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Mwaleshi Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Secluded wilderness location
- Intimate, authentic camp
- Excellent walking terrain

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Overview

Mwaleshi Camp is an intimate, secluded bush camp on a scenic bend of the Mwaleshi River in north eastern Zambia’s remote North Luangwa National Park. This rustic camp offers an authentic wilderness retreat with excellent guiding to just eight guests in four chalets with open air bathrooms and superb waterside views. With few roads and limited accommodation, North Luangwa National Park remains relatively unexplored by tourism, yet the area is home to abundant numbers of lion, buffalo, elephant, baboon and Cookson’s wildebeest. A 15 minute drive from Mwaleshi airstrip, the camp operates during the peak June to October dry season. Visitors during October should come prepared for extremely high temperatures, at a time when wildlife is at its most prolific.

The camp’s main area or ‘chitenge’ is a thatched, open-sided structure. Guest spaces comprise a comfy lounge and bar, a small library and a communal dining area, all with wonderful river views. Outside is a lovely campfire area with seating, plus a number of loungers by the water’s edge, perfect for relaxation.

Activities focus on guided walks along existing animal trails, led twice daily with very experienced guides and a National Park guard. The terrain is reasonably gentle and groups progress at a relaxed pace, often with a scenic picnic stop en route. The camp uses a drop-off vehicle to access walks in areas further afield, including Mwaleshi Falls.

The accommodation comprises four reed and thatch ensuite chalets, which are completely rebuilt using local materials at the start of each season. These airy chalets are open to the front with great river views, and feature simple, comfortable furnishings including double or twin beds draped with mosquito nets. Each unit has solar lighting and a traditional open-air bathroom with flush WC, basin, and shower. Battery charging is available in the main area, but due to its remote location the camp does not provide mobile phone reception.

Children over 12 years of age are most welcome. As there is no designated children’s programme, the camp may be best suited to adventurous families with a keen interest in wildlife and the outdoors. The camp is open to the bush and the river, and wildlife does wander through. Although it is unlikely that animals would approach chalets or people, parents are reminded that children should be supervised 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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