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Baines' River Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Secluded and scenic riverside location
- Exceptional wildlife
- Educational talks and elephant workshop
- Impeccable service

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Overview

Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi Valley, Baines' River Camp offers a secluded and authentic wilderness safari experience from a base of total comfort and luxury. An excellent range of water and land-based activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park provides opportunities to see elephant, lion, water buffalo, and even cheetah and leopard. The proximity of the river makes for superb birdwatching, scenic canoe and motorboat trips, tiger fishing, and a particularly tranquil setting. Eight spacious and delightful riverside guest suites, combined with efficient yet warm service from the dedicated staff, enable guests to relax and fully enjoy everything that this untouched and very special place has to offer. One of Baines’ Camp’s most unique highlights is the range of insightful wildlife and photography workshops offered by local specialists.

Set on the riverbank amongst giant Tamarind and Jackal-Berry trees, the main lodge is fairly modern, with simple, contemporary décor featuring colourful print fabrics, terracotta tiles, and dark wood. With a courtyard and fishpond at its centre, the main space contains a reception, two lounges, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a bar that opens out onto the pool. The boardroom, reference library, and various workstations afford guests plenty of communal space, and complimentary WiFi is available throughout these areas. Indulgent spa treatments offered on the veranda or in private guest suites only add to the property’s decadent feel.

The camp accommodates 20 guests in eight individual bush suites, each with a private veranda overlooking the Zambezi river. Incredibly spacious, the suites have colonial-inspired décor which includes rich fabrics and oriental rugs. Each comes equipped with air conditioning, a real bonus given the Zambezi Valley’s humidity, as well as a mini bar, safe, and a king-size bed that can be converted into two twins should guests prefer. There are six Baines' Explorer Suites, two of which boast a cast-iron bath in addition to the standard en-suite shower facilities. Two additional Junior Suites are smaller, with twin beds. For families, the self-catering Baines' Cottage features a large open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area, as well as an al-fresco dining table on the veranda. This suite can be booked with the option of a private guide and chef. Separate, air-conditioned accommodation is available for up to 2 tour leaders, pilots, or private guides, and a same-day laundry service is included.

Activities naturally centre on the prolific and diverse wildlife. Walking safaris, game drives, canoe and boating safaris are a real delight, and the camp has freedom to offer night time vehicle safaris and wonderful sunset river cruises complete with sundowners. Guests are unlikely to come across other visitors and will enjoy a privileged sense of seclusion. World-renowned experts lead photographic workshops, birding weeks, and fly-fishing clinics, and a four-day elephant workshop lead by expert vet and author Johan Morais illuminates the complex social structures of these majestic animals, as well as the conservation struggles they face.

Children of 6 years and over are welcome, unless the whole camp is booked out for the sole use of one party in which case younger children are permitted. Whilst there are no specific child activities, guides will strive to tailor activities to suit each group, and the pool and accessible WiFi will help provide entertainment back at the lodge. Though it is unusual for wildlife to approach humans, the animals are in very close proximity, and so parental supervision is essential at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • 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

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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