Search Icon Search
GBP (£)
  • GBP (£)
  • US DOLLARS ($)
+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip
GBP (£)
  • GBP (£)
  • US DOLLARS ($)
+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip
+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip
Safari Camp
Zambia

Chula Island Camp
Lower Zambezi

Chula Island Camp, Lake Malawi, Zambia
Chula Island Camp, Lake Malawi, Zambia
Chula Island Camp, Lake Malawi, Zambia
JUMP TO
Chula Island Camp, Lake Malawi, Zambia

Highlights

  • Remote and Exclusive Location: Nestled on a pristine, private island in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Chula Island Camp is a hidden gem, offering guests an unmatched sense of tranquility and isolation. The camp is only accessible by boat, ensuring privacy and a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Rich Wildlife Experience: The Lower Zambezi region is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Guests can witness not only the iconic “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos – but also other incredible wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and rare bird species. The region’s varied ecosystems, from riverfronts to woodlands, provide diverse habitats for animals, making each safari outing unique.
  • Varied Activities: Chula Island Camp offers an array of exciting and immersive activities. Game drives, led by experienced guides, explore the vast savannah, while boat safaris on the Zambezi River provide the opportunity to view wildlife from a different perspective. Walking safaris, conducted with expert guides, allow for deeper engagement with the natural surroundings. Additionally, guests can enjoy world-class fishing, targeting species like tigerfish, bream, and tilapia.
  • Luxurious Accommodations: The camp features spacious, tented chalets with panoramic views of the river and surrounding wilderness. Each tent is designed with comfort in mind, combining modern amenities with a rustic feel. Ensuite bathrooms with hot running water, comfortable beds, and private verandas offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature. The elevated tents are strategically placed to ensure guests enjoy the spectacular views while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
  • Eco-friendly Focus: Chula Island Camp is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. The camp is designed with minimal environmental impact, using solar power for electricity, eco-friendly waste disposal systems, and locally sourced materials. The staff is trained in conservation efforts, and the camp actively participates in community and wildlife protection initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits both the environment and local communities.
  • Private and Intimate Experience: With a limited number of guests allowed at any given time, Chula Island Camp provides an exclusive and intimate atmosphere. This allows for personalized service and the flexibility to tailor experiences to guest preferences. The small scale of the camp ensures that guests can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful experience, often having the wildlife and camp to themselves.

Good to know

How to get there

To reach the camp, you can take a 1-hour flight from Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi’s main airstrip, followed by a scenic boat transfer to the camp, which takes approximately 30 to 40-minutes. Alternatively, chartered flights can be arranged to Kulefu Airstrip, just a 10-minute drive away.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Chula Island Camp, though the camp is best suited for families with children aged 8 and older. Given the nature of the safari activities, including walking and canoeing safaris, it is recommended for children 12 and above. The camp can offer tailored experiences for families, ensuring younger guests have a memorable and safe adventure in the wilderness.

Giving back

Chula Island Camp actively supports local communities through various initiatives that foster sustainable livelihoods and long-term conservation efforts. Here are the key aspects of their community support:

  • Skills Training and Employment Opportunities: The camp provides local employment and skills development, helping to reduce reliance on unsustainable practices like poaching.
  • Sustainable Livelihood Initiatives: Chula Island Camp promotes initiatives that enhance local communities’ ability to thrive without compromising the environment.
  • Local Engagement: Guests are encouraged to interact with nearby communities, gaining insight into Zambia’s rich cultural heritage while contributing to cultural preservation.
  • Community Collaboration: The camp works closely with local communities on educational and conservation projects, ensuring that its presence benefits both people and wildlife in the Lower Zambezi region.
  • Conservation Partnerships: By supporting anti-poaching and conservation efforts, Chula Island Camp plays a vital role in safeguarding the biodiversity of the area.

Wildlife you are likely to see

Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is teeming with diverse wildlife. The unique combination of riverine and woodland habitats ensures that guests encounter a wide variety of species, both large and small. Wildlife you’re likely to see includes:

Mammals:

  • Big Cats: Lions and leopards are common sightings, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
  • Elephants: Large herds can often be spotted near the riverbanks, particularly during the dry season.
  • African Buffalo: Herds are frequently seen grazing along the river or in the open woodlands.
  • Hippos and Crocodiles: Abundant in the Zambezi River, both species are frequently encountered on safaris.
  • Plains Game: Includes kudu, impala, waterbuck, and the occasional zebra.
  • Rare Species: Guests may be lucky to spot the elusive wild dog or the endangered pangolin.

Birdlife:

  • Waterbirds: Fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons are commonly spotted along the river.
  • Birds of Prey: Martial eagles, bateleurs, and tawny eagles can often be seen soaring overhead.
  • Migratory Birds: During the wet season, species like storks and bee-eaters make a colorful appearance.

Reptiles:

  • Nile Crocodiles: Often seen basking on the riverbanks.
  • Lizards and Snakes: Various reptiles can be found around the camp and the surrounding wilderness.

Why we love Chula Island Camp

What sets Chula Island Camp apart is its exclusive island location in the heart of the Zambezi River, offering unparalleled privacy and a true wilderness experience. Its focus on walking and canoeing safaris provides an intimate, immersive way to explore the bush, allowing guests to connect with nature up close with a unique lens.

Melissa 130 CTA
Melissa Kirby

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Chula Island Camp, Lake Malawi, Zambia

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

ENQUIRE
UK: +44 207 384 2332
US: +1 800 409 4233
Aisha Gross
Melissa cta 230
Melissa Kirby