When you think of safari, most people immediately think of the well-known hotspots - Namibia, South Africa, Kenya etc.. But for our last, and first, African vacation we chose something very special: the beautiful Chongwe House, idyllically situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia. Unlike many other safari destinations, Zambia is largely untouched. Nowhere else can the "Big Five" live as freely and undisturbed as here. Chongwe House is the perfect place for anyone looking for an authentic safari away from the typical tourist trails - and despite the wilderness, there is no lack of luxury here.
Deep in Zambia at a small fork in the Mighty Zambezi River lies one of the most beautiful places in the world: Chongwe House, a private hideaway in Flintstones style, directly on the Chongwe River.
Designed by Neil Rocher, an architect specializing in sustainable tourism projects, this lodge looks as if it has grown organically out of the African landscape. Up to 8 guests can stay here in the 4 en-suite bedrooms. Real highlights are the outdoor waterfall showers, the large swimming pool with a view of the Chongwe River or the lounge under the huge winter thorn tree. The lodge's flowing rooms, which merge into the natural surroundings, make you almost feel the nature that surrounds you. A safari experience couldn't be more authentic!
It is therefore not surprising that the lodge is located right in the heart of wild African life. We were able to observe elephants that paid us a visit at the house and monkeys that showed themselves at the foot of the house throughout the day. The nocturnal sounds of the hippos gave us a good night's sleep and numerous warthogs grazed peacefully in front of the lodge in the morning.