Chongwe River House - Rufunsa Conservancy
Chongwe River House is a hotel near Rufunsa Conservancy.
- Location
- Rufunsa Conservancy, Lower Zambezi Valley, Zambia, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -15.708455, 29.337471
- Phone
- +260-211-841051
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.chongweriverhouse.com/
- Activities
- hotel
PlnrScore: 36/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
514 species observed within 20 km, 42 mammals, 186 birds.
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 113 observations)
- Common Hippopotamus (Mammalia, 50 observations)
- White-fronted Bee-eater (Aves, 49 observations)
- Impala (Mammalia, 49 observations)
- Chacma Baboon (Mammalia, 43 observations)
- Nile Crocodile (Reptilia, 42 observations)
- Greater Kudu (Mammalia, 40 observations)
- Lion (Mammalia, 39 observations)
- Waterbuck (Mammalia, 37 observations)
- African Buffalo (Mammalia, 36 observations)
Best Time to Visit Chongwe River House
The best months to visit Chongwe River House are September, October, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Good, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 280.7mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 85.5%
- February: Good, temperature 21.51°C, rainfall 155.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 82.2%
- March: Great, temperature 21.22°C, rainfall 59.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 77.5%
- April: Great, temperature 20.09°C, rainfall 31.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 70.9%
- May: Great, temperature 18.18°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 60%
- June: Great, temperature 16.33°C, rainfall 5.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 61%
- July: Great, temperature 16.01°C, rainfall 2.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 56.1%
- August: Great, temperature 19.01°C, rainfall 2.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 47.3%
- September: Great, temperature 22.73°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 39.9%
- October: Great, temperature 25°C, rainfall 10.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 42.2%
- November: Great, temperature 24.94°C, rainfall 58.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.2%
- December: Good, temperature 23.29°C, rainfall 163.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 68.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see right at Chongwe River House itself, beyond organized game drives?
We love that Chongwe River House offers incredible wildlife viewing from the comfort of the lodge. We've often spotted elephants coming right up to the deck for a drink from the river, and hippos are a constant, noisy presence. You'll also see plenty of birdlife, and occasionally even leopards or lions passing by in the distance.
We're planning a trip in the shoulder season. Is Chongwe River House still a good choice then?
Absolutely. While the peak dry season offers the most concentrated game viewing, we find the shoulder months, like May or November, have their own magic. The landscape is lush, the crowds are thinner, and the sunsets are sensational. You'll still encounter plenty of wildlife, and the intimate atmosphere at the lodge is even more pronounced.
What's the typical cost range for a stay at Chongwe River House, and what's usually included?
Chongwe River House is a luxury experience, so expect rates to reflect that. Generally, full board and a selection of activities are included. We recommend budgeting upwards of $800-$1000 per person per night, but always check directly for the most current pricing and inclusions, as these can vary.
How safe is it to be so close to the river and wildlife at Chongwe River House?
We've always felt incredibly safe at Chongwe River House. The lodge is designed with guest safety as a priority, and the staff are highly experienced in managing wildlife encounters. While you're in the wild, you're never put in unnecessary danger; just exercise common sense and always listen to your guides.
Beyond game drives, what unique activities does Chongwe River House offer that we shouldn't miss?
We highly recommend the guided bush walks for a completely different perspective on the Rufunsa Conservancy. You can also enjoy canoeing on the Chongwe River itself, offering a unique chance to see hippos and crocodiles up close, and incredible birdwatching. The lodge also offers night drives, which we find essential for spotting nocturnal creatures.