There's no doubt about it: a safari is a unique travel experience, and one that draws in the punters time and time again. These days you don't even have to re-mortgage your house and take three weeks off work to enjoy a taste of life in the bush, which means that if you're not careful, you'll be sharing that campfire with a dozen other tourists and their long lens cameras faster than you can say 'the big five'. Luckily there is an alternative, and that's to let us whisk you away to our private retreat on the lower Zambezi, to do safari your way.

Choose your mode and discover chongwe

Chongwe River House in Zambia is a blissful African escape far from the madding crowds. With only a quietly flowing river and a handful of elephants for company, you can concentrate on unwinding and planning your own completely bespoke itinerary. Whether you want to head out at dusk or dawn; on foot (with an armed guide of course), in a 4x4 or in a canoe, the choice is yours. Maybe a day by the pool? That's ok too. If you're lucky, an elephant or two might just wander past while you're doing your laps (or reading a trashy novel). Chongwe is famous for its population of male elephants, and with their water source running right outside the house, the chances of spotting a couple from your own little outpost are pretty darn good.

Your zambian abode

So what does your luxury lodge look like? Built entirely around a frame of ferro walls, the contours follow the natural curve of the wild wood branches that give it shape. The sitting room is furnished with sofas and tables carved from a single fallen winterthorn tree and the ceilings have been embedded with soft-coloured pebbles from the Chongwe River.

Every material has been sourced from the natural environment, from your shower water, which flows directly from the stone ceiling, to the carved wooden taps. There are staff on hand to take you out on excursions, plan your tailored menu and even run you a bath (traditionally enjoyed at Chongwe with a spectacular view). Make no mistake: this is your safari and we wouldn't have it any other way.