567SusanA567
Google
Chiawa is located on the Zambezi River in the lower Zambezi National Park||We landed at the airport and joined another couple going to the same camp. We were then met by 2 people from our camp. Climbing into the vehicle, the four of us headed to the river. On this short drive there were so many elephant families including very young babies everywhere you looked. They took no notice of us, just intent on eating. ||We arrived at the Zambezi River and boarded a pontoon like boat and told the trip would be approximately 50 minutes depending upon what we might see. Our "captain" crisscrossed the wide fast-moving water to show us the temporary homes of the Bee Eaters, who stop here on their migration. Suddenly the driver of the boat slowed down and turned around because he thought he saw something on the high bank of the Zimbabwe side of the river! Turned out there were 3 lions. One male lion walked over to the edge of the embankment, looked down at us curiously, posed for a bit and then went back to join the other two lions!! Our first "game drive" and from the boat!||The boat trip wound through multiple pods of hippos, and delivered us to the dock of a larger camp. We were welcomed with song and smiles. We gathered in the beautiful lounge containing sofas, chairs and a bar, all facing the river. Reminding us that our camp was "in “nature, and that nature occasionally visits. For this reason, traveling between tent and meals and game drives, guests are escorted. One day, we were held back while an elephant grazed on a bush by the kitchen! The elephant never even looked up. A variety of activities are offered, which you are encouraged to experience. I won't spoil the many surprises the camp offers.||Our unit was the "Safari Suite" which was amazing! Entered through the living room with complete with bookcases, sofa and chairs, powder room, followed by the bathroom with footed tub, shower, sinks over-looking the river, to our big, beautiful bedroom. All is screened off from the outside, so no visitors could join us. Outside a deck ran the width of our tent had dining table and chairs on 2 levels, a plunge pool, couch and chairs and to top it off - an outside shower! ||Some neighborly baboons dropped by for a sip of fresh water but quickly scampered away when they noticed my husband on a lounge chair just steps away. Our view was from high looking down on the banks of the river teaming with herds of impala and occasional elephants.||The first night, my husband was tired and declined the night drive. I opted to go with our guide Nicholas and tracker Vic. We set off to find "something interesting". Because a white light in the dark puts the prey animals at risk, only a red light is shown over bushes, trees and open spaces. We would come upon a herd of prey that we would not bother by shining any light at them. Even the headlights have red filters over them. Suddenly, our tracker told Nicolas he spotted a "cat", a leopard! Backing up we realized there were two, and they were on a date! We watched them cavorting in the red light which they took no notice of and then we decided to move on.||On our way back to camp, Nicolas stopped the vehicle, turned off the truck and gave me a lesson on the Milky Way, constellation Scorpius and the definition of light years. It was fascinating, a real treat! He loves his job and sharing his knowledge.||The food was fancy, with large servings. Camp is flexible with seating at meals, by yourselves or with the other campers, I think all you need to do is ask. Top level of service, all the employees know your name and proudly share their name tags. They work hard to accommodate your every need. ||Routine: Early call at 5 with coffee and biscuits being delivered to the door. The early drives increase your chances of seeing more animals while the air is still cool. Our escort returns at 5:30, and accompanies us to breakfast which is a fabulous spread of anything you could have possibly wanted. Our driver greets us at 6am and we are off. As we walk to our vehicle, we are offered a wet, icy cold, folded-up Serape to drape over our shoulders and neck! What a bonus! Really made the heat bearable and lasted quite a long time! Very refreshing idea!||Many elephants - grouped in families of all ages including month old babies, older bull groups, young males sparing, and a large tusker standing in the river with his trunk draped over his tusk! We come upon a small pride of 2 lionesses, 3 adolescent cubs and an injured, limping lioness that trails behind the small group. The small group cannot move quickly to hunt as they stop to wait for the lioness. We are told the injured lioness has improved greatly from walking on just 3 paws to 3 paws and knuckles of the injured paw-- Nicolas told us that lions do recover from most injuries.||After visiting other camps, we found the routine at Chiawa Camp very desirable. Upon our return from our morning drive, brunch is served at 11am providing a longer break/siesta before the activity midafternoon. Versus - returning from morning drive, short rest, lunch at noon, short rest, and evening game drive approximately 4pm.||Juliette was in control and oversaw everything, from notifying us of the elephant in the camp, the lovely surprise she arranged for us - TWICE, and answering all questions. Made to feel very welcomed and comfortable. ||We loved looking out over the Zambezi River, the more relaxed routine, the high quality of food, the interaction with staff including the people that accompanied us to/from our tents, and the varied topography. I would say this was my favorite camp.
