The Zambezi Valley is renowned throughout Africa for its magnificent herds of wild elephant. It’s also home to one of the continent’s most spectacular and unique private homes.

Chongwe River House, which sleeps eight in four spacious ensuite bedrooms, makes an ideal safari base for a family or a group of friends. Designed by Neil Rocher, it stands on the banks of the Chongwe in a clearing between winterthorn trees. The views of the river and the dramatic mountainous escarpment beyond it are sensational.

The house has been ingeniously built around a frame of wild wood with ferro walls following the natural lines of the branches. All the furniture in the sitting room has been carved from a single fallen winterthorn tree, and coloured pebbles collected from the river decorate the ceilings.

The ground floor bedrooms are entered through tunnels, giving the impression of walking into a cave. The bathrooms have waterfall showers, taps made from bone and wood and exquisite basins carved from wood and white marble by the Zambian artist Eddie Mumba. In the upstairs bedrooms you can lie in your bath and gaze out across the bush.

As guests at the house, you have the use of private vehicles, guides, canoes, a boat and an armed scout. All activities can be tailored to your individual requirements, and the property comes fully staffed with a house manager and private chef, who will sit down with you and plan your menus.

The location of the house is superb. The Chongwe River, a quiet tributary of the Zambezi, borders the Lower Zambezi National Park, 4,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness that teems with game. Our guides will take you into the park on foot, or by canoe. You can also take a fishing trip on the river to do battle with the famous tiger fish.

If you just want to chill out in the swimming pool, or laze on the gorgeous outside dining platform, the chances are you will still see an elephant. They daily stroll in the grounds, chomping on the fruit of the winterthorn trees.

Families are welcome at the house. Supervised activities for children can be arranged, although there is a minimum age of seven.

• Owned by Chris of Chongwe Camp, Jo Pope et al, operated by
   Chongwe River Camp
• Designed by Neil Rocher and built on private land overlooking the
   National Park
• On the banks of the Chongwe River, close to the Zambezi River,
• 4 ensuite bedrooms, plunge pool, deck over river
• Game drives, walks, night drives, all day drives. Boating, fishing, canoeing.
• Minimum age – 7 years
• Open April - November