Chiawa Safaris

Chiawa Safaris is a Zambian business owned by Grant and Lynsey Cumings. Chiawa Camp is their original flagship property in Lower Zambezi National Park, with a history that dates back to 1989. Chiawa now has an additional three camps between the Lower Zambezi and the South Luangwa, including Old Mondoro, Puku Ridge, and Chichele Presidential. Chiawa is exceptionally committed when it comes to keeping the camps clean and green, and the company constantly reviews its approach to climate positivity.

Chiawa Safaris is responsible for some excellent camps run by true pros. These properties strike the perfect balance between modern luxury and traditional old-school safari values, delivering warm hospitality and top-quality wildlife guiding. Chiawa is the flagship camp in the Lower Zambezi, and it remains a prime contender to this day. Once the second home of founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Chichele Presidential recently reopened following a mega refurbishment project and can now be considered South Luangwa’s most luxurious property. Grant and Lynsey are based in Lusaka, but they still run the company directly, and their influence is felt throughout. They are committed to providing guests with the best possible safari experience, infused with a homeliness that isn’t always achieved elsewhere. 

No less than 60 per cent of the employees in the Chiawa camps are from the surrounding communities, and staff try to buy local produce whenever possible. The company is passionate about conservation and is a strong voice within Zambia’s tourism industry, constantly championing best practices. Chiawa purchases internationally verified Carbon Credits through BioCarbon Partners, which offset all the emissions from the camps, including domestic flights. Natural, renewable materials are used in construction, and there are strict policies concerning waste and recycling. Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro are run completely on solar energy.

Arguably the finest camp in Lower Zambezi National Park, and even the whole of Zambia, according to many, Chiawa Camp provides a consistently excellent product. The wildlife guiding here is second to none, and you’ll be met with the warmest hospitality. Yes, it’s luxurious, but Chiawa is about so much more, namely the people!

Old Mondoro is a very special little camp, full of soul and character. A traditional bush camp in a wonderful area for walking safaris, it perfectly complements a stay at Chiawa, providing two completely different Lower Zambezi experiences. We love the camp’s simplicity and activities, including boating on the Zambezi River.

Puku Ridge is one of the most luxurious lodges in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, with unbeatable views over the Kakumbi floodplain. The suites have their own private plunge pools and star-beds where guests can sleep under the vast night sky.

Taken over by Chiawa in 2022, Chichele Presidential boasts some of the best views in South Luangwa National Park. Following an extensive recent refurbishment, Chichele is also a contender for the most luxurious accommodation in the area. Besides taking part in safari activities, guests can enjoy the new spa, yoga deck, and swimming pool.