★★★★★

Old Mondoro Camp

Discover the magic of Lower Zambezi National Park.

Overview

At Old Mondoro Camp, nestled within the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, the signature effortless and earthy luxury of Chiawa Safaris comes to life. This exclusive retreat features just five chalets, embodying a philosophy centered on delivering a genuine and pure Zambian safari experience. Old Mondoro prioritizes a “back to nature” ethos, focusing on immersive wildlife and wilderness adventures. Here, the emphasis is on disconnecting from the digital world to foster a deeper connection with the natural surroundings, oneself, and loved ones.

Owned and operated by the Cumings family, who are also behind the pioneering Chiawa Camp, Old Mondoro stands as a destination in its own right. It merges understated luxury with the wild charm of the bush, offering a seamless and enriching safari experience when combined with a stay at Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi.

Surrounded by winterthorn trees and adjacent to the majestic Zambezi River, the camp is a haven where wildlife freely roams, integrating into the everyday life of guests. Old Mondoro is renowned for its exceptional big cat encounters, particularly its remarkable leopard sightings, among the best in Africa. The presence of buffalo and elephant island-hopping through the river’s channels, along with a dense population of hippos, adds to the camp’s unique charm.

The name “Mondoro,” meaning Lion in the Goba language, pays homage to a legendary white lion, once a familiar presence in this area. Though the mythical “Old Mondoro” has since passed, his legacy continues with his descendants roaming the vast wilderness of the Lower Zambezi, embodying the spirit of freedom and wild beauty that Old Mondoro Camp celebrates.

Room Amenities

  • Mosquito net
  • En-Suite
  • Twin / double beds available
  • Lounge Area
  • Outdoor shower
  • Dining Area

What to Expect

At Old Mondoro Camp in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, guests can expect an authentic bush camp experience that blends luxury with the raw beauty of the wilderness. This intimate camp, with just five chalets, promises privacy and an up-close connection with nature. Each chalet offers stunning views of the Zambezi River or the camp’s natural channels, complete with outdoor baths that double as plunge pools, open-air showers, and private decks for relaxation amidst the scenery.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a range of safari activities, including thrilling game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, walking safaris led by expert guides and armed scouts, and unique wildlife encounters given the camp’s unfenced design. This allows for an unobstructed coexistence with the local fauna such as elephants, waterbucks, baboons, and buffalo. The culinary experience at Old Mondoro is a highlight, featuring Afro/Euro fusion cuisine that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, enjoyed under the stars or beside the campfire.

Old Mondoro is dedicated to providing an authentic Zambian safari experience, emphasizing a deep connection with the natural world, luxurious yet understated accommodations, and personalized, knowledgeable guidance through one of Africa’s most magnificent wildlife sanctuaries.

Highlights

Accommodations

This secluded safari lodge is a sanctuary where wild inhabitants, including waterbuck, baboons, buffalo, and elephants, share the environment harmoniously with guests and the camp itself. With just five chalets, Old Mondoro offers an intimate retreat in the Lower Zambezi, ensuring privacy and tranquility for every visitor.

Each chalet is a haven of romance and comfort, featuring a king-sized bed enveloped in a dreamy mosquito net, or the option of two large twin beds. The chalets boast expansive reed windows that frame captivating views of the Zambezi River or the enchanting, hyacinth-strewn channels meandering through the camp. The allure of the outdoors is seamlessly integrated into your private space with an outdoor bath that serves both as a refreshing plunge pool and an occasional watering hole for elephants. An open-air shower invites guests to bask under the starlit sky, enhancing the wilderness experience.

A private deck extends the living space outdoors, offering a serene spot for afternoon siestas, diving into a good book, or simply soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery. Whether it’s the majestic flow of the Zambezi or the dappled shade of winterthorn trees across the channel, the deck is the perfect vantage point to observe the diverse array of Zambian wildlife as they navigate through their natural habitat, providing a truly cinematic experience right from the comfort of your chalet.

Game Drives

At Old Mondoro Camp, the game drive is a highlight among Zambia safari activities, offering an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience aboard open 4×4 vehicles. These safaris traverse extensive grounds, allowing for intimate encounters with the wildlife without compromising guest safety or disturbing the natural habitat. While canopy-equipped vehicles are available upon request, the preferred option is without canopies to ensure an unobstructed view of the surrounding trees, birds by day, and the stars at night, enhancing the overall safari experience.

The game drive vehicles are designed with comfort in mind, featuring three bench seats equipped with back and foot rests, ensuring up to six guests can enjoy a comfortable ride with a “window seat.” To maintain a personalized and intimate experience, we generally limit our game drives to a maximum of four guests. Each journey begins in the morning and concludes before lunch, including a mid-morning coffee break for a moment of relaxation amidst the wilderness. Equipped with cooler boxes, first-aid kits, and VHF radios for safety and communication, our vehicles are prepared for every eventuality. This enables guides to share information on exciting sightings, maximizing the chances that guests will witness something truly special.

Your guide, an expert in the bush, has an uncanny ability to spot wildlife, pointing out subtle signs and movements that would otherwise go unnoticed. From the flick of a tail to the twitch of an ear, they reveal the secrets of the wilderness, ensuring an unforgettable safari adventure at Old Mondoro.

Cuisine

Old Mondoro Camp offers a culinary adventure as vibrant and diverse as its surroundings. Here, dining becomes an integral part of the safari experience, with elephants occasionally wandering by during lunch and dinners savored beneath the vast African sky. The camp’s distinguished cuisine is a delightful Afro-European fusion, skillfully accommodating a wide range of tastes with finesse. Over time, menus and recipes have been thoughtfully refined, striking the perfect balance between health, variety, and the pleasure of a little indulgence – because, after all, you are on vacation.

Despite the challenging and simplistic conditions of bush living, our creative camp chefs excel in delivering meals that meet the highest standards of quality and taste. Special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options, are all meticulously catered to with prior notification.

Meal settings vary with the seasons and daily adventures. Breakfasts, brunches, and lunches might be presented plated, or as hot and cold buffets, often enjoyed al fresco and sometimes even amidst the beauty of the bush. Afternoon tea, complete with both sweet and savory treats, is typically enjoyed with views of the river, setting the stage for the afternoon’s safari pursuits.

Dinner at Old Mondoro transforms into a multi-course affair, epitomizing the exclusive “Zambian Restaurant” experience. Meals are carefully tailored to dietary needs and are most often served under the starlit sky or beside the warming glow of the campfire, making every dining moment not just a meal, but a memorable event in the heart of the Zambian wilderness.

Walking Safaris

At Old Mondoro Camp, embarking on a walking safari represents the essence of the safari adventure, offering a thrilling and unscripted journey into the wilderness. This intimate exploration provides a unique perspective on the Zambian wilderness, delving into the intricate ecosystem of the Lower Zambezi. Led by our expertly trained naturalists, these walks are more than just a trek; they’re an educational journey. Our guides possess a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna, capable of identifying tracks, birds, plants, and insects while weaving fascinating narratives about their interconnections and the vital roles they play in the natural world.

Conducted in the cool of the early morning, walking safaris are carefully designed to ensure an immersive yet safe experience. Each walk is led by a professional guide, accompanied by an armed “escort scout” from the Department of National Parks & Wildlife, guaranteeing both protection and an enriching exploration. While some walks commence directly from camp, others might begin with a short drive to more open areas, chosen specifically for their suitability for on-foot exploration. This approach to safari allows guests to feel the earth beneath their feet and experience the wilderness of Zambia in the most direct and memorable way possible.

Facilities

  • Electrical charging point
  • Dining area
  • Bar
  • Lounge
  • Laundry Service
  • En-suite
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