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 Old Mondoro is the Shona name of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area. This was in the time of the great explorers and when David Livingstone travelled through the Lower Zambezi.
Although the old white lion has long gone, Old Mondoro Bush Camp reflects the wild spirit that lives on in his descendants that still roam free in this unique part of Africa. Where the call of the hyena replaces the hum of a generator, where harsh electric light is replaced by the soft glow of a lantern, where some of the best guides in Africa will help guests experience a closer look at the natural world.
Old Mondoro is set in a grove of Acacia trees on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 10km downstream from Jeki Airstrip, near the Chakwenga River confluence. It is a beautiful site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. Here, the Park is characterised by vast flood plains and open woodland making for ideal walking and game viewing opportunities.
This is very different from the rest of the Park, which is on higher ground characterised by thicker bush and large inland lagoons. Appropriately constructed of canvas and natural materials, the camp has an open and more adventurous feel yet provides a comfortable retreat after a day filled with excitement in the bush, where emphasis is placed on non-motorised safari activities.
There are some excellent walking areas right out of Camp, and more just a short drive away. However game drives and boating are also available. Accommodating only eight guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is somewhat reminiscent of the mobile camps of East Africa, rebuilt from scratch and then dismantled each safari season.
The "tents", resting on temporary slabs, have en-suite facilities with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins. Paraffin lanterns provide natural lighting. The tents are left with open views during the day, and at night canvas drop-down blinds with windows are lowered to provide more privacy and security.
Three of the tents have two twin beds and one tent has a double, all with thick foam mattresses, comfortable bedding and large mosquito nets. Furniture in the tents is simple, with rustic shelving throughout, a coffee table and chairs in each.
All tents have outstanding views of the Zambezi. The Main Tent, which serves as a lounge and dining area, rests under a Winter Thorn tree and next to a Sausage Tree overlooking the Zambezi. A traditional bush kitchen will supply outstanding meals and fresh bread baked daily from a homemade oven. The entire experience is unpretentious and uncomplicated, but promises a unique safari that gives guests the best bush experience possible.
Kellie Leigh, the Lower Zambezi's resident wild dog researcher will be spending much of her time based at Old Mondoro. Kellie will be available to give chats about the challenging conservation issues that face wild dogs and, for a donation to the program, guests can have the opportunity to spend a day with her tracking them.
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The Lower Zambesi 
