Chongwe River House (Südafrika ⁄ Zambia) (Maximum number of guests: 8)
Zambia - a country full of variety and options - is certainly among the favorites of experienced Africa travellers. The beauty of this relatively undeveloped destination lies in its absolute wilderness.
The extraordinary Chongwe River House is situated at the end of a massive winterthorn grove, on the banks of the idylllic Chongwe River, a tributary of the Zambezi River. It is located on the western boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, about 1km from the Chongwe River Camp. The Chongwe River House offers a wonderful view over the terrace and the pool to the river and the mountains beyond. It has been designed by Neil Rocher. With its rolling and flowing lines it integrates harmoniously into the nature and the surrounding landscape. The house was built of natural materials, mainly of rustic wood. The walls follow the natural lines of the roots and branches. There is virtually no straight line, everything follows the natural growth.
The house provides four unique bedrooms and accommodates a maximum number of eight guests. Therefore, there is an intimate and private atmosphere. Each room has an En-suite bathroom. In the bathrooms on the ground floor water pours out of a stone – or rather a wooden ceiling, which makes it seem like rain, instead of the normal shower rose. The showers on the first floor are waterfalls. The taps are made from bone and wood and the washbasins have been carved out of wood and white marble by the famous Zambian artist Eddie Mumba.
The Chongwe River House has a spacious lounge- and dining area as well as a swimming pool and a sundeck, from where you can observe wild animals feeding and watering. The couch in the lounge was carved from a single huge fallen winterthorn tree, as if it had fallen across the room.
The head chef and the house manager plan the activities and meals together with the guests, to ensure that anything is arranged according to their individual wishes. Game viewing is certainly the central activity in the Lower Zambezi. Gamedrives are undertaken in a safari vehicle together with a ranger, both during the day and at night. Other activities include walking safaris in company of a ranger and an armed tracker as well as canoe- and boat trips. Also fishing is a popular activity here.
You have the chance to experience the wonderful and peaceful “world” of the river. The region around the Chongwe River House is recognised for its richness in species. It is especially known for the bull elephants, which come through the acacia forests close to the Chongwe River House. You can frequently observe elephant herds crossing the river, which is a magical experience.
The Chongwe River House is open from the 1st of April to the 15th of November.