Location & Facilities

”Chikwenya” literally translated as “to be scratched” is located on the banks of the mighty Zambesi River at the confluence of the Sapi River. The Chikwenya lease area is a private concession of 12 000 acres boundered to the West by the world heritage site, Mana Pools National Park and to the East by the Zimbabwe National Parks Sapi Safari area.

The Zambezi River floodplain is famous for its acacia forests, commonly known as winter thorn which, provide a protein rich pod fueling the diverse ecosystem of the lower Zambezi valley. Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are abundant as well as eland, nyala, zebra, kudu, impala, baboon, waterbuck and warthog. This section of the river also hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippo found anywhere in Africa.

Teeming with fish of all species, primarily the ferocious tiger fish, the river provides fishing of unbeatable standard.

Enjoying uninterrupted views of spectacular sunsets and year round game, the lodge has been designed to compliment its wild surroundings. There are 8 private accommodation lodges, each with private bathroom, dressing room, outside shower and colonial bath. All rooms have both air conditioning and overhead fans. Exclusively decorated, each room has been built on a teak platform with a private deck from which to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Zambesi River Valley. Additional to these rooms, are a unique Honeymoon Suite with its own spa bath and a Presidential Suite with private swimming pool, dining and bar area

Accommodation & Rates

Standard Lodges
At Chikwenya, we have 8 private standard lodges. Each lodge has its own private bathroom, dressing room, outside shower and colonial bath. Each has both air conditioning and overhead fans. The lodges are all thatched, with the front half being solely teak windows and doors and the back section built out of the eco friendly hydro form bricks. The lodges have been exclusively decorated by premier interior decorators. Built on teak platforms, each lodge has a private deck from which to relax with an ice cold cocktail whilst enjoying the magnificent sunsets and wildlife in the Zambezi River Valley.

Honeymoon Suite
Situated at the far eastern section of the lodge is the Honeymoon Suite. Set slightly apart from the nearest standard lodge, the honeymoon suite mirrors the standard lodges with the exception of the added attraction of an outside spa bath.

Presidential Suite
Located on the eastern edge of the Lodge is the ultra luxurious ‘presidential suite’, comprising of a bedroom, private bathroom, spa bath, outside shower and colonial bath, private swimming pool, private dining and bar area, lounge and fire place, private deck and outside gardens. A dream destanation with excellent value for money.

Other Areas
Dining, Lounge and Entertainment area
The central section of the lodge is where the dining, lounge, bar and entertainment area is located. The main dining and lounge area is set slightly back from the river bank and is predominantly under thatch, with an outside deck for evening dining. Right on the banks of the river is the main swimming pool, deck, fire pit and bar.

A small library and internet corner is located in the main dining/lounge area. A four sided fireplace is the central feature of the dining room and lounge.

Cultural, Research and Memoir Centre:
There is a cultural and research centre from where research in the concessions area will be conducted, plus a small memoir shop, featuring local artists where curios and mementoes can be purchased..

Rates
Standard Rooms
Low Season:  March 1st to June 30th & October 1st to December 20th
USD350 per person sharing per night
USD450 per single room per night

Children 7 - 12yrs - US100 per night if sharing with parents

High Season:  July 1st to September 30th
USD400.00 PER PERSON sharing per night
USD 500.00 per single room per night

Children 7 – 12 yrs – US100 per night if sharing with parents

Presidential Suite :
Low Season : 
USD450 per person sharing per night
USD550 per single room per night

Children 7 - 12yrs - US100 per night if sharing with parents

High Season:
USD 500.00 per person sharing per night
USD 600.00 per single room per night

Children 7 - 12yrs - US100 per night if sharing with parents

Rates include:
Accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees, filtered water and all activities.  Activities include – fishing (inclusive of boat hire with driver/guide, all fuel and fishing equipment and tackle), game drives and game cruises.

Rates exclude:
All drinks except for filtered water (bottled on site).
2% government tourism levy
All parks and fishing fees
Airport departure taxes

National Parks Entry Fee which covers a 7 day period :
Zimbabwe Residents : USD5 per person
International Clients : US20 per person
SADC clients – US15 per person

River usage fees
Zimbabwe residents : USD2 per boat
Persons not resident in Zimbabwe : US5 per person

Fishing Fees
Zimbabwe residents : USD2 per person per day
Persons not resident in Zimbabwe : US5 per vehicle

Self drive Vehicle Charges (Saloon vehicles, pick ups and 4 wheel drive vehicles)
Zimbabwe residents : USD2 per vehicle
Persons not resident in Zimbabwe : US5 per vehicle

Air Charters : Harare to Chikwenya

Cessna 206 / Single Engine / 5 Seater  - USD1100 per way
Maximum luggage allowance of 10kgs per person in soft bags (no suitcases)
(1hr 20mins)

Piper Navajo / Twin engine /7 passengers- US1500 per way
Maximum luggage allowance of 10kgs per person in soft bags (no suitcases)
(50mins)

Caravan / Twin Engine / 12 seater / bigger groups – US2250 per way
(50 mins)

Clients are required to pay US10 per person for local airport departure tax when flying out of Harare or Vic Falls.  This is paid directly to Civil Aviation or to the pilot directly at the airport in USD cash.

Terms and conditions:
50% payment to confirm booking

Full payment 6 weeks prior to travel dates

Cancellation 4 weeks or less – no refund

Cancellation 6 3eeks or more – full refund

Activities

Guided Game Walks
See some of the most spectacular wildlife in Africa up close and personal, with a a qualified Professional Guide at your side.

Guided Game Drives
Enjoy a new and exciting atmosphere as you take a drive through the Chikwenya bush. All drives are conducted in new landrover vehicles with no top for optimum viewing. Each vehicle seats nine people but private game drives can be arranged. A closed vehicle is available on request.

See the African big five! See and even get up close to some of the most majestic animals native to Africa. An experience you'll never forget.

Fishing
Try your hand at some of the most spectacular tiger fishing in Africa with the help of our experienced fishing guides. All equipment, tackle and bait are included in the daily rates that you pay.

Canoeing
Enjoy a new world of scenery as you drift through the waters of the mighty Zambezi River. Get close to the wildlife and experience Africa how it should be. A nice time to sit back and relax and enjoy the wonderful world of Chikwenya.

Bird/Tree Identification

Wildlife Photography

 

How to get there

International flights go to both Victoria Falls and to Harare.  From there you will take a charter flight directly to Chikwenya Lodge.

You are able to self drive from Harare but the roads are not in a very good condition and you would need a 4x4 vehicle.  There is 300kms of tar road to the entrance of Mana Pools National Park, then a further 103kms of dirt road (the first 30 kms is rather bad (very corrugated) & next 20kms on good dirt BUT the last 50kms is very sandy.)