Old Mondoro Bushcamp

Old Mondoro is a small authentic bushcamp set in a grove of Acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in the centre of Lower Zambezi National Park. A genuine wildlife and bush experience.

Old Mondoro Bushcamp, which is a joint venture with Chiawa Camp, is built on a beautiful site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels off the Zambezi River.

The concept of Old Mondoro is simple – to step back from the luxury lodge scene and rather provide guests with an authentic safari that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience.

This prime game viewing area is characterised by vast flood plains and open woodland which make it ideal for walking safaris as well as day and night game drives. This is quite different from the rest of the park which is characterised by thicker bush and large inland lagoons.

The camp is small and exclusive made up of only four tents appropriately constructed of canvas and natural materials. It is all very open which gives it an adventurous feel whilst the high level of hosting, food and guiding makes it all very relaxing.

The tents are simple, resting on temporary slabs with reed walls on three sides and a waist high wall at the front allowing for a full view of the river. Paraffin lanterns provide natural lighting and at night canvas drop-down blinds are lowered over the front windows to provide more privacy and security.

The tent interior is made up of a small double or two twin beds with mosquito nets, some hanging space, coffee table and directors chairs. The ensuite bathrooms are open-air with flush toilets and canvas bucket showers and washbasins.

The large main tent rests under a Winter Thron tree overlooking the river and serves as a lounge and dining area as well as a small bar and library. A traditional bush kitchen supplies excellent meals and fresh bread is baked daily in the camps homemade oven.

We visited Old Mondoro in October 2009 and really enjoyed the rustic style and approach of the camp. The guiding was superb which made for some excellent game viewing. Our feeling is that the camp works perfectly if combined with one of the other camps upstream.