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Only available for exclusive use, Mwambashi River Lodge lies along a wild and remote stretch of the Zambezi River, in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. This beautiful lodge, its classic safari tents and suites raised on platforms, peers out across the waters beneath a grove of towering winterthorn trees. Come here for optimum levels of comfort, great food and service combined with the raw African wilderness. The unmistakable focus here is the river, so there's a great mix of water-based activities on offer. You'll also experience superb game viewing on land. Inhale deeply, we love the fragrance of this rich earth.
From $410 person/night
Watch elephants browsing beneath the winterthorn trees as you work out in the open-air gym, and relax afterwards in the swimming pool overlooking the river.
Taking to the river in a canoe, with a guide, is truly exhilarating. See crocs sunbathing on the banks, snorting hippo, elephant, antelope and birdlife, and no sounds except the gurgle of the water and the calls from the wilderness. There are tigerfish in this river – arrange a trip to track these legendary freshwater predators.
On-land safaris are unforgettable here. Search for leopard, African wild dog and a huge diversity of regular beasts on a guided game drive, and experience the thrill of following game on foot on a bush hike. Birding walks are good too – look out for migrant African skimmer, long-toed plover, Goliath heron, and the sharp-eyed lanner falcon. Ornithologists will be delighted!
The main lodge has a clever open-plan design that makes the most of the views of the Zambezi as it powers past. A huge lounge, dining room (the camp is known for its good food) and bar area flow into each other beneath a high thatched roof, with comfortable wooden chairs, hand-carved tables, tribal decor and vintage safari artifacts. In front is a large deck with a fire pit, and an infinity pool a stone’s throw from the water’s edge.
There's accommodation for everyone. Six superior canvas tents have beautiful en-suite bathrooms and a small private deck; two luxury tents include glorious sunken bathtubs plus a shower, and a hammock on the deck. Up a notch, the romantic thatched Zambezi Suite has a private pool and deck overlooking the river; and the aptly named Reed Suite, with two en-suite bedrooms and a private lounge, is the perfect choice for a family. The views from all are superlative, naturally!
One of the most beautiful places on the planet. Mwambashi captures Zambia’s wild character with panache, and the staff work tirelessly to accommodate your needs.
Activities are arranged to suit guest’s wishes, offering an entirely personal experience. Water-based options include catch-and-release fishing trips, tranquil river sundowners, and specialised photographic and birdwatching cruises. Guided game drives offer exceptional wildlife encounters – this region has a high density of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard, and rare African wild dog. Back at the lodge, work out in the gym, watch the ellies meandering through the trees, or just relax in the swimming pool and gaze across the Zambezi.
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The Lower Zambezi National Park lies in a large river valley with fertile soils providing the basis for a thriving ecosystem. Elephant and buffalo congregate along the river to graze along with impala, zebra and more, enjoying the nutritious vegetation of the region. Lion, leopard and the spotted hyena follow the herds, hunting as they move.