Chewore Safari Area

Part of the larger Zambezi Valley ecosystem, Chewore is a vast and wild safari area known for its excellent walking safaris and remote wilderness...

Chewore Safari Area at a Glance

Location
Zambezi Valley & Kariba, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-16.009360, 29.996660
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Chewore Safari Area

Nearest airport: Chenje Airstrip, 19 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 132 km away.

Big Five in Chewore Safari Area

1 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Chewore Safari Area

The warmest temperatures in Chewore Safari Area occur in November, averaging 28.9°C (up to 34.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 20.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 35.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C (rainfall: 352.9mm)
  • February: 24.5°C (rainfall: 159.9mm)
  • March: 24.9°C (rainfall: 43.3mm)
  • April: 24.3°C (rainfall: 25.9mm)
  • May: 22.4°C (rainfall: 2.4mm)
  • June: 20.6°C (rainfall: 1.6mm)
  • July: 20.3°C (rainfall: 0.8mm)
  • August: 22.9°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • September: 26.2°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 28.3°C (rainfall: 12.1mm)
  • November: 28.9°C (rainfall: 48.7mm)
  • December: 27.0°C (rainfall: 189.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Chewore Safari Area

The best months to visit Chewore Safari Area are May, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.65°C, rainfall 352.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 24.52°C, rainfall 159.9mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.85°C, rainfall 43.3mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 68.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 25.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 58.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.42°C, rainfall 2.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 49.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 20.58°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 49.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 0.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.86°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 41%
  • September: Great, temperature 26.21°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 35.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.3°C, rainfall 12.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 37.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.87°C, rainfall 48.7mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 45.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.03°C, rainfall 189mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 60.8%

Wildlife in Chewore Safari Area

Home to 76 recorded species including 26 iconic birds, 23 birds of prey, 13 waterbirds, 6 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores, 2 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Chewore Safari Area

Based on average temperature of 24.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 54%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Chewore Safari Area

4 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba

Visitor Tips - Chewore Safari Area

Chewore Safari Area is one of Zimbabwe's true wilderness gems, offering an unparalleled sense of remoteness and raw adventure. We love its untouched landscapes and the thrill of walking safaris alongside experienced guides, providing an intimate connection with nature that few other places can match. The sunsets are sensational, painting the Zambezi Valley in hues we dream about long after we've returned home.

Gate Times

Access to Chewore is primarily through pre-arranged safari packages, meaning your entry and exit are coordinated with your operator rather than fixed gate times. We recommend confirming all logistics well in advance, as permits are essential and often secured by your lodge or outfitter before your arrival. Generally, activities run from dawn until dusk, roughly 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexibility based on wildlife movements and your itinerary.

Tipping

We suggest budgeting for tips in US dollars, which is the preferred currency. For your professional safari guide, we recommend $10-20 per guest per day, acknowledging their expertise and dedication. Camp staff can be tipped collectively, perhaps $5-10 per guest per day, placed in a central tip box, while trackers or specialist walking guides might receive $5-10 per guest per day directly. Always tip discreetly and genuinely, reflecting your appreciation for their service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Chewore Safari Area FAQs

What makes Chewore Safari Area particularly renowned for its walking safaris?

Chewore's vast, untouched wilderness and extremely low visitor numbers create an unparalleled environment for immersive walking safaris. Expert professional guides lead intimate groups, allowing for a deep connection with the bush and tracking big game on foot, offering a truly authentic and challenging experience.

How does one typically access Chewore Safari Area, and what are the common accommodation options?

Access to Chewore is primarily via light aircraft charters to remote airstrips, followed by 4x4 transfers to camp. Accommodation usually consists of exclusive, eco-friendly mobile tented camps or small, privately run safari lodges, emphasizing a low-impact, intimate wilderness experience due to its remoteness.

When is the optimal time to visit Chewore Safari Area for the best wildlife viewing and walking safari conditions?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal as wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi River and its tributaries, making sightings more frequent. This period also offers cooler temperatures and less dense vegetation, perfect for extended walking safaris.

What is the typical cost range for a safari in Chewore, and what unique value does it offer?

Safaris in Chewore are generally considered a premium experience, reflecting the remote logistics, highly qualified guides, and exclusive access to pristine wilderness. The value lies in its unparalleled solitude, authentic walking safaris, and the opportunity for deep immersion in a truly wild, uncrowded African ecosystem.

What specific safety considerations and physical preparedness are important for visitors undertaking walking safaris in Chewore?

Due to the wild nature of Chewore and the focus on walking, visitors should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for varied terrain. All walking safaris are led by highly experienced and armed professional guides who prioritize safety through strict protocols and expert wildlife interpretation.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.