On the Edge of Wild Migration
Tsika Island sits in a natural wildlife corridor linking the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools ecosystems.
Story & location
Zambezi Slows and Wildlife Gathers.
Tsika Island lies in the Chiawa Game Management Area on the Zambezi River, upstream from the Lower Zambezi National Park and opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. The island’s sandy shores, shallow crossings and year‑round lagoons create a safe stop‑over for elephants, antelope, hippos and countless birds as they move between feeding and breeding grounds.
Unlike lodges inside the national park, Tsika Island gives you exclusive use of a private island without daily park fees, while still placing you in the heart of the Zambezi wilderness.
Wildlife & conservation context
Elephant Corridor on Your Doorstep.
The Chiawa GMA forms part of a wider conservation landscape that includes the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools, a stronghold for African savanna elephants and other large mammals. At Tsika, elephants routinely gather in nearby lagoons and along the shore before crossing the river in single file – a powerful reminder of ancient migration routes still intact today.
You can expect to see: elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, plains game, rich birdlife, and dramatic riverfront sunrises.
Travel That Supports Local Livelihoods
By choosing Tsika Island, you help sustain jobs and services in nearby river communities, from boat captains and guides to housekeeping and maintenance teams. We prioritize locally sourced staff and services wherever possible, and we encourage guests to travel lightly, respect wildlife, and minimize their footprint along the river.
Why Tsika?
- Exclusive‑use island camps for private groups.
- Self‑catering set‑up with fully equipped kitchens and braai areas.
- Prime position on an elephant migration route and river corridor.
- Easy access from Lusaka via Chirundu and Muchichili.