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.