Gwabi River Lodge

Established as one of the first lodges in the Lower Zambezi Valley, Gwabi River Lodge sits on the Kafue River six kilometres above its confluence with the Zambezi. The property lies 145 kilometres from Lusaka near the Chirundu border crossing and is accessible by road year-round without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The lodge is family-run.

Seven superior chalets include five with river views and two family rooms set in the garden. Each has twin beds or a configuration for four, air-conditioning, walk-in showers, and a tea and coffee tray. Two standard twin chalets face the garden. Two campsite chalets above the camping ground sleep four on single beds and a bunk bed, with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and a braai pit. Eight stone tents provide two single mattresses, basic bedding, and a locking door; guests share the campsite ablution block. The Serengeti tent on the riverbank sleeps four and also uses the communal facilities. A shaded campsite with views of the Kafue accommodates guests with their own tents.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a deck above the river. A bar overlooks the outdoor pool. Guided boat trips run on the Kafue and Zambezi rivers for fishing, sunset cruises, and full-day safaris. Day trips to Lower Zambezi National Park depart early morning for a seventy-kilometre drive to the park gate. Canoe safaris last one to three days with overnight wild camping. Half-day walks visit a baobab forest and a bat cave in the mountains. The lodge operates a boat slipway and a workshop for repairs.