Chula Island Camp

Chula Island Camp gives you a quiet, well-run base in one of the most wildlife-rich corners of the Lower Zambezi, Zambia. Set on a private island roughly 10km long, it offers you exclusive walks and drives, whether you’re exploring the island itself or heading across to the mainland with your guide. The arrival alone sets the tone: a short road transfer from the airstrip, a calm pontoon crossing and a final 15-minute drive through the trees before camp comes into view.

With just six spacious tents, the camp feels relaxed and personal, offering the comforts you’d hope for while maintaining the easy atmosphere of a seasonal bush camp. It suits you if you value privacy, thoughtful guiding and time immersed in nature. Wildlife is never far away here either and the island setting gives you a sense of space and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere in the valley.

Accommodation

There are five tents to choose from, with a sixth planned for 2026. Each is simple by design: a mesh-walled bedroom beneath a wide canvas roof, giving you a clear sense of the island’s sights and sounds. You sleep on a large double or twin setup, with curtains around the tent for privacy. The outdoor bathroom has a bucket shower, non-mains water and a flush toilet, with zipped entrances. It’s a practical, down-to-earth setup that’s great if you enjoy a more adventurous style of safari, where the focus is on fresh air, open views and time surrounded by wildlife.

Activities

Wildlife is never far away here. The island is home to 11 leopards, including two cubs, along with elephants, buffalo and various plains game. Lions occasionally roam through camp, leaving tracks you might spot by your tent. Island walks and drives on both the island and the nearby mainland let you explore safely, while canoeing on the Zambezi (a rare offering in Lower Zambezi) gives you a peaceful way to watch animals on the banks. Birds are abundant, adding colour and sound to every outing.