Old Mondoro is an exclusive bush camp overlooking the Zambezi River in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The concept of this intimate camp of only 5 chalets plus a two bedroom family suite is simple. Providing guests with an authentic and unedited Zambian safari. And a “back to the bush” atmosphere that centralizes on the wildlife and wilderness experience. That disconnects you from the internet. And reconnects you with nature, yourself, and your loved ones. A more down-to-earth though no less comfortable or rewarding safari experience.
Situated far inside the Park in lovely walking country with great game viewing. Old Mondoro is a great spot, especially for elephants, leopards, and seasonal wild dog sightings. Meandering elephant walk in camp throughout the day. To slake their thirst from the channel (or your outdoor bath). Or to pick fallen pods from the roof of your bush chalet.
An open sided sitenje (dining area) looks out across the full bodied grey river. Over snorting, sun baking hippos, and elephant crossing between river islands. Towards the far bank, which is actually the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
A destination in itself, Old Mondoro is owned and operated by the Cumings family of the pioneer Chiawa Camp. Which boasts enhanced luxuries and bush sophistication. This makes a combination safari of these two camps a most rewarding visit to the Lower Zambezi.
Chalet 1 looks directly over the Zambezi and is closest to the social area of camp. Chalet 2 looks over the Zambezi and the mouth of the Old Mondoro lagoon. Chalets 3 – 5 look over the lagoon with side views of the Zambezi. These chalets generally see the most wildlife from their rooms. As the lagoon attracts much wildlife. However some guests prefer the rooms closer to the Zambezi. Others prefer these for the game.
Bush Chalet
The chalets have a canvas roof, reed and canvas walls, and cement floors. Each chalet holds a romantically netted king bed (or two large twins) with a view through the wide reed windows. Each room has an electric fan, en suite indoor loo and washbasin. Both with views of the Zambezi or the lagoon. There is an outdoor shower and outdoor “splash tub” which is a giant bath for two. Or in the hotter months providing a cooling wallow. Elephants have been known to drink from the bath whilst guests have been cooling off! Water is heated by solar.
Outdoor Bubble Bath
There is 24/7 power for lighting and charging. No WIFI!
A private deck provides additional seating for afternoon naps, or getting lost in a book. Or, just observing the movie worthy backdrop of the mighty Zambezi or winterthorn trees across the channel. Where an endless variety of Zambia wildlife can be seen weaving throughout the shade and cooling off in the water.
Old Mondoro Family Suite
A two bedroom suite with two bathrooms and its own camp fire make for an ideal family escape. Almost identical to the above chalets, it was originally the owners house. It is now available for families on special request.
One bedroom is the same as the normal chalets. The second bedroom has all the above but no splash tub. This room overlooks the Zambezi and is visited by elephants regularly. Although it is closer to the kitchen and managers’ tent so sometimes this can be distracting. However it is still a very popular room.
2 bedroom Family Tent
Lower Zambezi National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park, by virtue of the Zambezi River and its parallel escarpment, is one of Africa’s most scenic wildernesses. In comparison to typical African safaris, the Lower Zambezi safari experiences are unique. More remote, more exclusive, and experiential in nature. For safari experiences viewed not only on land based activities, but also on a variety of water based activities. It is home to an impressive quantity and variety of wildlife.
Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro are in the middle of prime wildlife and habitat zones of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Guests do not have to travel far to see wildlife. What’s more, often wildlife make their way into camp.
Big cat sightings (some of the most prolific leopard sightings to be had in Africa) with the magic of the water providing island hopping buffalo and elephant. As well as an extreme concentration of hippo. Providing out of this world game sightings.
Game drive vehicles
The game drive vehicles are specially adapted open 4wd vehicles with comfy seats, and pockets to stow your gear. Plus, of course, bean bags to steady your camera for those all important photos. Although vehicles with canopies are available upon request, we suggest going open! Canopies interfere with the overall safari experience. The views of the trees and birds during the day. And at night the stars, aside from leopards feeding in the trees. Game drive vehicles have 3 bench seats with a back rest and a foot rest for each, so up to 6 guests can each travel comfortably with a ‘window seat’. However, Old Mondoro typically allow a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle.
The vehicles have cooler boxes and first aid kits. They all have a VHF radio for safety and for the guides to share news of interesting sightings.
Old Mondoro Activities ↓
Explore the safari activities below. All of which are included during your unforgettable stay at Old Mondoro.
Game drives
Game drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. This is depending on what’s seen and the requirements of the guests. The early morning drives catch the bush coming to life. And can be a good time to find how successful predators have been after a night of hunting. A mid morning coffee stop, perhaps watching a pod of hippos. In the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners.
Buffalo on game drive
Once the sun has set, night drives continue. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives. Perhaps the most interesting of all safari activities. They use filtered spotlights, which do not interfere with the well being and behavior of wildlife. Making it much easier on your eyes too. This is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, and genet. And also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill. Or a leopard stalking through the bush. These drives last as long as they need to.
Leopard
Bush walks
A walking safari is the purest safari experience. And often the most thrilling! Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a “micro safari”. You don’t cover as much area than in a vehicle. But you get a better understanding of the Eco-system and the circle of life.
Safari walk with elephants
An armed ranger and qualified and experienced pro guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot. Interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. Elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats. So expect anything at anytime. The pace is leisurely. Flexibility on duration so guests determine this. Typically, a few hours are sufficient.
Lion on walking safari
Canoe Safari
Trade land for the mighty river with a canoe safari experience. Drifting in near silence past birds, crocs and a variety of mammals makes for a time to remember. No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Canoe safaris may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day. The most popular is the 90 minute trip where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to “Sunset Strip”. Enjoy sundowners and then a night game drive back to camp. Please note: Canoe safaris are river level dependent.
Canoe Safari
River safaris
One of the great aspects of a visit to Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro is the variety of activities offered by virtue of it’s presence on the Zambezi river.
The river safaris are in custom built, motorized pontoons with a canopy that can be raised or lowered according to circumstance. They are powered by near silent, environmentally sensitive 4-stroke outboard motors. Thus, each river safari gives guests the opportunity to see more of the river and perhaps more Zambian wildlife by being able to cover more area. And in more comfort and safety than a canoe.
Enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels. While viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life. You never know what to expect, coming across fish eagles, herons, perhaps a buffalo lurking in the reeds. You’ll see crocs and hippos sunning themselves, or elephants crossing the river. This is a relaxing way to enjoy wildlife viewing all the while in awe of the scenery. As the sun sets, your guide will pour your cocktails of choice. And serve you snacks before gently motoring back to camp. Or dropping you off at a waiting 4×4 to take you on a night drive.
Elephants on boating safari
Tiger Fishing
Tiger fishing on the Zambezi is recommended by authoritative anglers and in publications such as The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy. And Forbes Traveler. Expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish which are caught on fly or conventional tackle.
The best time to catch them is from late August to mid November during the hotter months. However, tiger fish and other species can be caught throughout the Zambian safari season. Netting and killing of any fish is not permitted within the National Park. And a 100% catch & release applies for all species.
Tigerfish
Dining at Old Mondoro
Dining at Old Mondoro is a culinary experience not to be missed. The varied menus, the paired wines, the presentation, the great company and of course the location. All this changes all the time so prepare to be surprised as well as delighted.
Its excellent Afro/Euro fusion cuisine suites most palates. From simple to complex. Menus and recipes have been enhanced over time with a view to balance health, variety and some indulgence. You are on holiday after all!
Meals are prepared with the freshest of ingredients and with the utmost care. Vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, and lactose intolerant diets are all well catered to with advance notice. Some of the gluten free breads are world class, and said to be better than you would find in many specialist delis overseas.
Depending on the time of year and the day’s activities, breakfasts, brunches and lunches are served plated. Or hot and cold buffet style. Usually al-fresco, sometimes in the bush, and even on a boat in the middle of the Zambezi!
Afternoon tea with sweet and savory snacks is usually overlooking the river and just prior to the afternoon safari activities. Dinners are multiple courses, and usually under the stars or by the camp fire.
Responsible Tourism
Although by no means perfect, Chiawa Safaris is leading the way in Zambia in responsible tourism. And making sure that future generations will inherit a better planet and be able to see the wildlife and scenes that we enjoy today.
The owner of Chiawa Safaris, Grant Cumings, is a founding member and Trustee of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ). A non-profit organization committed to the protection of the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the surrounding Chiawa Game Management Area. Chiawa Safaris’ basic ethos is to consider communities as stakeholders and ultimate beneficiaries of conservation and Eco-tourism.
Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro were Africa’s first carbon neutral certified safari camps. Through their initiative, other camps joined in making the Lower Zambezi NP Africa’s first Carbon Neutral national park. This has now spread to the South Luangwa where other camps too are achieving Carbon Neutrality. So, what does this mean exactly? This means that the carbon emissions of their camps, including all logistical/supply/conservation activities and even domestic flights of their guests and management, have been carefully calculated and that these emissions are offset through the purchase of internationally verified Carbon Credits through BioCarbon Partners.
Every stay contributes through: Guest pay a Park, Conservation and Carbon Fee. Staying at Chiawa Safaris supports Conservation Lower Zambezi. Which funds environmental education and essential conservation in the area. Taking part in safari activities in the area, together with contributed funds, supports anti-poaching efforts. Practicing only catch and release tiger fishing on the Zambezi River. Supporting a camp which employs more than 70 local Zambians. Who in turn support another 500 individuals. Choosing to stay at a camp which has a Carbon Neutral, Silver status.
Best time to visit Old Mondoro
Old Mondoro Camp is open from 1st May to 10th November each year. This is when there is little rainfall and low humidity. Shoulder Season: 1st May – 30th June & 16th October – 10th November Peak Season: 1st July – 15th October
Lower Zambezi Seasons & Wildlife Calendar
Daily Avg Temperature °C
Rainfall
Wildlife & Scenery
May
27°C Cooler AM/PM
0 mm
Flowers bloom, very green landscapes great for photography contrast with wildlife
June
Predators abound making for excellent sightings of hunting
Lower water levels great for canoeing, Tiger Fishing at its peak time
Getting to Old Mondoro
Jeki (JEK) airstrip services Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro
Fly: From Lusaka Airport or Mfuwe, both camps are serviced by flights into Jeki Airstrip. Boat & Drive: From Jeki it is a safari transfer by vehicle and boat to access both camps. Between camps is a very scenic 60 to 90 min min boat transfer. This depends on stops you may make to view wildlife.
Chat with us to arrange these and any other transfers.
Old Mondoro Accommodation Rates
2024
Bush Chalet Rates
1st May – 30th June 2024 and 16th October – 10th November 2024
1st July – 15th October 2024
Per adult sharing
US$ 1 255
US$ 1 700
Child (12 – 17 yrs) sharing with adult/s
US$ 575
2025
Bush Chalet Rates
1st May – 30th June 2025 and 16th October – 10th November 2025
1st July – 15th October 2025
Per adult sharing
US$ 1400
US$ 1875
1st child (8 – 17 yrs) sharing with 1 or 2 x adults
US$ 575*
Rates Include: 16% VAT and transfers between Chiawa Safaris camps and airfields. Accommodation. All meals (private dining available), beverages, house wines, local spirits & laundry. Professionally guided safari activities: Game drives (day & night), Bush walks, Boat trips, Angling, Canoe trips.
Privately guided safari activities will be offered as much as possible.
Rates Exclude: Park, Conservation, Community & Carbon Collection Fees. Air or river transfers to/from Lower Zambezi. Any airport departure tax or access fees. Park angling permits and lost or broken fishing tackle. Gratuities, visa fees and personal extras.
Old Mondoro Accommodation Special Offers
Shoulder Season Offer
Stay 3 and pay 2 at Old Mondoro. Valid: 1st May – 30th June & 16th October – 14th November every year.
The below offers are valid all seasons
Stay 5 pay 4, or Stay 7 pay 5 at Old Mondoro.
Best of Both Worlds
Stay 5 pay 4, or Stay 7 pay 5 at a combination of Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro.
Safari Ultimate at Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa
Stay 9 pay 6 at a combination of Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro or Puku Ridge. Three nights at each camp with one night free per camp. So, three nights FREE!
