Baines' River Camp

Baines' River Camp sits on the bank of the Zambezi River in Zambia's Lower Zambezi, under jackalberry and tamarind trees. The camp holds nine freestanding suites — eight Explorer Suites and one Family Suite — with capacity for twenty guests in total. Each suite has a king-size bed that converts to twins, a walk-in shower, double basins, a separate toilet, and a river-facing veranda with a two-metre sofa. Two of the Explorer Suites have additional outdoor showers and are usually given to honeymooners. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, a minibar, personal safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi come standard in every suite.

The camp sits on the edge of Lower Zambezi National Park, which means the land and the river between them carry most of what you come here to see. Game drives in open vehicles run into the park, where elephant, buffalo, and predators are the main draw from June through November. Walking safaris go out in the same window, moving slowly through tracks, vegetation, birds, and butterflies. On the river, canoe safaris run from June to mid-December; motorboat river cruises from March to November cover hippo, crocodile, elephant, and waterbuck along the banks and islands. Sunset cruises run through to mid-December.

The Zambezi is a tigerfish river, and anglers come specifically for the season running September through November. The camp operates a strict catch-and-release policy. A complimentary airport shuttle connects guests from Royal Airstrip.