Situated on the banks of the fourth-longest river in Africa, the mighty Zambezi, Sausage Tree Camp offers the perfect mix of land- and water-based activities, coupled with delicious cuisine and luxury accommodation.
Joining the Green Safaris portfolio in 2023, Sausage Tree Camp has been an iconic safari destination in the Lower Zambezi for more than two decades. Originally built in the late 1990s, the camp was designed to offer front-row access to one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas, and it truly does.
Chosen for its dramatic setting along the Zambezi River, the location is breathtaking, with the ebb and flow of the river and the mountainous escarpment as a backdrop. Abundant wildlife roam freely between river and bush, and the placement of Sausage Tree Camp was no accident, but an intentional spot for guests to savor all it has, and more. Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s premier safari destinations, protected from overdevelopment, thus ensuring an authentic, intimate safari experience.
The camp’s seamless integration with the surroundings makes it the ideal arrival point for first-time or seasoned safari goers. Structures are low-impact and open-plan, featuring flowing canvas and teak to enhance natural ventilation. Prioritizing immersion, the design for the interiors draws inspiration from local materials and cultural references, marrying modern comfort with an organic, grounded aesthetic.
Coming in to land over the Lower Zambezi National Park with ProCharter en route to the Jeki airstrip, I am once again mesmerized by the beauty of the Lower Zambezi. Islands dot the water, and seeing elephants crossing by wading or swimming makes for a special arrival. Waiting at the airstrip are guides Nobby and Wilson, who are doing the safari vehicle transfer from the aircraft to the jetty, with a 30-minute boat trip, taking me to my much-anticipated place for the next three nights, Sausage Tree Camp.
Assisting me out of the speedboat is camp manager Chris, and being warmly welcomed by the staff makes me immediately feel at home. Taking the steps up to the main area, my table and brunch are ready (guests can pre-order on the way to the lodge). Butler Arnold serves my food a delicious gourmet burger and fries, and after lunch, he walks me to Tented Suite 7, which is at the end of a sandy footpath. The large wooden door opens into the luxurious tented structure, with a lounge and coffee station, a bedroom with seating area and wardrobe space, a bathroom with a freestanding egg-shaped soaking tub, double vanities, his and hers showerheads, a flush loo, and indoor & outdoor shower.
Each tented suite comes with an outdoor deck, where you can recline on the sun loungers while sipping on a beverage from your mini-bar, or take in the vistas during a dip in your plunge pool. Sausage Tree Camp underwent a gentle transformation in 2023 to elevate guest comfort while retaining its original charm. Soft furnishings were updated, as well as lighting and finishes. The introduction of locally sourced textiles in earthy tones – sands and taupe, complemented by textures like linen, jute, and sustainably harvested wood, softened the visual experience without distracting from the incredible scenery.
A few additions were made to Sausage Tree Camp – a new pergola at the pool alongside the new gym, which was built in an eco-friendly manner. Celebrating laid-back luxury, the bar is a social hub with panoramic views of the river. Constructed with sustainably sourced timber, it reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable design and is beautifully integrated around the resident tree. Putting the green in Green Safaris is once again proven – building alongside nature and incorporating it in any way possible. Bespoke seating and artisanal touches glamorize the space, offering a curated selection of local spirits and Zambian-inspired cocktails. This is where safari stories begin and end, with the setting sun casting its final glow.
After luxuriating in my Tented suite, I take a leisurely stroll to High Tea, which is a yummy selection of savory and sweet treats, washed down with your hot or cold beverage of choice. The time has come for our afternoon safari, and guests staying at Sausage Tree Camp have the wonderful advantage of their own private guide! Nobby wants to know whether I prefer to do a river cruise or spot wildlife in Lower Zambezi National Park. I chose the latter, with a fantastic sighting of the resident lion pride in the golden afternoon light. Consisting of three males, three females, and four cubs, the lion dynamics are fascinating as one by one, they start yawning and stretching, a telltale indication that they will be getting active or moving somewhere more comfortable.
When I return from safari, it’s time for dinner, and tonight’s menu consists of Mediterranean tartlet for starters, beef fillet for the main course, and mixed berry pannacotta for dessert. Dining takes place on the main deck, and wildlife could meander by as the camp is unfenced, and an elephant bull makes a silent appearance to the left side of the deck during the entrée. One of my favorite meals during my stay is the delicious lamb shank, perfectly prepared by Head Chef Emmanuel and his team.
Heading to my tented suite, Arnold accompanies me right to my front door, shining a torch on the footpath along the way to see if there might be any animal tracks, alerting him and me to what might be lurking in the bushes. The room is a haven of tranquility, and before having a shower, I switch on The Evening Breeze, a clever, energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. Discreetly integrated above the bed, it provides a cocoon of cool air through an overhead canopy. The seamless, silent system targets only where it’s needed – under the mosquito net and in true sustainable Green Safaris style, reduces energy use by up to 80%.
Pre-game drive breakfast is set up with views overlooking the Zambezi, and the sun is busy rising – the start to another unforgettable day spent in this hospitable African country. Taking it slowly through the park, Nobby spots a small breeding herd of elephants with a pregnant mom, a lone male warthog grazing, a family of waterbuck feeding on water hyacinth, a grey heron with a lizard catch, and the cutest baby crocodile. We stop by a giant baobab, and these century-old trees are imposing in size. Stepping into the base of the tree, I look up to see the intricate markings and carvings, and the promise of new leaves starting to form on the bare branches.
Chris tries whispering to Nobby that there’s a surprise and we need to be back at the main deck at 11:55. Hmm, a surprise – I’m intrigued. In the main area, we meet at the jetty, and boat captain Clement opens the door to the pontoon for us to climb into. It’s Sausage Tree Camp’s eBoat, gliding almost soundlessly on the Zambezi to the surprise – an island lunch! Seeing different families of hippos along the way is a great sight, especially an adorable calf showing us his ‘good side’. A game-changer for river safaris, the eBoat’s flat design is unbelievably stable and powered by solar-charged batteries, delivering ample energy for extended excursions without compromising on performance.
For guests at Sausage Tree Camp wanting to stay in shape, the new open-air gym is tucked beneath a canopy of winterthorn trees, with the benefit of being immersed in nature. Designed to blend into its surroundings, it features minimal-impact materials and equipment suited for both strength and cardio training. This wellness space aligns with the rhythms of the bush – quiet, focused and restorative. Once your workout is done, take a dip in the sparkling lap pool to cool down, or in your own private plunge pool.
Following a great afternoon of game viewing, Nobby stops the vehicle at the river’s edge, where we watch the sun setting while having sundowners. A great prospect for guests will be The Silent Safari, a hallmark of Green Safaris and their sustainability ethos. Electric game drive vehicles offer a new way to fully appreciate the bush – they are quiet, respectful, and non-intrusive. Hearing the crunch of an elephant’s footsteps, the rustle of leaves, and the distant call of a fish eagle are all details often lost in the hum of the engines. Thinking we’re going on a night safari, as we turn the corner, I realize that it’s boma night! The smell and taste of food cooked over an open fire is simply sublime.
Opening the front door to my tented suite, the lovely fragrance of lit candles fill the room. On the table in the lounge is a portion of Amarula (a cream liqueur), an ice bucket and glasses. I notice that the bathroom door is closed, and what a special way to say goodbye – with a drawn bubble bath and candles. I would be remiss to say that Sausage Tree Camp is not just a place, it’s a feeling. The combination of an extraordinary location, impeccable service, and sincere care for both guests and the environment. With every detail crafted to create eternal memories – the elephants that came to feed right next to my tent, or seeing a leopard making his way up the riverbank in broad daylight, coupled with the innovative steps that Green Safaris is taking towards a more sustainable future, guests will leave changed for the better, as I did.
How to Book | Luxury tour operator Cazenove+loyd assisted in arranging Heléne’s tailor-made trip to Zambia. Experts in creating extraordinary tailor-made holidays, small group trips and celebrations, they provide their clients from across the world with a highly exclusive and personal way in which to travel. They specialize in travel across Africa + the Indian Ocean, Latin America + the Caribbean, the Polar regions + Scandinavia, Asia + the Middle East, and Australasia. Every trip is designed by a specialist who has lived or traveled extensively in their respective destination, and their knowledge of the destinations means they understand exactly what it takes to deliver truly extraordinary trips. To book, visit www.cazloyd.com or call +1 800 409 4233.
