Old Mondoro Bushcamp
Its location has long been recognised for exceptional wildlife densities, and for two years the surrounding area served as a base for African Wild Dog Conservation research, underscoring its importance for predator monitoring. Today, Old Mondoro continues the pioneering Chiawa Safaris ethos: a family‑run commitment to simple, immersive safari experiences where the wilderness remains the focus.
Its name comes from the Goba legend of a white lion said to roam the open Faidherbia forest nearby, and the area remains rich in lion sightings today, with elephants also frequently wandering through the camp.
Each chalet has a king‑size bed (or twins) draped in mosquito nets, 220v lighting, and a shaded timber deck with a daybed for watching elephants wander past just metres away. Five chalets suit couples or solo travellers, while the sixth is a two‑bedroom, two‑bathroom unit ideal for families, built in the same natural, understated style.
The main communal area is an open‑sided structure with a polished stone floor and canvas roof, furnished with comfortable lounge seating, a small library and a well‑stocked bar. Storm lanterns light it at night. A communal dining table anchors mealtimes, while a nearby campfire and a path leading to the river and boat dock complete the relaxed riverbank setting.
Experiences
- Set out on day game drives in open 4x4 vehicles to track wildlife at close range across the Lower Zambezi.
- Head out after sundowners for night drives using red‑filtered lights to find nocturnal predators without disturbing the hunt.
- Join armed guides on bush walks that reveal spoor, ecology and bush lore – with the chance of encountering big game on foot.
- Explore the Zambezi by boat, photographing elephants, hippos, crocodiles and superb birdlife among the river’s islands.
- Try catch‑and‑release tigerfishing with artificial lures, targeting one of Africa’s most powerful freshwater sport fish.
- Drift silently along legendary channels on a canoe safari, getting close to riverine wildlife with expert river guides.
- Stay back in camp to watch elephants, buffalo and hippos wander past your chalet, often providing the day’s best sightings.
Why We Include Old Mondoro Our Journeys
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From the Team
“Old Mondoro is where walking safaris truly come into their own. The guides are outstanding, the terrain is perfect, and the combination of abundant game and exceptional visibility makes every walk feel electric.”
Why Plan Your Safari with Journeysmiths
Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to:We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to:
Great Places to Combine with Old Mondoro
Old Mondoro works beautifully as part of a wider journey in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.Old Mondoro works beautifully as part of a wider journey in Zambia and Zimbabwe. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.
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The Most Incredible Itinerary
"I contacted Paul to help sort a special holiday. He delivered the most incredible itinerary that fulfilled all of our expectations and more. We felt the attention to detail in all aspects of our trip to both Botswana and Zambia enabled us to relax and enjoy this special occasion. We have memories to treasure and have already started talking with Paul for our next adventure. Thank you for a very professional service."
Zambia is the path less-travelled, which means that a safari here is always one with guaranteed privacy. It’s also an experience of how African exploration always used to be, with bush camps deep in game-rich territory and walking safaris led by expert guides. Authenticity can still be comfortable, so amazing food and perfectly-placed accommodation are just as Zambian as the wilderness.
Indulge in a luxurious Zambian getaway. Start with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, then venture into the wilderness for an exclusive safari, encountering Zambia's diverse wildlife while unwinding in stunning accommodations, creating an unforgettable African adventure.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
Three of Africa’s great rivers set the scene for your Zambia safari. The Zambezi, the Luangwa and the Kafue rivers are all of different character and have national parks named for them.
Whether on foot, canoe or open vehicle - Zambia is the perfect place for a real family safari adventure. You can track elephants and giraffe walking with an expert guide. You can paddle a stable Canadian canoe down the Zambezi watching zebra and antelope drinking at the water’s edge.