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Chindeni Bush Camp

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stylish property with just 4 rooms
- Game viewing from camp
- Superb guiding
- Bushcamp Company Portfolio

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Overview

Chindeni Bush Camp is a modern and upmarket lagoon-side camp occupying a remote position in the southern sector of South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. One of the park’s most luxurious properties, this serene retreat offers excellent hosting, good food, elegant accommodation, and a good provision of creature comforts in an authentic safari setting. The camp overlooks the Chaymba Lagoon, a pretty side-water off the main Luangwa River. Home to prolific birdlife, and often frequented by elephant and zebra, Chindendi boasts some of the best game viewing to be experienced directly from a lodge in the South Luangwa National park.

Nestled within a shady grove of ebony trees, the camp sits on stilts above an oxbow lake, with stunning views across the lagoon and beyond to the Chindeni escarpment. The open-air main spaces are set over a split-level deck beneath canvas, with the upper deck featuring a dining table for communal meals, and the lower deck housing a stylish lounge area and bar. Refurbished in 2010, the décor has an understated elegance, with comfortable soft furnishings and some delightful touches.

The accommodation consists of four incredibly spacious tented chalets on raised wooden platforms. Each chalet houses a large sitting room with wicker chairs, and a private deck complete with bean bags and hammocks in which to relax and take in the tranquil lagoon and its resident wildlife. Mosquito-netted beds are set out in king-size double or twin formation, and a wardrobe and writing desk complete each room. All chalets have ensuite bathrooms with a shower, toilet, and double vanity basin. Laundry is included.

Activities at Chindeni Bush Camp place firm emphasis on top quality guiding, and include day and night game drives and walking safaris, with wildlife at its most prolific during the dry June to October months when animals flock to the river. Whilst the southern sector of the park might on first glance appear less rich in wildlife than other areas, expert guides will ensure fantastic encounters and memorable tracking experiences, and the almost non-existent vehicle traffic is a real bonus. A morning’s walk might provide thrilling up-close encounters with lion, hyena, and elephant, and afternoon game drives often continue on into the evening darkness, with the promise of potential sightings of elusive species such as leopard, aardvark, and porcupine.

Children over 12 years of age are welcome, although the lack of swimming pool and designated children’s activities means a stay would best suit older children with a keen interest in wildlife. That said, it is possible for children below 12 to stay if the whole camp is booked out exclusively to one group, although note that children of this age are not permitted on walking safaris in the park. With no specific family rooms or triple rooms available, families are obliged to book at least two suites, and parents are reminded that due to the camp’s lagoon-side position and the presence of nearby game, adult supervision is essential 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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