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Mchenja Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Small-scale, luxury tented camp
- Shaded plunge pool
- Up-close walking safaris
- Game drives

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Overview

Named for the nearby grove of ebony trees, Mchenja Bushcamp is an elegant tented camp with superb views of the South Luangwa National Park’s unspoilt wilderness. A two hour drive from Mfuwe airport, each of the camp’s five tented chalets overlook the huge sweeping bend in Zambia’s Luangwa River, the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stay. Mchenja is arguably Norman Carr’s most luxurious camp, and one of the best in the area. Even during peak sunlight hours, guests can enjoy welcome shade from the ebony grove, as well as the surrounding sausage trees. Guests have the choice of staying close to camp and indulging in comfort and pampering, or exploring the area further.

The camp comprises five tented chalets, spaced far enough apart to ensure privacy. Each hexagonal tent is designed to be light and airy, and floor to ceiling canvas windows with billowing cotton curtains let the breeze through on hot days. The tents also have their own private en-suite open air bathroom with hot and cold shower, plus Victorian style baths with delightful river views and a decking area featuring a small shaded plunge pool, which although not large enough for swimming, is deep enough to completely submerge in for a refreshing escape from the heat.

Peak safari season is between June and October, but the camp is also open in the last weeks of May and first weeks of November. Those who visit during October and November will experience the highest wildlife concentrations, although they will also need to come prepared for some very high temperatures. Mchenja is located in a strong game area and offers both walking safaris and 4WD safaris. It’s possible to combine Mchenja into a camp-to-camp walking trip, as it’s only a morning’s walk from its sister-camps, Kakuli and Nsolo. As with most of the South Luangwa, sightings of lions and leopards are fairly common; during the dry season guests might be lucky enough to see antelope, mongoose, or even bushbabies, and the birdlife is phenomenal.

Aside from safari activities, guests can choose to simply relax at camp and spend the day reading books from the small library in the many comfortable sofas. The bar is well stocked with soft drinks, spirits, beer and wine, and afternoon tea with cake is served after a midday siesta. The main lounge is sheltered by a sausage tree, which is designed to look like it’s falling into the dining area. Dinner is usually served when guests return from the evening game drive. Meals are normally enjoyed communally, but private dinners can be arranged for anyone who wishes to enjoy the beautiful sunset views of the river in peaceful seclusion.

For safety reasons, the camp only accepts children aged 12 and over if they’re part of a booked family group. Children are not permitted to join guided walks, but may take part in game drives, which will easily thrill them as the 'Lion Plain', where safaris take place, certainly lives up to its name. Parents should note that the camp is unfenced and is also beside a steep, and occasionally unstable, bank of the Luangwa River so children must be kept under adult supervision at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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