Baines’ River Camp

The explorer suites at Baines’ River Camp are elegant and comfortable. High vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams add dimension and character to the rooms, with a muted colour palette which works to make the space feel fresh whilst keeping attention on the beauty of the surrounding nature. The suites are all spacious, filled with natural light from wide windows which line the walls, and all come with either a large king size bed, or twin beds, covered in crisp white bed linens and patterned scatter cushions. An ensuite bathroom and dressing room includes double basins, and a large walk-in shower. Two of the suites come complete with their own unique outdoor showers. In the afternoons, guests can wind down on the large verandah outside the front of the suite, on the comfortable sofa, whilst enjoying a tea or coffee from the complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Suited for a small family, the Jackalberry Family Suite includes two bedrooms. The suite radiates home comforts, with cosy sofas and armchairs, soft hanging curtains and a large family dining table. The suite is filled with bright, natural light, which bounces off the light walls and high vaulted ceilings. The main bedroom comes complete with a comfortable king size bed covered in crisp bed linens, an ensuite bathroom and a walk in wardrobe. The second bedroom comes complete with cosy twin beds, and a separate bathroom. The large verandah which faces the river is the perfect place to enjoy some family time, on the comfortable sofa, keeping an eye out for wandering animals close by.

Meals are served in the main dining area of Baines’ River Camp. Meals are freshly prepared and delicious, with refreshing coffee and juices in the morning, and fine wines and creative cocktails from the bar in the evenings. Meals can be served outside, so guests can keep an eye on any animal activity, or inside if guests wish. Dinner can also be arranged to be enjoyed in the bush, underneath the wide starry skies with a sundowner toast around the crackling fire pit.

Occasionally dinner will be served in a pop up location in the Valley. River side, or on a sandbar, wherever this dinner is will leave guests with lasting memories of dining surrounded by nature. Guests can also sample some local and delicious gins at the gin tasting bar.

Glide over the calm waters of the Zambezi River for a relaxing but exciting afternoon activity. Keep your eye peeled on the riverbanks for thirsty elephants grabbing a drink, or lazy pods of lounging hippos wallowing in the shallows. Guests can choose to go at sunset, to marvel at the golden and red tones of the stunning sunset fill the sky and reflect off the glistening waters of the river.

Head out in the early morning to go on a game drive through the Lower Zambezi National Park. Before the heat of the day, enjoy travelling through the park in the comfort of a 4×4 game vehicle, keeping an eye out for elephants, lion, buffalo, zebra, and many other animals, all undisturbed and in their natural habitat.

There is no better way to immerse yourself in the wilds of the Lower Zambezi National Park than to explore the park on foot. With an experienced and friendly guide, traverse through the park and find out about the micro-ecosystems of the area, such as animal tracks, nesting birds in the trees, and the flora and fauna of the park.

In a canoe with a guide, float down the gentle Zambezi River, close by the riverbank, where you may see colourful reed frogs and dragonflies. A completely natural and damage free way to explore the river, and immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of the wild park.

Enjoy an afternoon spent catch-and-release fishing on the banks of the mighty Zambezi. A renowned area for tiger fish, cast your line and try your luck at catching one of these famous fish.

For a more relaxed afternoon head down to the sandy banks of the river and enjoy a unique game of boules.

With an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool on site, guests can enjoy a cooling dip in either of these pools. Escape out of the heat of the day by relaxing poolside, and keeping an eye out over the stunning vista.

Baines’ River Camp understands the importance of protecting and preserving the diverse ecosystems and wildlife which surrounds the camp, and more widely, the wildlife which inhabits the Lower Zambezi Valley. Through many initiatives, the staff and guests of Baines’ River Camp “make a positive contribution towards the conservation of this wildlife wilderness area.” In the local rural villages, most villagers are subsistence farmers, living on the bread-line, who sometimes have little choice but to make money from the proceeds of poaching as well as “rapid deforestation” happening due to the production of charcoal.

To help eliminate these issues and conserve the environment, Baines’ River Camp helps to “increase the social and economic welfare of its residents” to help empower the local communities and protect the Lower Zambezi Valley. As a member of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), Baines’ River Camp works together with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife to protect the Lower Zambezi, not just the wildlife but also by educating people on the importance of the environment and community development.

Baines’ River Camp supports the local Chiawa community through a variety of initiates with more than 90% of the staff at the camp employed from this community. One of the main issues within the Zambezi Valley is human-wildlife conflict, as the valley is unfenced which leads to roaming hippo, elephants and buffalo raiding growing crops. One of the initiatives to reduce human-wildlife conflict in this area is the project to create a “safe and sustainable local farming enterprise in the area.”

With the Chieftainess of the village, 35 farmers, and “a team of international experts”, a farm was created with the help of Baines’ River Camp supplying “powered and electrified fences.” This farm has been called “The Chimsambo-Mugurameno Cooperative Farm”, and Baines’ River Camp supplied what was needed for the first three crops, to help get it started. Since its inception, many more farms with the same concept have sprung up within the area.

The local Chiawa Rural Medical Centre supports the whole local community. With only one Dr, Dr Charles Chuyaama, and at most 3 nurses. The medical treatment of the whole community comes down on Dr Chuyaama’s shoulders, as he “delivers babies, diagnoses and treats conditions, offers family planning programs, HIV/AIDs education and keeps stats of everything and anything in terms of social facilities and medical within the community.” Medical supplies are limited, as well as access to the clinic being poor – with no public transport routes. Baines’ River Camp is a member of the initiative called ‘Pack for a Purpose’ which lets travellers know what supplies the medical centre needs so guests can save a small space in their suitcase and make a lasting impact on the Chiawa Rural Medical Centre.