Right on the Chongwe River that marks the boundary between the GMA and the national park, this camp has an enviable position with plenty of wildlife around the camp but without the park fees. The confluence of the Zambezi is within view and a menagerie of wildlife grazes on a spit of grassland with the park's escarpment in the background – an absolutely Edenic view.
The tented chalets, well spaced along the edge of the river, have plush bedding, shaded verandahs and charming open-air bathrooms. It's a laid-back place with a small fenced-in pool, nightly bonfires and large lantern-lit communal dining table. All-day wildlife drives into the park are available as are canoe-drive combinations and walking safaris.
Chongwe also has other accommodation options, including the luxurious open-air Albida and Cassia Suites (both US$895); the latter is especially well-suited for honeymooners. Nearby is the spectacularly anomalous two-storeyChongwe River House (US$895; sleeps eight), commonly referred to as 'the Flintstones' house because of its curving stone shape, gnarly exposed timber and ceilings made from rocks and wood.
Tsika Island (per person US$550) is Chongwe's own very rustic adobe and thatch bush camp further upriver; hot water for showers is supplied by buckets suspended high above on poles to catch sunlight.