chete island
A chain of islands lies hidden
away in the western reaches of lake Kariba in
Zambia - these are the Westlake islands. When
the Zambezi filled Kariba, as it became the largest
man made lake in the world, they have remained
remote and untouched since 1959. They offer a
unique setting for the newly built Chete Island
deluxe tented Safari Lodge. This is an untouched
wilderness sanctuary which invites quiet exploration
and discovery.
Chete Island is one of Zambia's
best kept 'secret's'. Lake Kariba is ignored by
almost all international tour operators even though
it is right in the middle of the 'usual' safari
destinations offered to the average tourist. It
is easily accessed by road or air and uniquely
approached with a one hour sail across the beautiful
Lake Kariba. The charm of Chete lies in its beauty,
tranquillity and African ambience. It nestles
in amongst a beautiful archipelago of remote islands
hitherto virtually unvisited by the tourist world,
scattered with flood plain shorelines, craggy
cliffs, spectacular gorges and African lowveld
woodlands.
This 27 square kilometre island,
the largest on lake Kariba, lies offshore from
Sinazongwe, a delightful traditional village on
the Zambian mainland. This is a wild water wilderness,
where the Zambezi valley game and birds flourish,
unmolested and protected by the status of Chete
National Park. Far from the "madding crowds"
of power boats and game drive vehicles.
Chete Island is teaming with
animals of all species. It boasts the four of
the Big 5, namely Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, and
Buffalo. These wild animals can be viewed on our
daily game walks and game drives. Other animals
include hippo, waterbuck, kudu, impala, zebra,
and warthog.
The Dam is home to 41 species
of fish, including the famed Tiger fish, Bream
and Vundu. We have motorised game viewing boat
cruises, or for the more adventurous, canoe trips.
Fishing is a preferred option on these trips.
For the avid ornithologists (birdwatchers),
Chete Island is teeming with birdlife. Over 170
species have been recorded by our guests. The
species include Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Guinea
Fowl, Trumpeter Hornbill, Hawk and Owl.
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