Once you have been introduced the experience of the African bush, perhaps in South Africa's famous Kruger Park or Tanzania, you may well want to get a taste of a little more wild experience.

If you wish to add a little extra to your Africa trip you may be interested in adding water to the experience. The Zambezi is one of Africa's great rivers. The flow of the Lower Zambezi has been regulated for the last half century by the Kariba dam, that provides electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and so is not prone to drought or flood in the way of many rivers in the African continent.

There are around fifteen camps on the Zambian side of the Lower Zambezi most of which offer a variety of activities including game viewing, canoeing, walking and fishing. With a strict catch and release policy imposed on visitors the stock of fish remains plentiful while still allowing an exciting  struggle to hook the infamous tiger fish or to quietly watch elephants crossing to and from Mana Pools on the Zimbabwean side of the huge river.

One of the most well established camps in the Lower Zambezi National Park is Chiawa. The camp has been family owned and run since its establishment and retains a very friendly yet efficient relationship with guests who visit, sometimes for as long as two weeks (unusual for a single safari camp).

With eight tents the maximum capacity for the camp is for only seventeen guests. Chiawa runs a fleet of three safari vehicles, several lightweight fishing boats, a river cruise boat and a number of canoes allowing a wide choice of activities for guests. The main meal of the day is a four course dinner served in the open sided dining area and always of very high standard.

For the slightly more experienced Africa hand the opportunity of walking in the bush is an essential experience. When walking in the bush it is very unlikely that game will get as close as they can be seen from a vehicle but the intimate thrill (and occasional adrenalin rush) of viewing game on foot takes the African experience to a whole different level.

One of the few dedicated walking camps in Zambia is Kutandala in the North Luangwa National Park. In order to ensure that groups remain manageable the camp will accept a maximum of just six guests at a time.

To avoid the heat of the afternoon walks are conducted early in the morning and towards dusk. Of course, this also ties in with the times that game is likely to be more active. As it is too risky to be out in the bush after dark, evenings are spent in camp where the sound of nocturnal hunters such as lion, leopard and hyena drift in on the night air.

Further information is available from these camps own websites or through the feedback page.

© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner)

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