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Island Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Rustic bush camp in remote location
- Great value accommodation for the area
- 'Up-close' guided walking safaris
- Kafunta Safaris Portfolio

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Overview

Island Bush Camp is an intimate and unassuming rustic safari base located in an extremely remote yet game-rich area of the South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. Located on the high sandbanks of the Luangwa River, three hours south of its sister camp Kafunta River Lodge, this excellent-value, owner-run dwelling offers a ‘back-to-basics’ stay in pristine wilderness, allowing guests to reconnect with nature both through the simplicity of the camp facilities, and through the expertly-guided walking safaris for which this National Park is renowned. Common, ‘up-close’ encounters with lion, buffalo, giraffe, and elephant during the walks are a particular highlight of the area, and a real thrill. Despite the camp’s rustic nature, the service and cuisine are of an excellent standard, and friendly staff promote a sociable atmosphere. This seasonal retreat is open during the late May to early November dry season, and is reached via a four hour airport transfer along a bumpy track in an uncovered vehicle, so do bring a hat, sun cream, and a little resilience for the ride.

The camp is small and simple, blending almost completely into its river-side surroundings. The open-air main area sits below a thatched roof amidst a mahogany tree grove and contains a bar, a lounge area with sofas and armchairs, and a covered dining area. Meals are cooked on a wood-burning stove, and are often served outdoors under the stars. To maximise game viewing and avoid the midday heat, the day starts very early at Island Bush Camp, but early-morning tea and freshly toasted bread served around the fire pit overlooking the river undoubtedly cushions the blow. There is no mains electricity; the camp runs on solar power and paraffin lights, so it’s worth arriving with equipment fully charged.

The accommodation consists of just 5 bush chalets; reed huts which open onto private verandas overlooking the river with its neighbouring pod of hippos. Sitting on a raised wooden platform, each room contains twin single beds draped in mosquito netting, directors’ chairs, a small table, and a solar-powered lamp. The open-air en-suite bathroom sits on the same level along a short walkway, equipped with a canvas bucket shower filled with hot water twice daily; once in the morning, and again on return from the afternoon walk. The capacity is usually enough for a 10-minute shower, and cold running water and a flush toilet is also provided. Laundry is included. Note that the huts have no air conditioning, which may be keenly felt during the intense heat of October and November.

Activities centre on walking safaris with an expert guide and armed ranger scout. A safari vehicle provides connections to walking trails, and sometimes night drives are offered, but generally the experience is on foot. The seasonal nature of the area means fewer wildlife sightings early on during the season, with peak density in the hottest October to November months.

Children are welcome, although there’s a minimum age of 12 years so that all guests can enjoy the walking safaris. With no pool or designated children's activities, a stay would best suit older children with a keen interest in nature. Parents should note that although it is unlikely for animals to approach humans or tents, the camp is unfenced so children must be kept under close supervision at all times.

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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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