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Bilimungwe Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Intimate, upmarket camp
- Award-winning guiding
- Abundant wildlife in camp
- High volume of return guests

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Overview

Bilimungwe is an intimate, high-quality safari camp offering exceptional, award-winning guiding and top class service in a game rich, secluded corner of eastern Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Situated in a shady mahogany grove near the Luangwa River, the camp overlooks three waterholes brimming with wildlife, and boasts spectacular game viewing even from the comfort of one’s bed. At the higher end of the price bracket, Bilimungwe offers four select and spacious chalets, with extremely comfortable facilities.

Approximately 3 hours’ transfer from Mfuwe Airport, the camp operates seasonally from May to December, with the peak wildlife viewing period being June to October. Travellers should note that temperatures in this region rise significantly from October onwards, coinciding with prolific wildlife density including large numbers of lion, leopard, elephant, warthog, hippo, impala, and baboon.

The camp’s main area is an open-sided thatched construction built on raised decking, with great views of the action around the waterholes. Guest spaces comprise a comfortable, stylish lounge, and well-stocked bar, plus a dining area with a communal table for traditional bush-camp dining. An outdoor lounge and fire pit area are ideal for post dinner drinks and stargazing. The camp runs on solar power, with charging facilities available in each unit; however due to its remote location, Wi-Fi, internet and mobile reception are not available.

Activities in camp focus on day and night game drives and guided walks, with extremely knowledgeable guides. This exceptionally high quality guiding is, no doubt, a key reason why Bilimungwe enjoys a high volume of return visitors.

The accommodation in camp comprises four very generous and comfortable thatched chalets, built on raised decking and shaded by pretty trees. Each chalet has a comfortable lounge area, decorated with hand carved wooden furniture and colourful African textiles, and either one king size or two twin beds, draped with mosquito nets. There is an ensuite bathroom with twin washbasins, shower and, and WC, plus a wonderfully indulgent, outdoor rainfall shower. Each unit has a private veranda, perfect for relaxing.

Families with children aged 12 and over are most welcome in camp. Under 12s can be accommodated when the camp is booked exclusively by a private group, subject to hiring a private guide and vehicle for the duration of the stay. Note that there is a minimum age restriction of 12 years for guided walks in the National Park. As the camp does not provide a designated family unit and offers no child-specific activity programme, Bilimungwe may be more appropriate for families with older children, or for adventurous families looking for a smaller, more intimate base. Parents should note that the camp is unfenced and wildlife does roam through, and while it’s unlikely that animals will approach humans or chalets, children must be supervised 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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