Location & Facilities

Chawalo Safari Camp is situated on the Northern bank of the Mighty Zambezi River, 15km East (down stream) from the district capital of Zumbo. Zumbo is on the confluence of the Zambezi and the Luangwa Rivers. The concession runs 90km north up the Luangwa River from the confluence and 25km east down the Zambezi. The total area is approximately 334 000 hectares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodation & Rates

The lodge is built on the bank of the Zambezi River, with a rare view of the river and the valley stretching up stream for about 30km. Accommodation is in traditional thatched chalets with en- suite bathrooms and all beds are equipped with mosquito nets.
There are seven chalets with ceiling fans available and the swimming pool offers a welcome alternative in the warmer months where visitors can cool down, relax and enjoy the magnificent view.

Meals and drinks are enjoyed at the central dining room or around the fire at the "Braai".

Please bear in mind that this is also a hunting camp and all game that is shot during a hunt is utilized in the Kitchen.   Cooldrinks and local Mozambique and Zambian beers are included.   Specialities can be imported by prior arrangement.

Rates:

7-Day Package / minimum of four persons – R10500 per person
5- Day Package / minimum of four persons – R8500 per person

Includes :
* Fishing boat, fuel, coxswain/guide and bait for fishing.
* All meals, soft drinks and beer
* All lodging and housekeeping services are included, with a daily laundry service.

Excluded:
*  International Flights, taxes and transfers to Luangwa
*  All "hard tack" (alcohol)
*  Items of a personal nature and gratuities

We do offer fully inclusive packages that include an air charter from Lusaka International Airport (45min) or a road transfer with a 10 seater Toyota Quantum mini bus (5hours).

One way air charters from Lusaka to Luangwa
US925 per way / Barren  (5 seater)
US1400 per way / Islander (8seater)
US1700 per way / Caravan (12 seater)

Road transfer / 320kms /6hrs – US800 return.

Activities

The stretch of Zambezi River utilised by Chawalo Safaris is famous for the large number of monster-sized Tiger Fish that are encountered by the angler. The reason for this is the fast flowing Zambezi River upstream from the camp, and deep, calmer waters entering into the nearby Lake Cahorra Bassa.   Another worthy fish in this area is the Vundu Catfish, which can reach a weight of 60kg.  The camp record for Vundu was established in December 2008 by Mr. Henry Gradwell of the Natal South Coast in South Africa, with a 36kg fish landed on 5kg Power Pro Braided Line. In October 2009 this record was smashed by Mr. Wally Tolmay of Kokstad, Southern Natal with a 42kg specimen.

The current camp record Tiger is 10kg, taken on the 3rd of October 2007.  In July 2009 a 8,65kg Tiger was landed on fly. Another 8kg was taken on fly during the third week of September 2009. Various fish in the7kg class were landed during the 2009 fishing season.

Chawalo is fortunate to only have small distances to travel on daily fishing expeditions (most of the fishing is conducted within 10km from camp) and boat rides are no longer necessary.  This saves fishing time on the water and keeps fuel costs down. (all boat fuel is inclusive).
Chawalo can accommodate up to eight fly fishermen with two anglers per boat, and up to twelve conventional spinning guests at three per boat. Chawalo Safaris currently has two 540 Pike aluminium boats built by "Ali Boats". These are 17.5ft, fully decked boats with 100hp, 4 stroke Yamaha motors.  Chawalo Safaris also has one 560 Orca 18ft "Ali Boat" and two 17ft fiber glass boats with 2 stoke engines.
This modern equipment together with the knowledge of the local guides, breathtaking scenery on the Zambezi River and lake Cahorra Bassa, combined with the comfortable lodge facilities, has made Chawalo Safaris a prime Tiger Fishing destination on the Zambezi River.    

How to get there

International flights go to Lusaka, followed by charter flight to Luangwa and a short transfer to the lodge.