Chiawa Camp

This gorgeous bush camp in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is a superb spot to enjoy both a fabulous safari and superb tiger fishing. 

A famous Fishing Camp

Chiawa Camp is situated in the Lower Zambezi National Park, in Zambia, on the banks of the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is 2,700 km long and meanders through the park, attracting much wildlife to its islands. It is reached from Lusaka in Zambia, either by private charter or by a road and boat trip which allows guests to enjoy some of the incredible scenery. Chiawa Camp has long been one of the most famous fishing camps on the Lower Zambezi.

These waters are free from netting and are hence your best bet for lots of big fish. Due to their privileged situation inside the National Park, the lodge is restricted to operating only two boats at any one time making it some of the most exclusive tiger fishing on the Zambezi. Chiawa Camp can therefore only host a maximum of four to six fishing clients. The boats used are five metre tri-hulls.

After an incredibly successful trip in 1999 Chiawa camp was visited by Larry Dahlberg, international adventurer and host of ESPN’s Hunt for Big Fish. He wrote, “Having the fuselage of a bonefish, the tail of a tarpon, the paint job of a striper, teeth like a bull shark and a compound hinged jaw that works like a turbo powered paper shredder, Hydrocynnus vittatus (Latin for striped river dog) is perhaps the most capable and impressive freshwater predator on earth.”

overlooking the Zambezi River

Chiawa is a private tented camp owned and run by Grant Cumings, whose family founded the camp in 1989.

Chiawa Camp is tastefully designed to fit in with its magnificent setting amongst a grove of Mahogany and Acacia trees. All of the eight tents have en-suite facilities, insect screens and solar powered lighting. The camp has a thatched lounge with an upstairs observation deck, and the bar and dining areas look over the Zambezi River and the animals that regularly drink around the lodge.

While staying at Chiawa guests can enjoy excellent game viewing on both day and night game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, or by foot with an armed guide. Canoeing along the Zambezi river is also a great way to view the birds and mammals along the riverbank, or for those who want the more relaxed option sundowner cruises can be organised.

“Superb camp with excellent game viewing. First days fishing, with my first cast and I caught my first ever tiger fish weighing in at 10 pounds 3 ounces. Fantastic trip.” Mr. H. Brively – UK

professionally guided sport fishing

Expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tiger fish (camp record 10.1kg, average 2kg) and other species that abound in the Zambezi River. Chiawa Camp is currently the only lodge offering professionally guided sport fishing inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.