Whilst some of Chiawa Camp's best game viewing ever has taken place this year, especially the leopard sightings, we have been busy in other arenas too. Earlier this month Chiawa Camp, with help from its guests, donated school uniforms and stationery at Chiawa & Mugurameno Basic Schools in an effort to promote education and to alleviate some of the poverty in the Lower Zambezi National Park. In addition, milk formula for an orphaned baby elephant was donated to Conservation Lower Zambezi who is caring for the elephant until it can be placed with other elephants. And we are working with stakeholders on a new Management Plan for the Lower Zambezi with a view to ensuring this delicate Park's long term preservation and sustainability.

The beginning of winter has excelled itself with game viewing. The Chongwe Valley has been brimming with game and the lions and leopards have found it a new and inviting territory. A short introductory canoe trip down the Chongwe River gave guests a fantastic sighting of four lions crossing the river.
The new Albida Suite at Chongwe River Camp will be opening this month. Situated alongside the Chongwe River, near the confluence with the Zambezi, this suite complete with private pool and lounging area, sleeps four. Each deluxe room will have a separate Bedouin tented roof with inter-leading pathways and en-suite bathrooms. Perfect for small families or friends traveling together!

Though a little chilli, the cold has not stopped the brilliant game viewing at Old Mondoro. The lion cubs are doing well and the wild dogs were up on the Jeki plain which made for some very interesting transfers to the airstrip! The new decks on all of the chalets have been greatly appreciated and have helped with some close up and personal elephant encounters. The new dining area and furniture have also created a very comfortable and relaxing area. Though Old Mondoro's focus is still on the walking, the addition of canoeing has made for a more varied and overall better experience in what is still the only bush camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park.  For the very best Lower Zambezi experience, combine Old Mondoro with either Chiawa or Sausage Tree Camp!

Wow, what a month this has been:  New lion cubs, Honore’s fabulous culinary creations, and extraordinary sightings, including two Wild Dog. The one was first documented by researchers in the valley….. 8 YEARS AGO!!!! An old male, now, called “Scap” due to a characteristic white patch between the scapular blades at the back of his neck.  Around camp, we are still having the odd midday elephant visits and Buffalo forays. Our rather large and resident hippo, Frank, has been spending the cooler afternoons doing what only Frank can do best…laze and soak up the sun. Our massage & therapy services have been a huge hit! Tanya's experience and expertise is second to none and everyone has been more than satisfied.

Due to the high water levels on the Zambezi River this year, many of our small islands around the lodge have been flooded thus bringing the fish & crocodiles closer to the lodge islands. We have a resident rather large Crocodile who has made his or her home base underneath Water berry chalet and can be seen on most days basking under the sunshine on the opposite bank. Our resident hippo have also taken to coming closer to the islands at night providing some rather amusing noises to entertain us as we sit and enjoy the warmth of the evening fires. The beautiful birds around the islands continue to sing and show off in the treetops with regular sightings of the resident Trumpeter hornbill & Giant Kingfishers.