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Chula Island Camp

Lower Zambezi, Zambia · National park

Lodge describes itself as: Understated Luxury. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Tented camp

Photo: Classic Zambia Safaris · Source ↗

Full board+ (FB+)

All meals, Standard drinks and 11 more

6 tents

Guest Tent · Sleeps up to 12 guests

Children 14 and over

By air

30 min from Jeki Airstrip

Limited Wi-Fi

Solar power

From about A$1,070

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Chula Island Camp

Chula Island Camp sits on a private island in the Zambezi River, within Lower Zambezi National Park. Six guest tents accommodate up to twelve guests, with river views, fans, running water and bucket showers. Meals and time between safaris centre on a shaded, open-sided main area beneath mahogany trees. Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and boat trips offer different ways to explore the island and surrounding park. Canoeing is an optional paid activity. The setting suits travellers who want a small tented camp and a mix of land and water experiences.

“The private-island setting and mix of walking, boating and game drives make Chula a strong choice for travellers who want variety without a large lodge.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

Repeat safari-goersPhotographers

Known for

What you can expect to see

ElephantBuffaloLionLeopardWild dog

Resident leopards roam Chula Island, while elephant and buffalo gather on the valley floor as the dry season begins.

Your stay

What's included

Board: Full board+ (FB+)

Special offer: Stay 6 nights and pay for 5 during the 2027 operating season at the Lower Zambezi or Kafue camps. The free night uses the lowest applicable rate; park fees still apply for all 6 nights.

Included

  • All meals
  • Standard drinks
  • Laundry
  • Game drives
  • Night drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Boat safaris
  • Airstrip transfers
  • Sundowners
  • Bush meals
  • First fishing day
  • Running water
  • Bucket shower
  • Game drives
  • Night drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Boat safaris

Not included

  • Park fees
  • Flights

The 2027 accommodation rate excludes mandatory park, bed, conservation and medivac levies of USD120 per person per night. Flights are extra.

Optional extras (at a cost)

For 2027, canoeing costs USD100 per person and requires pre-booking. The first fishing day is included; subsequent days cost USD35 per person per day. Premium wines and private activities cost extra.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Limited Wi-Fi

In your room

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Fan

Rooms

Where you sleep

Sleeps up to 12 guests

  • Guest Tent6 at camp · En-suite bathroom, Flushing toilet, Running water, Bucket shower, Fan

Activities

Things to do

Included in your stay

Game drivesNight drivesWalking safarisBoat safaris

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Jeki Airstrip
  2. 30 min transfer
  3. Chula Island Camp
How you arrive
By air · 30 min from Jeki Airstrip
Transfers
From Jeki Airstrip, the road transfer takes around 30 minutes. A short pontoon crossing links the island with the mainland.
Luggage
20 kg per person in soft bags

Good to know

Before you book

Children
Ages 14 and over
Single travellers
A single supplement applies
Power
Solar power
Malaria
Seasonal malaria risk. Ask your doctor about prevention.

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Closed
  2. February: Closed
  3. March: Closed
  4. April: Green season
  5. May: Green season
  6. June: Good
  7. July: Good
  8. August: Good
  9. September: Good
  10. October: Good
  11. December: Closed
  • Good
  • Green season
  • Closed
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Closed

Camp closed.

Feb

Closed

Camp closed.

Mar

Closed

Camp closed.

Apr

Green season

Warm, wet-season conditions.

May

Green season

Warm, wet-season conditions.

Jun

Good

Cooler dry-season conditions.

Jul

Good

Cooler dry-season conditions.

Aug

Good

Cooler dry-season conditions.

Sep

Good

Hot, dry conditions; wildlife is more active in the cooler hours.

Oct

Good

Hot, dry conditions; wildlife is more active in the cooler hours.

Dec

Closed

Camp closed.

How we judge each month
  • Best time to visitAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.