been brought into the house. On entering the house, the main room is open to the spectacular view and with a tinkling water feature, brings the sense of the River indoors. From this room you look out over the deck and pool to the river and mountains beyond.

The bedrooms, equipped with either king-size or twin beds under huge mosquito nets, are arranged on two floors and have their own private outdoor sitting area. Bathtubs on the upper floor, allow bathers to completely immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. Innovative ‘waterfall’ showers on the upper floor echo the waterfalls of the upper river, whilst guests on the lower floor can enjoy the experience of ‘rainfall’ showers.

As guests at the house a private vehicle, boat, canoes, guide and armed scout for walking safaris are completely at your disposal. All activities and times are tailor made to suit you so you can choose to do as much or as little as you like, when you like. Game drives, river safaris, canoeing, walking and, of course, fishing, are also offered. And for those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, community visits can be arranged. Many guests are happy to spend the day chilling on the deck. The chances are you will see elephant wandering around the grounds or crossing the river. Impala, kudu and many other species come to the water to drink. If you sit long enough, all Africa will come to you.

Zambia’s Lower Zambezi is renowned throughout Africa for its magnificent herds of wild elephant, exceptional predator viewing and of course the Zambezi River. As the Zambezi flows east, close to the Zambezi escarpment, the land between the two forms the Lower Zambezi National Park. The 4000 sq km park was only declared in 1983 and tourism started some seven years later. This area is known for large bull elephants, buffalo herds, excellent lion viewing and the elusive leopard along with the ubiquitous impala and other antelope species. As in all riverine areas, the birding is also excellent. What really makes this area is unique is the Zambezi River, which is 1.7 kilometers wide where it meets the Chongwe. This wide, clear river is dotted with sandy islands with reed beds – the perfect feeding grounds for elephant, buffalo, various species of antelope and exceptional bird life. So boating or canoeing quietly past there islands makes for excellent game viewing.