Zambia South Luangwa Safari Camps

On a bend in the wide hippo-filled Luangwa River lies Kalamu Bush Camp, looking out over a wide sandy bed bracketing a ribbon of cool, blue water while crocodiles line its banks. Giant fig, mahogany and African ebony trees shade the small camp which is located within the iconic South Luangwa National Park. Facing west, it overlooks a well-used animal crossing point on the Luangwa River and the distant Muchinga escarpment and provides wonderful views and photo opportunities.

This typical tented consists of five tents with private bathrooms, each one with a different outlook on the Luangwa River. The plunge pool, the deck and the shaded bar and dining area maximize the sweeping river views. A deck built into a fallen fig tree provides an unusual and fantastic lookout point, with the river flowing past on either side. The camp's understated luxury interiors fit well with the heating and light provided by the sun. The design philosophy had its aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible, something Kalamu succeeds in admirably.

Activities at Kalamu Bush Camp focus on the Luangwa River with both game drives and walks exploring its banks, fringing woodland and open scrub. The famous 'walking safari' which changed the way people experience Africa’s natural wonders was in fact first established here. The deeper pools of the river and a nearby seasonal lagoon hold large vocal pods of hippo and silent crocodiles. These waters attract elephant, buffalo, puku, impala, yellow baboon and other species in increasing numbers as the season progresses and other water sources dry up.

Kalamu Lagoon Camp lies on a beautiful permanent lagoon just off the Luangwa River in the remote Luamfwa area in the southern section of South Luangwa National Park. Abounding with wildlife, South Luangwa is one of the most spectacular conservation areas in all Africa. This wild unpopulated area is protected from communal land use and game management and is allowed to exist on its own terms.

Accommodations consists of eight safari-style reed and canvas tents, each equipped a private bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor showers. The camp's dining and bar area are under a canopy of giant ebony trees. The pool and viewing deck area offer spectacular views of the lagoon that may once have been part of the South Luangwa River.

South Luangwa is renowned as the best walking destination in Africa and guests can explore the Luangwa riverine vegetation and adjacent dambos on guided walks. Other activities include both day and night wildlife drives. There are herds of elephant and buffalo, and plenty of impala and puku to be seen. Other antelope include the common waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, kudu, grysbok, oribi, reedbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable and roan. Species such as Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest occur nowhere else in the world. The main predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dogs. Large hippo populations dot the riverbanks while yellow baboons provide a contrast to their southern cousins. The dry season along the Luangwa River — when all game is forced to congregate along its banks as water resources dwindle elsewhere — is an experience every Africa fan should indulge in.

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is amongst the best in Africa with Mfuwe Lodge perfectly positioned in the Park's central region. From its unique location, Mfuwe Lodge provides the visitor with a special opportunity to experience the Africa of old; untouched and wild. The lodge offers year-round access to this acclaimed conservation area with impressively high wildlife numbers and is famous for its walking safaris.

Mfuwe Lodge has eighteen luxury en-suite thatched chalets, each with a private decking area that overlooks one of the two beautiful lagoons in the vicinity that hold water throughout the year and attract abundant game, day and night, including the resident hippo. As water in the surrounding area dries out animals including increasing numbers — including elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion — make their way to the lagoons to drink. The lodge has a beautiful dining area, a pool and a spa.

Crocodiles and pods of hippo are everywhere, and you can hear and see the yellow baboons to proclaim their existence. There are herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as dominant antelope species such as impala and puku. Other antelope include common waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, kudu, grysbok, oribi, reedbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable and roan. Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest occur nowhere else in the world and the area's leopard viewing is legendary. The main predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyena and wild dog. The dry season along the Luangwa River is legendary; all the wildlife concentrates around the few lagoons and other watering spots.