Welcome to your zambian Safari
An unrivalled Zambian wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Mfuwe Lodge
Directors House
Chindeni Bushcamp
Lower Zambezi
Chiawa Camp
Old Mondoro
Sausage Tree Camp
Potato Bush Camp
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK Zambia
Located in eastern Zambia, and bordered on one side by the Muchinga Escarpment and the Luangwa River on the other. The South Luangwa National Park is 9,050 square kilometres (half the size of Wales or Massachusetts) of untouched wilderness.
The Bushcamp Company operates 6 exclusive Bushcamps in the remote south of the park, as well as the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge with the new 2-bedroom Director’s House, just inside the main park gate.
Set out from any of these secluded, intimate camps for a guaranteed and unrivalled wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa – the very place where the African walking safari was pioneered.
Director’s House
Map of South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Director's House @ Mfuwe Lodge
The Director’s House is ideal for families, small groups or travellers looking for space and privacy. The 2-bedroom 2-bathroom, exclusive-use villa is elegant, modern and tastefully decorated, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of exploring South Luangwa.
Chindeni Bushcamp
A sublime tented camp on the edge of an oxbow lagoon with the N’Chindeni Hills providing a truly breath-taking backdrop.
There’s something about sleeping under canvas that ignites a sense of adventure in everyone.
Chindeni has one of the most enviable locations in the South Luangwa. The lagoon is frequented by game all year round, and attracts large herds of animals including exceptional birdlife.
At Chindeni, combine style and comfort in one of the four spacious tents, with their wooden floors, four-poster beds and impressive views over the lagoon from the private verandas. The main area is a glorious expanse of decking arranged on several levels around the surrounding ebony trees, boasting, of course, the same spectacular view of the lagoon and its four-legged inhabitants.
Chindeni has four spacious canvas tents raised on wooden decks and a central dining area, deck and bar, with stunning views. This is safari chic with a beautiful, crisp, clean colour palate, and the spacious main deck offers private, shaded terraces for relaxing between safari activities. In October, the area is a wildlife extravaganza as water sources dry up and the oxbow pumps with activity. Sit back and watch the real life documentary unfold.
Walking time from Chamilandu is ± 4 hours and Bilimungwe ± 3½ hours.
SEASONALITY: Open from early May – end November.
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A breath-taking camp on one of the South Luangwa’s prime river locations, perfect for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife that the river and its lagoons attract.
Early morning views are the rippling waters of the Luangwa River, the gentle rise of the Chindeni Hills and a vast African sky – and you haven’t even left the four poster bed in your handsome stilted tree-house.
This super stylish camp has a prime, riverfront location under a soaring ebony tree and has been designed for perfect outdoor living. The floors in the main area are all sand and the camp is lit by lanterns at night. You are totally disconnected with no wifi or mobile phone reception.
Chamilandu is the most intimate of the Bushcamps, with only 3, super-sexy, open-fronted suites, all raised on decks for additional safety from the wildlife that walks through the camp. In this wilderness area, you never know what you will see from your room: if not passing animals, you are guaranteed vast views from your bed over the Luangwa River.
With a photo hide overlooking a waterhole and a lower deck for lay-flat, ground level photography, the camp is ideal for photographers – but the romance and exclusivity make it perfect for honeymoon couples too.
Walking distance from Chindeni only, and the longest direct walk (± 4 hours).
SEASONALITY: Open from early June – end October.
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Warm and welcoming, beautiful Bilimungwe blends seamlessly with its surroundings and offers unrivalled wildlife viewings.
It’s hard not to be seduced by the charm of Bilimungwe.
Here, the traditions of an African bushcamp meet elegance and style and create a stunning camp that feels as if it has grown organically from the surrounds. At the heart is the lounge area, shaded by a huge mahogany tree and overlooking a waterhole. The four thatched rooms are raised on stilts. The rich, wood interiors echo the trees and the furniture is hand-carved by local artisans. After an early morning game drive, head back to your room for a refreshing, open-air waterfall shower, or continue the wildlife spectacle from your private deck.
Bilimungwe offers the perfect armchair safari – and if you love elephants, you will love it here! Overlooking 3 waterholes with many herds of resident elephants, the camp is a hidden gem under huge mahogany trees. These trees provide deep shade in the hot summer months and the area also attracts the very rare African pitta (that is a rarely seen bird, in case you are confused).
There are four open-fronted thatched chalets on wooden decks and the camp has the best breakfast spot in the South Luangwa, watching the sun come up over the hills. As with all the Bushcamps, expert guides lead all the safari experiences.
Walking time from Chindeni is ± 3½ hours and Kapamba ± 3 hours.
SEASONALITY: Open from mid May – end December.
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
From US$ 605 per person per night
Kapamba Bushcamp
A remote and romantic camp situated in a prime location on the Kapamba River, and one of only two Bushcamps to be open from April to January.
The Kapamba River, a shallow sand river that flows all year but is free of crocodiles and hippos, is only metres in front of camp, and guests can bathe, walk or enjoy sundowners in the river. The Kapamba flows into the Luangwa and this area of rivers, floodplains and riverine vegetation attracts excellent wildlife.
Set away from the Luangwa floodplain, Kapamba operates for a slightly longer season as the roads remains passable for longer. With an exotic Mediterranean touch, the four chalets are open-fronted with wrought iron gates that close for nocturnal security, and 2 of the rooms have a sala ideal for midday siestas or sleep-outs under the stars.
From here you can take your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes and walk in the river, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
Walking time from Bilimungwe is ± 3 hours and Zungulila (also on the Kapamba River) ± 2½ hours.
SEASONALITY: Open from early April – early January
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
Combine the isolation and superb game-viewing opportunities of a true bushcamp with a touch of style.
Surrounded by some of the park’s richest wildlife, the central living and dining area at Kapamba huddles under matumi and sausage trees, opening onto an extended deck with a swimming pool. Cool, contemporary, and utterly original, the open-fronted bedrooms boast wide verandas and twin showers with views of the river. At night, pull closed the wrought-iron shutters and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night without worrying about unwanted visitors… Two of the chalets also have raised sleep-out salas (with small bathrooms) – a wonderful experience to sleep out under the stars, or to relax during afternoon siesta.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
A charming and rustic camp that offers a true taste of the bush and embodies the authentic charm of old Africa.
It may be the simplest of our camps, but there’s something undeniably special about Kuyenda.
Forget infinity pools and wi-fi and Kuyenda’s simple and spacious rondavels (circular huts) opening onto a deck and complete with open-air en suite bathroom. Panoramic windows overlook the surrounding plains and the incredible game that frequently saunters through camp, day, and night. The same can be said of the back-to-nature central lounge area – simply settle into a chair, look out over the rippling grasses, and the wildlife will come to you.
Kuyenda Bushcamp is surrounded by diverse landscapes including salt pans, dry river beds, mopane woodland, the Luangwa River and open plains. The Bushcamp comprises 6 rondavels, all of which have twin beds that can be converted to an imperial king-sized bed. Each rondavel is made of thatch and grass and has an en-suite with a shower (with hot and cold running water), double vanity, toilet, and bathroom amenities.
SEASONALITY: Open from early June – mid November.
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
Kuyenda oozes with traditional Luangwa safari style & charm. Here, guests explore varied habitats rich in wildlife, and enjoy a back-to-nature lifestyle in the simplest in design of all the Bushcamps, yet arguably the richest in experience.
Zungulila Bushcamp
A remote, classic tented safari camp that delivers an authentic safari experience in eminently peaceful surrounds.
Four spacious tents make up this charming bushcamp that embodies old Africa.
Zungulila Bushcamp offers breathtaking views onto the Kapamba River and an expansive plain where natural springs attract huge herds of game. The camp style is the perfect balance of ultra safari chic, while still offering a connected wilderness experience.
Zungulila’s classic Meru tents are stylish and spacious and the ensuite bathrooms have outdoor showers and enormous bathtubs, allowing you to enjoy your creatures and your creature comfort!
All tents feature outdoor showers with cold and solar-heated water, and their own private deck with a spectacular outdoor bathtubs.
In the central area there is a beautiful fire boma, which overlooks the floodplain.
Walking time from Kapamba is ± 2½ hours.
SEASONALITY: Open from early April – early January
CHILDREN: All ages. Children 12 and younger are not permitted on walking safaris. Private vehicles or exclusive use of the camp needs to be booked for families with young children.
LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
Lingering along the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this iconic region (which is still relatively undeveloped) is renowned for abundant wildlife in a raw and remote wilderness. It is one of the most spectacular safari destinations, where wildlife includes island-hopping elephant and buffalo, to prides of lion and prolific leopard sightings. Riverine ebony and fig trees grow thickly along the water’s edge, bordering inland floodplains with towering winterthorn and acacia trees, attracting a large variety of birdlife. The park is just over 4,000 sq.km and confined between the Zambezi escarpment and river.
Those who have been to the Lower Zambezi can attest to this being one of the best locations in Africa for magnificent wildlife sightings from vehicle and foot, as well as boat and canoe.
In the local Soli language, Chiawa means ‘The one who shares’ – an appropriate name for such a camp that honours the local people and their traditions.
Chiawa Camp
Multi-award-winning Chiawa Camp, is the pioneer of the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Zambia’s premier luxury safari camp, Chiawa is a gentle and unhurried experience for both wildlife and guests, while still offering up a diverse range of activities. From game drives to heart-stopping game walks as well as canoeing, boating and angling – all in the company of Africa’s finest guides.
Each of the 8 luxury tents boast spectacular views over the Zambezi River and its vast array of resident wildlife. Elephant, lion, leopard, hippo and much more, occupy this gorgeous region of Zambia.
* The Tourism Levy/Park & Conservation/Carbon fee has been increased from $110 to $120 per person per night. This aides with the ongoing care of the land and wildlife, as well as pulling both camps completely off grid taking them from being Climate Neutral to Climate Positive.
Safari Tents, with spacious and airy interiors, waterfall outdoor shower, and the “Chiawa Bench Wallow” (aka small plunge pool).
The creative culinary team at the Chiawa Camp ensure meals are of the highest standard, from seasonal menus developed and enhanced over time.
Along with Chiawa’s renowned dedication to its guests, staff, local communities and conservation, allow yourself to share in Chiawa’s passion, so that you can enjoy one of Africa’s finest safari camps and the wildlife adventure of a lifetime.
8 SAFARI TENTS & 1 SAFARI SUITE
SEASONALITY: Open May through to mid-November.
CHILDREN: 8+ years
Old Mondoro
The incredible wildlife encounters at this quintessential safari camp are those found only in your wildest dreams. Under the canopy of winterthorn trees and bordering the mighty Zambezi river, wild animals are part of the camp, sharing in your daily routine.
* The Tourism Levy/Park & Conservation/Carbon fee has been increased from $110 to $120 per person per night. This aides with the ongoing care of the land and wildlife, as well as pulling both camps completely off grid taking them from being Climate Neutral to Climate Positive.
An intimate camp of only 5 chalets.
The concept of this camp is simple – to provide guests with an authentic and unedited Zambian safari, providing a “back to the bush” atmosphere that centralizes on the wildlife and wilderness experience.
The area is known for big cat sightings (some of the most prolific leopard sightings to be had in Africa), with the magic of the water providing island-hopping buffalo and elephant, as well as an extreme concentration of hippo.
5 BUSH CHALETS & 1 FAMILY CHALET
One of Africa’s Great Wilderness Areas
The Lower Zambezi National Park gets it’s stunning scenery from the combination of 120km of Zambezi River front, the concentration of game in the valley floor and the backdrop of the magnificent Zambezi Escarpement, the Southern limit of the Great East African Rift Valley. The park is opposite Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site across the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree Camp is the epitome of bush chic, set in a stunning location along the Zambezi River at the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park. The pristine location and Sausage Tree Camp offer all the game, all the luxury without all the people.
Sleeping only 18 guests, Sausage Tree Camp offers a civilized approach to a true bush experience with lavish attention to detail.
The central dining and bar area is fronted by an enormous teak deck overlooking the Zambezi River and low set reed islands teeming with game.
The 25m Lap-pool is idyllically situated right on the edge of the riverbank, under shading Mahogany trees with outstanding views.
Accommodation is in luxurious suites, completely rebuilt in 2018 to the highest of standards.
Each of the seven Luxury Suites is a spacious island of cool minimalist style serviced by a Muchinda (private butler).
Highlights being the unique open-air shower, a large deck with private plunge pool & lounge area, mini bar with leather sofas and a view to marry for…
Suites are generously spaced along the Zambezi River bank allowing the elephants to amble in between.
These are ultra luxury custom safari tents with massive gauze windows and sliding doors allowing cooling breezes to move through.
Nearly hidden from one another, and shaded by mature Sausage and Mahogany trees, the tents are cool, private sanctuaries to return to for an afternoon siesta or good nights rest.
‘Kigelia House’ is the perfect choice for small groups or families, with two en-suite bedrooms separated by an open plan living area leading onto the private deck and pool.
All tents have 24-hour power and plentiful hot and cold treated water.
From US$ 1600 per person per night
- Flights included from Jeki, Livingston, Kafue, Mfuwe or Lusaka Airstrips (4nights or longer)
- All meals and drinks
- Guided safari activities
- Walking safaris
- Private game vehicle for Day and night game drives
- Private Butler
- Laundry
- Internal Park transfers
- Canoeing and boating
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Swimming pool
POTATO BUSH CAMP
Potato Bush Camp lies adjacent to it’s sister camp, the world-renowned Sausage Tree Camp and hugely benefits from the nearby strong foundations, infrastructure and service levels.
With a stunning panoramic view overlooking the Zambezi River and escarpment, this site is nestled under Mahogany, Sausage, Winter Thorn and Acacia Tortillas Trees, which provide excellent shade. Potato Bush Camp offers professionally guided game drives, scenic canoeing and boat trips, educational walking safaris, exciting night drives and, of course, fishing.
Potato Bush Camp sets high standards in the new era for small exclusive luxury tented safari camps! This African contemporary design perfectly balances the raw structural integrity and natural beauty of solid Zambian Rosewood and dramatically compliments the use of traditional canvas. The entire camp is linked with raised timber walkways, making it slightly safer than walking on the ground and also aids in limiting the harmful impact of human activities in this pristine environment. Potato Bush Camp is comprised of three well-appointed canvas and Rosewood safari tents and also a 2-bedroom family house (similar to the very popular Kigelia House at Sausage Tree Camp). To complement the accommodation there is an open plan dining, bar and lounge area, which is accessed by all four luxury tents by way of raised timber boardwalks.
The three Luxury Safari Tents are extremely spacious and have en-suite bathrooms with twin showers, twin basins and a full size four-claw bath tub. Large folding doors lead onto the large balcony which hosts a 2-person hammock and a private plunge pool, with well-appointed furniture to complement the ambience and architecture of the safari tents.
Two of the Luxury Safari Tents are furnished with king-size beds while the 3rd Safari Tent is a twin. All beds are covered with large walk around four-poster mozi nets and each fitted with a fan. 24-hour electricity is supplied to all rooms for charging batteries, cameras, computers etc…
The Two-bedroom Family House is a massive 21m wide perfectly designed “safari tent”. This offers a huge central living area, dining and balcony area which divides the two bedrooms. Both bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms with twin showers, twin basins and large four-claw bath tubs (with a view). To accompany the architectural grandeur of this luxury house, it also offers a large plunge pool, fully stocked bar and fridge, private dining table and furniture that complements both the style of the house and the surrounding environment. Perfect for any family or party of 4 adults. Extra beds can be added in any of the rooms. All beds are covered with large walk around four-poster mozi nets and each fitted with a fan.
From US$ 1250 per person per night
- Flights included from Jeki, Livingston, Kafue, Mfuwe or Lusaka Airstrips (4nights or longer)
- All meals and drinks
- Guided safari activities
- Walking safaris
- Private game vehicle for Day and night game drives
- Laundry
- Internal Park transfers
- Canoeing and boating
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Swimming pool
** That completes our Zambian circuit and the Lower Zambezi National Park **