Zambia, Lower Zambezi
Set beneath towering riverside mahogany trees, Chula Island Camp is nestled in the remote wilderness of Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Step outside your tented suite and find yourself on sandy beaches that stretch down to the meandering channels feeding the mighty Zambezi River. The air is alive with bird calls and the distant snort of hippos. This park, known for its abundance of big game—including lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard—places you right at the heart of Africa’s wild wonders.
Chula Island Camp caters to safari enthusiasts eager to explore on foot, by boat, and by vehicle. Accompanied by expert guides and armed rangers, you can enjoy thrilling bush walks, canoe safaris, and boat cruises that reveal the hidden gems of the ecosystem, from frogs (for which the camp is named) to vibrant kingfishers and water lilies. The Lower Zambezi is rich in biodiversity, home to antelope, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, and small carnivores, with exceptional birdwatching opportunities year-round.
Open from mid-May to November, during Zambia’s dry season, Chula offers the ideal weather for game viewing. With just four intimate tented suites, the camp offers a relaxed and exclusive experience, perfect for adventurous couples, nature photographers, and solo travelers. It can also be booked as a private camp, making it an excellent choice for groups of friends or families with older children.
- Pristine island location within Lower Zambezi National Park
- Open during the most optimal and comfortable season for wildlife viewing
- Expert safari guides and attentive camp hosts
- Explore the river by canoe or enjoy a tranquil boat cruise
- Exceptional birdwatching opportunities for all levels of enthusiasts
- Only four en-suite tents, offering an intimate, peaceful atmosphere
- Eco-friendly, solar-powered accommodations with a low environmental footprint
Private Tents
Chula Island Camp features just four tented suites, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding water and woodland. The tents, equipped with insect-proof mesh netting, allow you to lie back in bed and watch the Zambezi wildlife drift by, while privacy can be easily achieved by drawing the curtains. Outside, a pair of comfortable chairs await you.
Each suite is furnished with a twin or double bed, dressed in crisp linen, along with a bedside table, luggage rack, and clothing shelves. Solar-powered electric lighting provides convenience, while the en-suite bathroom, accessible directly from the bedroom, includes a flush toilet, basin, and a classic safari open-air bucket shower, complete with towels and toiletries. Hot water is available upon request from the attentive staff.
A large, open-sided canvas tent makes up Chula’s main meeting and socialising area. Step inside and you will find a dining table with director’s chairs, a small but well-stocked bar and a drinking water dispenser to refill your personal supply.
If you would like to read about the Zambezi and its wildlife then the camp has a small reference library to browse through. A nice touch is the free laundry service provided by the camp and there is also a battery recharging station in the main tent foChula’s main meeting and socializing area consists of a large, open-sided canvas tent. Upon entering, you will find a dining table with director’s chairs, a small but well-stocked bar, and a drinking water dispenser to refill your personal supply.
If you’re interested in learning about the Zambezi and its wildlife, the camp offers a small reference library for you to browse. A nice feature of the camp is the complimentary laundry service, and there is also a battery recharging station in the main tent for your electronic devices.r your electrical devices.
At Chula Island Camp, guests enjoy three delicious meals a day, with most dietary preferences catered for with prior notice. Meals are served at a communal table, either outdoors or inside the communal tent, depending on the weather. Local soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and filtered drinking water are provided both in your suite and at the main camp.
The day begins with an early wake-up call followed by a light breakfast around the campfire, featuring toast, cereals, fruit, porridge, and beverages like tea, coffee, and fruit juice. After your morning safari, a buffet lunch awaits, offering a variety of meats, vegetable dishes, salads, and desserts. Lunch timings are flexible to accommodate wildlife sightings during game drives. In the evening, enjoy a lantern-lit 3-course dinner at a set table, capping off a day of adventure.
