The way a zebra foal learns its mother’s stripes by heart. And it never quite fades. In 1858, the Zambezi explorer and artist Thomas Baines, captured its beauty through his paintings. Generations later, Tim Featherby fell under the same spell, establishing Baines’ River Camp on the river’s northern bank and naming it in the explorer’s honour. Today, his son Craig and daughter-in-law Di continue his legacy, preserving the wild spirit of this remarkable place. Now, it’s your turn.
Most days, the only engine for miles is the one that brought you here. Baines’ River Camp sits on the north bank of the Lower Zambezi, upstream of the national park, in the Chiawa Game Management Area and directly across the river from Mana Pools. Unfenced, uncrowded and unhurried. The river Baines painted is still here and, in the parts that matter, remains unchanged.
Built with respect for the Lower Zambezi and named for the explorer who painted it, Baines’ River Camp is for friends and families who want the wild, and each other, in the same frame.
Every Luxury Suite faces the Zambezi, with a king-sized bed or twin configuration and a private veranda where you can enjoy peaceful moments overlooking the river. Book several suites side by side and enjoy your own secluded stretch of riverbank, together.
Created for families, our cottage offers space, comfort, and peace of mind. With separate bedrooms, a private veranda and lounge, and easy access to the main lodge, this provides the perfect setting for sharing safari adventures together.
Simple comforts, close to the wild.
The river slides past just beyond the door. Each suite and cottage has air-conditioning and fans, a tea and coffee station, a mini fridge, filtered water, WiFi and its own en-suite bathroom: everything you need between days on the water.
From WiFi-enabled workspaces and a private boardroom to serene lounges, extraordinary food, and a riverside pool, every space has been designed with flexibility in mind.
The lanterns come on as the light goes. Somewhere along the bank a hippo grunts, and the table is laid for the people you came with. Every meal at Baines’ is included, and no two days at the table are quite the same, with menus that change daily and options for every guest.
Breakfast after a dawn on the water. Lunch in the shade. Dinner under the stars, sometimes set out in the bush a short way from camp, for an evening you will be holding onto and recounting for years.
Cast for Tiger Fish on water few will ever experience. Walk beneath the winterthorns. Drift past wild animals at the water’s edge. You choose how, and your guide makes sure every moment is yours.
Three nights shows you the river. A few more and it starts to show you its secrets. The leopard that uses the same path every evening, the channel where the elephants cross. Stay a little longer, and enjoy an extra night or two with our compliments.
Rain on the escarpment, and the valley turns green overnight. Migrant birds crowd the riverine forest, and on many days the Zambezi is yours alone. It is the season that returning guests keep quietly for themselves. Three nights, all-inclusive, park fees included.
The floodplain dries and the river becomes the only water for miles. Herds come down to drink in long, unhurried lines, elephants swim between the islands, and lion and leopard follow. The Lower Zambezi at its most intense. Four nights in 2027, all-inclusive, park fees included.
The fishing line goes tight. Somewhere below, a Tiger Fish turns. Early starts on quiet channels, a guide who has spent decades reading this current, and elephants on the bank between casts. Four nights from USD 2,370 per person, on selected dates. All angling is catch-and-release.
A boat at first light, and a short cruise downriver to the national park gate. Then a game drive and lunch laid out in the shade of the winterthorn forest, with you back at camp around 2pm. Included for guests on longer stays, minimum two guests. Pre-booking essential.
Baines is regular destination for our family in the Lower Zambezi. Baines has the perfect combination of luxury and warmth that makes your stay so special. The staff are attentive... read more
Paula S
Baines’ River Camp was exceptional from beginning to end. Andrew’s team seemed to anticipate everything we might need, and the entire experience felt effortless, thoughtful, and genuinely personal.
From... read more
Mark F.
We went to Baines River Camp with friends and had the most wonderful stay. The location right on the river is absolutely beautiful—quiet, peaceful and incredibly relaxing. Even with other... read more
kalbfleischja
Brilliant game viewings and so much more - the complete safari/Africa experience - I would highly recommend Baines River Camp for a complete safari experience including fantastic game drives, canoe trips, island sundowners and exciting boat trips to the national park where you... read more
Stuart W
Baines river camp exceeded all expectations. Every detail, every day was considered. The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. A trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend!
JuliaWA72
Baines is a place that appreciates the vast space they occupy and pays attention to the details of hospitality. Staff and Management do a truly exceptional job.
Alec W Millar
Baines River Camp was amazing. The accommodations were 5 stars. The staff were all amazing. The customer service continually delighted and there was a new surprise every day. And... read more
Michael S
Just came back from a fabulous 4 day girls getaway. I have been coming to Baines for the last 7 years and in my opinion it gets better and... read more
Nadia F
Baines is regular destination for our family in the Lower Zambezi. Baines has the perfect combination of luxury and warmth that makes your stay so special. The staff are attentive... read more
Paula S
Baines’ River Camp was exceptional from beginning to end. Andrew’s team seemed to anticipate everything we might need, and the entire experience felt effortless, thoughtful, and genuinely personal.
From... read more
Mark F.
We went to Baines River Camp with friends and had the most wonderful stay. The location right on the river is absolutely beautiful—quiet, peaceful and incredibly relaxing. Even with other... read more
kalbfleischja
Brilliant game viewings and so much more - the complete safari/Africa experience - I would highly recommend Baines River Camp for a complete safari experience including fantastic game drives, canoe trips, island sundowners and exciting boat trips to the national park where you... read more
Stuart W
Baines river camp exceeded all expectations. Every detail, every day was considered. The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble. A trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend!
JuliaWA72
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074
1 March – 30 November
1 Mar – 30 June & 1 – 30 November
1 July – 31 October
