Old Mondoro | Lower Zambezi National Park Luxury Zambia Safari Safari Lodge

I feel a sense of peace descend over me as I gaze into the serene waters of the Zambezi River, and I think how wonderful it will be to canoe along it. Apart from the ripple of a passing croc, the trill of a bird and the snort of a nearby hippo, it’s completely silent. We’re at the Lower Zambezi National Park, on a beautiful site characterised by vast floodplains and open woodlands, overlooking a maze of hippo-dominated islands and channels. Unfenced, with just four chalets set beneath a grove of acacia trees in the midst of all this wilderness, Old Mondoro is the perfect getaway.

I wake up to my partner whispering urgently in my ear. We’d left the canvas section of the low-reed wall open, so I can instantly see why I’m being urged awake. An elephant has popped its head in to drink some of the bathwater in the huge stone bathtub, which is open to the Zambezi River. It’s so close that I could reach out and touch it, but we’re seasoned safari-goers and know not to disturb wild animals. Instead, we slowly sit up in our plush bed, feeling ever so grateful to watch this nature show live on our porch! Too soon, the friendly tusker lumbers away, and my partner and I grin at each other, thoroughly delighted with our first sighting of the day. We’d been so engrossed, we didn’t even take a photo! The luxury of our suite seems more pronounced after our indoor safari experience, and we marvel at the comforts of electric lighting in the bush (although we prefer to use the romantic lanterns at night), a seating area and polished stone floors, as well as the soaring canvas roof that gives our room a sweeping sense of space. I stretch gloriously before padding across to the outside bathroom to freshen up while my partner takes happy seconds on the outdoor bathing experience! Later, I’ll go on a walking safari while my partner tries to catch a tiger (fish).

Authentic, intimate and off-the-grid, Old Mondoro really encouraged us to get in touch with nature, or should I say, here, nature really got in touch with us! Apart from views in all directions – the Zambezi River and its wildlife-profuse islands to the south and the beautiful woodlands with waterbuck and impala to the north – towering tree-dwarfing resident elephant are regular visitors at camp, resident honey badger result in hilarious encounters and leopard are frequent sightings. Old Mondoro takes pride in providing an experience that focuses on the bush and its wildlife, and with excellent guides and walking safaris, it delivers. This comes without stinting on comfort or extravagantly delicious dining, served fireside or in the open-sided dining room, where the sky drips with stars and the howl of a jackal accompanies the hoot of a passing owl. This is paired with an abiding commitment to protect the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the surrounding Chiawa Game Management Area. Old Mondoro also empowers local communities; subsidising training for safari guides and hospitality staff, running health camps and educational programmes and teaching sustainable farming practices.

• Intimate safari camp with four spacious chalets in the Lower Zambezi National Park, with private decks offering unparalleled views over the Zambezi River.

• Tranquil and isolated location, private dining available, private vehicles available (additional charge) and flexible schedules.
• Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, boating, catch-and-release tiger fishing and sunset cruises.

• Children aged 12 and above are welcome, with one extra bed in a chalet provided for children under 16 years sharing with parents. Children of all ages accepted for exclusive bookings, but only children aged 12 and above are permitted on canoe and walking safaris.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.