Set beneath a canopy of evergreen mahogany trees on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Chiawa Camp occupies an exceptional position in the heart of Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.

This is one of Africa's great combinations of tiger fishing and safari. The Zambezi offers superb fishing for hard-fighting African tigerfish, while the surrounding national park supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Elephants wander along the river, hippos occupy the channels and backwaters, and lion, leopard and a host of plains game can be encountered throughout the area.

For anglers, the fishing is the main attraction, but Chiawa is equally well suited to couples, families and non-fishing companions looking for a classic African wilderness experience.

Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi

The Zambezi is renowned for its tigerfish, and the fishing around Chiawa is amongst the finest available.

Tigerfish are beautifully marked, aggressive predators with formidable teeth and an extraordinary reputation as fighting fish. They can be targeted with a variety of techniques, with the guides adapting the approach according to river conditions, water levels and fish activity.

Fishing takes place from boats and allows anglers to explore the main river as well as channels, islands and quieter areas where tigerfish can hunt. The surrounding scenery is spectacular, and it is not unusual to find yourself casting while elephants drink from the riverbank or hippos surface nearby.

The combination of powerful fish, warm African water and abundant wildlife makes a day on the Zambezi a memorable experience even when the fishing isn't the sole focus.

Chiawa Camp

Chiawa Camp blends beautifully into its surroundings, having been constructed largely from natural materials beneath the trees beside the Zambezi.

At the heart of camp is a beautiful thatched lounge and bar, complete with an upstairs viewing deck overlooking the river. It is an exceptional place to relax with a drink after a day's fishing or safari, watching wildlife along the river as the light changes.

Accommodation is provided in spacious, permanent luxury tents, each with its own private facilities and spectacular views over the Zambezi. The setting is wonderfully peaceful, with the sounds of the African bush and river providing a constant backdrop.

The camp also has a fascinating sense of history. David Livingstone passed through this area approximately 150 years ago, and the surrounding landscape remains wonderfully wild and remote.

A Classic African Safari

Chiawa is much more than a fishing lodge. Its position within the Lower Zambezi National Park provides outstanding opportunities for traditional safari activities.

Non-fishing days can be spent on game drives, bush walks and river safaris, while canoeing and boat trips provide another perspective on the wildlife and landscape.

The Zambezi is a particularly spectacular place from which to view wildlife. Elephants frequently come down to the water, while hippos and crocodiles are ever-present. The surrounding woodland and plains support lion, leopard, buffalo, antelope and an extraordinary variety of birdlife.

This makes Chiawa an excellent choice for mixed groups, with keen anglers able to fish hard while partners or friends can enjoy an equally rewarding safari programme.

Fishing and Safari Combined

A typical day can be built around the interests of your group. Anglers can head out early for the best fishing conditions, while non-fishing companions can join a game drive, bush walk or river safari.

There is also plenty of time to simply enjoy the camp. Sitting on the viewing deck overlooking the Zambezi, watching elephants move along the riverbank or enjoying a drink at sunset, is an experience in itself.

The result is a wonderfully balanced African holiday: serious tiger fishing combined with a first-class safari experience in one of Zambia's most beautiful wilderness areas.

Suggested Package

A typical Chiawa Camp programme includes:

Seven nights at Chiawa Camp

Full-board accommodation

Beverages

Laundry

Six days' guided tiger fishing

Game drives

Bush walks

Boat and river trips

The programme can be tailored around your group, with additional safari activities available for non-fishing companions.

Please contact us to discuss a bespoke Chiawa Camp itinerary and your Zambezi tiger fishing adventure.