Award-winning design

Situated in 24 hectares (nearly 60 acres) of private Luangwa River frontage, just upstream from sister camp Kapani Lodge in the South Luangwa National Park, is the new generation of Zambian bush camps: Chinzombo. Designed by award winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens and nestled under the shade of ancient trees on a wildlife rich ridge, Chinzombo brings levels of comfort, style and elegance previously unseen to the Luangwa Valley. Here, modern architectural forms were combined with organic geometry, regional materials, and indigenous Zambian building methods. “Minimalism for the bush, the least environmentally obtrusive structure, yet fitted with all the requisite luxury for a first-class camp,” explain architects Rech and Carstens. Ground-breaking and truly original design make for a unique safari experience, and we didn’t even get to the excellent guiding – also award-winning – and abundance of wildlife yet.

The six Chinzombo villas (with one designed for a family of five) appear to float over the landscape. The simple use of steel, natural materials, locally produced leather, reed work and canvas, plus the lack of concrete or brick, complement the wilderness perfectly, melting the villas into the exquisite surroundings. Spacious living areas comprise large, cooled bedrooms, massive luxurious bathrooms (where you can take a long, relaxing bath while watching game outside), WiFi, and private plunge pools on shady decks overlooking the Luangwa. An exclusive camp that still retains its bush feel; this is the best of both worlds. A winding footpath connects the villas and lounge, dining, bar and fire pit area through the shade of the surrounding msikzi trees. Décor is simple and minimal, using raw linen, timber, copper and hand-made crockery that has a respectful nod to Chinzombo’s cultural history, and the pioneer of the South Luangwa safari experience, Norman’s, legacy.

Activities at Chinzombo Safari Camp

Chinzombo is the perfect place for you to start your exploration of the wilds of the Luangwa, which will amaze your senses all year round. Let one of the legendary guides at Chinzombo take you into this stunning landscape and reveal its secrets. Take guide Abraham for example; not only does he know a lot about the Thornicroft Giraffe (he made this longneck his specialty), he is also the chair of the South Luangwa Guide’s Association and manages the regional school project this camp is involved with. Or Shaddy, who is on the Board of Examiners for the SLNP Guide’s Exams. With guides like this, you are sure to get a personal and interactive safari experience. Plus, at Chinzombo discoveries can be made by vehicle, on foot or by boat, as this camp boasts direct water access into one of the most game-rich areas of the South Luangwa National Park. We are talking about leopards, hippos, lions, elephants-who may even wonder through the park, hyenas, giraffes, countless bird species and much more. Start the day with a warm homemade breakfast, hop in the boat and meander across the river. With a fresh breeze and the first sunbeams warming your cheeks, the day starts with bathing elephants, lions on the hunt for their breakfast, and hippos sunbathing. And this is only the beginning. Get ready to lose yourself in all this richness and beauty. You won’t regret it.

Tripadvisor comments Chinzombo Safari Camp

Stunning modern elegant camp in the South Luangwa. The wildlife sightings were outstanding - zebra, lions, hyena, elephant, giraffe, impala, baboon, hippos'. The camp is beautifully decorated and peacefully located away from the main gate of the park. Guide and driver Brian did an outstanding job making our experience exciting and fun.

Mustlovebeagles from Naples, FA

We had a fantastic stay at this very smart lodge. Very nice tented accomodation with air-conditioning to help sleep at night in the hot months. The staff were great, food excellent and meals not too large. Each tenet (suite) has its own pool which is very refreshing as well as private. We used a boat to cross the river and into park. Great game viewing in South Luanga. Love to come back as 3 nights barely enough.

Ross H from Melbourne, Australia