Chibila | Established Campground

There is a lounge, a kitchen and a bar with reasonable prices.
We enjoy chatting with our hosts on the terrace with a view of the lake and marvellous sunsets.
It is a really nice campground and we can highly recommend it.
There is nothing left to be desired, so we decide to stay 4 nights!
We go shopping in Ithezi Thezi with Ruth and Brad. Amazingly, even without a large supermarket, we manage to buy all the goods we need in the small shops. I wonder if we would have found everything on our own?
Thanks again to our hosts.

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Good morning the new price of camping at Chibila is now $15 per person per night

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Chibila was incredible. We camped in their little campsite for 3 nights at $10 pp/pn. We then upgraded to their set tents on concrete blocks which were really lovely.

Brad and Ruth were very hospitable hosts, who, when we had car trouble, really helped us find help and get us contacts. We joined for dinner a few of times and the food was excellent (particularly the steak with pepper sauce).

We drove into Kafue a couple of times, and the gate is just a few km's further down the dirt road, saw leapords, wild dogs and elephants (recomment the elephant orphanage at midday for their feeding).

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Wonderful place with wonderful hosts! Ruth and Brad made us, a family of 4, feel very welcome. They created a real community feel at this place. We had a great time with the other guests and neighbouring friends, one of the neighbours even took us fishing!
The spot has beautiful view on the lake, enough shade, they have a fridge stocked with cold drinks, and if you ask them ahead of time you can join for dinner, which we did both days and the food was really good. The kitchen staff even cleaned and prepared the fish that the kids caught during the day, which really added to the great experience for the kids that went fishing for the first time.
Tell them at the park entrance you stay at Chibila to avoid the high Park fee.

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Lovely place to stay with lovely helpful hosts. There is a small camping spot which has room for 2/max 3 cars, but they'll make it fit no problem! Furthermore, they have some chalets you can stay in as well. If you'd like to have dinner, make sure you give them a call before arriving, since they don't have an up and running restaurant (at least at this time of the year) and the cook was gone when we arrived. Besides this we had a lovely time staying here even though it was only for a short stay. We loved the advice Brad and Ruth gave us and all the stories they told us whilst we were enjoying a drink on their terrace overlooking the lake. Very helpful and kind people. Oh and let's not forget: the shower is absolutely fantastic! Such a nice relief after the trickle of water we see everywhere else :)

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What was planned for 2 nights, turned out for nearly one week as we had to repair our broken Dieselpipeline. (broke in the KafueNP.)
Brad and Ruth organised, made calls and hosted us. The best place to get stranded. We spent a great time together! That is real hospitality. We enjoyed the delicious G&T at the terrace with spectacular sunsets and the funniest stories ever and best advices where to go!
We definitely come back again!

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HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!

We arrived here with the intention of camping and Brad pointed to where we could set up camp.

We met four other people staying at the camp who told us we could order delicious sandwiches and how lovely the dinner was. We immediately headed over to order sandwiches as we were super hungry but Brad explained he couldn’t prepare them and that he didn’t actually have a running restaurant. We said no problem but could we book dinner with him and he said no because he had a full-house. We thought at the time that he was referring to having friends over at his house and not being able to cater for guests. However, as it turned out the full-house were the other four people and we were simply not invited to join them.

How do you have a small, remote camp site and decide to cook for four people but not the other two guests?? What made it even more awkward was that the other group had originally booked for 5 people and said there was so much food left over that they barely managed to eat half of it. So they felt as awkward as we did about the fact that we were not allowed to eat whilst everyone was sitting at the terrace / shared living space. We resorted to soup noodles and just thought it was strange.

Another reason we felt very UNCOMFORTABLE and NOT WELCOME is that shortly after arriving (before we even set up our tent) the other travellers came over to say hi and told us they had paid for a cottage that wasn’t being used and they would love us to use it so we can sleep in a bed instead of camping. As they couldn’t get their money back we happily accepted. Brad said he didn’t have a problem with it when we confirmed with him and he said the same to the other group on the first day. But Ruth & Brad couldn’t have been more hostile towards us (very different to all the reviews we have read about them). The vibe was super weird and it clearly didn’t suit them that we had shifted to the cottage which was free and already paid for. But only on the third day did they choose to express this in the most horrible way, essentially asking us to vacate the room. The other group was horrified because they had paid for 5 people full-board and two of them were leaving a day early so in fact there were two tents + cottage free that were paid for and they couldn’t understand why we had to leave. They insisted we stay but we felt too uncomfortable there and decided to shift next door.

When I came to Brad to settle the drinks bill he started arguing with me about how he was the owner and gets to decide who sleeps where. I said ‘fair enough but why did you say you were fine with it and then act the entire time like you are not’? He raised his voice at me and then even threatened me to ‘see what happens’ if I leave a bad review. I told him that I wasn’t intimidated by him and his silly threats because what was he going to do anyway? ‘Wait and see’ he replied, then put on a fake smile and wished us ‘safe travels’. We then proceeded during the hottest time of the day to gather our belongings to shift next door!

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What a great place and Brad and Ruth are the best hosts. Loved our stay. Beautiful sunsets and views over Lake Itezhi Tezhi.

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We stayed for two nights with Brad and Ruth, the best hosts you can imagine. We were treated as one of the family. We were camping on a lovely grass area, very nice indeed, with splendid views over the lake. The sunset was outstanding. They also have 3 houses and 2 safari tents, all looked great. And the best hot shower. We enjoyed a very good meal together! Would definitely stay there again.

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On our way after a two night stay at this lovely spot. Felt like we were visiting family. Hot shower. Good bush facilities. 5/5

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Amazing place to stay! Incredible views out over the lake with beautiful sunsets. Brad and Ruth are very generous hosts, really welcoming. We stayed longer than planned as it was a nice place to relax.

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Nothing to add, everything has been said! Brad and his wife are amazing hosts, nice campsite with beautiful view on the lake. we felt at home. Highly recommended!

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Definitely recommend this place to stay for a few nights. 10 USDpppn to camp. We stayed in a lodge which was a nice change from camping. Ruth and Brad are great hosts and we felt at home. Campers can use the kitchen for cooking. Or you can opt to eat with Brad and Ruth.

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Very friendly laid back camp site with the best sunset views over Lake Ithezi-Thezi. Ruth and Brad go out of their way to take care of weary travelers and the place feels like a home away from home. Chibila camp is the perfect place to put your feet and relax, especially if you have been driving long hours. Try to stay for more than one night to truly experience the peacefulness.
They sell fresh or frozen crayfish tails at a very reasonable price.
Camping sites are limited so maybe phone ahead. Also, ask Brad for directions as to the best way of getting to the camp.
DO NOT use the M11 from Namwala to Ithezi-Thezi. Continue straight when the tar ends at Namwala and stay on the dirt track until you reach the pontoon.
Cost is $10 pppn.

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You have to stay there !
1 - the place is so beautiful, the landscape, the sunset...amazing
2 - the owner are so nice, so helfulp and kind.
3 - the food is good ! And where you are travelling in Africa you are happy when you find good food

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Fantastic location and views over the lake. Brad and Ruth are very friendly and welcoming hosts.
2 campsites which are reasonably level - lighting and water available.
They also have 3 ensuite cottages and 2 safari tents.
They offer freshwater crayfish for sale at very reasonable rates
Excellent location!!

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Great camp with a view over the lake, ideal at sunset. Brad and his wife are really nice and great to chat with. They'll give you information about Zambia and where you're going. There's a great shower in the ablution block and an honesty bar. The workers at the camp are friendly and helpful. We paid 200 ZMW ppn / night (about 10 USD).

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A must do experience for Kafue outside the park
The hosts Brad & Ruth are exceptional hosts with great knowledge of the local area & Zambia in general.
Fantastic location overlooking the lake. Camping on grass for 2 large vehicles, or permanent safari tents available or 3 chalets. Nice bar area & lounge with views of the lake . Brad & Ruth are welcoming & make you feel at home. Meals available by arrangement. Highly recommend the crayfish.
$10 pppn camping
Hot showers & flush tiolets exceptionally.
A great place to relax highly recommend , A memorable experience .

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Ruth and Brad are making you feel like at home. They know a lot about the area, so you can get a lot of tips. Great place to pitch the tent. Amazing view from terrace.

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A great place to stay outside the park. A village with all you need is a few km away. Ruth and Brad are very relaxed hosts and they make sure you are comfortable. The range of services is already well described. We came for 1 but stayed 3 nights

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We stayed at the camp for a while. It is in a very nice location overlooking the lake. The owners Brad and Ruth are very helpful and friendly. In the session you can go fishing. Camping is $10/ppn. Toilets and shower all very clean. On request you can have breakfast and dinner. The rocks are inhabited by Chibilas and others.

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Small campsite with a romantic view. Basically 2 sites, but for 2 to 3 vehicles. Only one of the two sites suitable for BigRig (8m x 2.4m x 3.8m or similar). Be sure to Whatsapp Brad on +260 97 724 0113 beforehand to check if space is available.

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As described a great place to stay and recoup after a hot drive. We were delayed by several days and kept moving our arrival date but Brad promptly answered all whatsapps. Ruth and Brad are great hosts, know the area well and give excellent travel advice. Fishing excursions, fishing equipment on offer and plenty of free fishing knowledge! The view over the lake is stunning. Small campsite but has everything you need. Clean ablutions with hot shower heated by donkey boiler. Basic comfortable chalets and 2 tents as well. Well stocked bar and they also serve delicious homestyle meals. 3 en-suite chalets and tents. We stayed for 2 nights but if time allowed we would have stayed for longer.

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Pleasant stay in a rather intimate setting. If there are others in the tented platforms, campers, or the chalets you will meet them. Enjoyed spending the heat of the day in the lodge building that overlooks the lake. Meals available if interested. owners Brad and Ruth are outgoing and hospitable. When I arrived to stay I asked the price and was told $15 pppn. Hmmm folks that were just here 3 weeks ago paid $10 pppn. I said like wow was there a price increase recently? No Brad says. I show him iOverlander and what the other party just paid. He says Ok $10 pppn. just be forewarned. I’d stay here again if in the area though

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As described by other campers. Lovely views over the Lake.
We loved the sitting area, bar and braai.
The campsite is small but the view makes up for it! We will be back soon!

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A piece of paradise on earth! a small beautiful place with trees and rocks and acces to swim in the lake and probably the most beautiful sunset in Zambia. there's room for 3 campers, so good to call ahead. They also have to tents and 3 chalets.
You can order food. The local crayfish is a must. The lounge and bar with terrace is gorgeous. They allowed us to use their kitchen which was really nice.
The hosts Ruth and Brad are really warm, welcoming people and they immediately make you feel at home.
The National park is full of animals and the lake full of hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy!

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Brad and Ruth quite simply the kindest and most hospitable couple you could wish to meet on your travels. Add a flat pitch, flushing toilets, hot shower and fabulous sunset and you can't get better for $10 pppn. Highly recommended.

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One campsite ($10pppn) on grass so best to call ahead if you can. They also have 2 tented rooms $35pppn , and 2 cottages. The best sunset I have ever seen from their bar patio!!!
They also sell river crayfish for 120 kwatcha a kg. Ruth & Brad are great hosts.
Highly recommended!

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Nothing to add. Ruth & Brad are absolutely fantastic host. Very helpful and nice. They also made fire for us to braai. Ablution are super clean and a wonderful shower. It’s more a lodge but the place where you can stay is very nice with view over the lake. The terrace has great view over the lake. Honesty bar and if you order food upfront, you can also have dinner. USD 10 pppn.
Strongly recommended!

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Three chalets onsuite two tents with shared ablutions and a small grass area for camping beautiful views of the lake

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Flat grass area overlooking the dam. Two vehicles can park there easily. Brad was such a helpful host. They made us a fire for our braai. We got served fresh capenta and currie wraps as the sun went down over the horizon. Hot water and flush toilet for campers . Hot water for coffee in the morning. Bar available . Got lots of information from Brad on where to travel and where to buy groceries. They even washed our car !

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