The Bushcamp Company
The Bushcamp Company is where I spent most of 2013 as a camp manager deep in the bush of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. In 2009, my first safari experience was here while on honeymoon with my wife, Amy. The Bushcamp Company consists of Mfuwe Lodge and 6 small camps; each unique in their own way. In fact, the Bushcamp Company’s camps have exclusive use of the southern half of the park, ensuring you have a quiet and unhurried safari experience.
I’ve been around a lot of exceptional guides during my travels across Africa, but the best of the best have still been those I worked alongside with the Bushcamp Company. Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and is, in my opinion the best country for those who really want to get out on foot and experience the true Africa; we’re talking full morning to full day walks. South Luangwa also offers some of the best wildlife viewing and overall density of wildlife in the world. And if you love leopards, this is the park to visit.
Chindeni
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chindeni consists of only 4 tented chalets sitting on a ridge, overlooking a stunning permanent lagoon that attracts wildlife all throughout the dry season. The tents are tastefully done and decorated as to maintain a true bush experience while enjoying this very quiet part of South Luangwa Park. You really do not even have to leave camp to enjoy the action. Chill out in a hammock on the shaded and private veranda on of your chalet.
Activities include day and night game drives as well as some of the best walking safaris in Africa.
Nightly rates start at $630 per person
Chamilandu
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Chamilandu is a very small and intimate camp ideal for small groups. There are only 3 chalets raised up on a stiled platform overlooking the the Chindeni Hills and the Luangwa River; the life blood of the park. It’s obvious that during the dry season, all sorts of animals flock to the area to take advantage of the water and the shaded riverine forests. The common area is very much reminiscent of a classic bush camp with quite a bit of character.
Activities include day and night game drives and some of the best walking safaris in Africa.
Nightly rates start at $630 per person
Kapamba
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
This is a very special camp due to its proximity to the seasonal Kapamba River. This river runs shallow, meaning no crocs or hippo. You will experience sundowners (pictured below) and even a bush lunch or dinner in the middle of the river with the warm and gentle running waters of the Kapamba River caressing your feet. The camp consists of only 4 chalets, two of which now have skybeds for those who want to sleep under the stars. The chalets are open-fronted to face the river and at night, specially crafted iron gates in the shape of tree branches swing closed to keep unwanted visitors out, but offer you clear views, especially on a moonlit night, to spy wildlife cruising the edge of the river.
Activities include day and night game drives and some of the best walking safaris in Africa.
Nightly rates start at $630 per person
Kuyenda
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Everything you need and everything you don’t. That is the true essence of a bushcamp and Kuyenda is just that. Even with recent updates, the 6 thatched chalets exude the charm of a simpler time in the bush where the focus is on the outdoors instead of the indoors. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be uncomfortable. Plush beds and en-suite bathrooms with traditional bucket showers will add to the charm of this camp.
Activities include day and night game drives and the best walking areas of all of The Bushcamp Company’s camps.
Nightly rates start at $490 per person
Zungulila
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Zungulila is the most remote of The Bushcamp Company’s camps. Located further up the Kapamba river from Kapamba Bushcamp, this 4 tented camp sits on the edge of an open plain where Cape buffalo, elephant, lion, and more are commonly seen.
Activities include day and night game drives and walking safaris as well as some of the best sunsets and sundowners in the park. The atmosphere is very laid back and relaxing and you just may want to stay in camp all day to see what amazing animals come to visit.
Nightly rates starts at $630 per person
Mfuwe Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The picture above is not staged or photo-shopped. When the mangos are ripe, elephants use the most direct path to get to them starting in late November. This path just happens to take them right by the front desk and lounge of Mfuwe Lodge. This lodge has become quite famous for this event itself, but there’s so much more. This is a perfect spot to start and end your South Luangwa safari adventure. There are 18 luxurious chalets that face out towards lagoons frequented by all sorts of wildlife, especially hippo, elephant, zebra, impala, and it’s fairly common to see lion, leopard, and even the African Wild Dog as well.
Activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, and visits to the local village. A spa is also onsite.
Nightly rates start at $480 per person
Bilimungwe
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Bilimungwe is another intimate camp of 4 very comfortable and beautiful thatched chalets. All of the chalets have large decks and verandas that overlook one of three waterholes in the camp. Elephants are a constant visitor to these waterholes as well as all sorts of animals. This is the camp I worked at during 2013 and I saw most of the larger animals that call the bush home visit camp including lion, leopard, elephant, and African Wild Dog.
Activities include day and night game drives and walking safaris.
Nightly rates start at $630 per person
