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Kuyenda Bushcamp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Authentic, traditional camp
- Exceptional guiding and tracking
- Diverse terrain and abundant wildlife
- High volume of return guests

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Overview

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a simple, classic safari camp situated on the banks of the arid Manzi riverbed in the secluded southern area of South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. Renowned for its top-class hosting, expert guiding, and superb walking safaris, Kuyenda offers a select and highly personalised service to just eight guests. With accommodation consisting of four charming, rustic chalets, the camp will appeal to travellers seeking a tranquil and authentic ‘back to nature’ bush camp experience. Open during the game-intensive June to November dry season, visitors to Kuyenda should come prepared for extremely high temperatures from October onwards, at a time when wildlife density is at its peak. Lion, elephant, leopard, zebra, impala, buffalo, and giraffe are regular sightings, with occasional glimpses of wild dog.

Shaded beneath a mahogany grove, the camp’s open-sided, thatched main area is elegant and comfortable, comprising lounge and dining areas, a small but fully stocked bar, and a selection of reading material. Outside, a pleasant campfire overlooks a grassy plain. Mealtimes are relaxed, communal affairs featuring buffet style breakfasts and lunches, with a delicious three course evening meal usually served beneath the stars.

Activities include day and night game drives, not to mention the magnificent guided walks for which the South Luangwa National Park is known. The area’s varied terrain and abundant wildlife, combined with the impressive tracking skills of the camp’s guides, make for extremely informative and popular walking safaris. At Kuyenda’s helm is renowned guide and wildlife expert, Phil Berry, who has lived in South Luangwa for over 30 years. His warmth and expertise generate a high volume of return guests, and visitors wishing to meet Phil are advised to check at the time of booking whether he will be in camp.

The accommodation consists of just four traditional thatch and grass chalets or ‘rondavels’. Each is simply furnished and sleeps two guests in one king size or two twin beds with mosquito nets. An ensuite open-air bathroom has twin hand basins, WC, and shower, with hot water available on request. Outside is a seating area with superb views of the wildlife. The camp runs on solar power and limited battery charging is available. The lack of mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi only adds to the charm of this remote and delightful retreat.

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome in camp. Younger guests may be accommodated when the camp is booked for exclusive group use, subject to hiring a private vehicle and guide for your stay. There is a minimum age of 12 years for participation in walking safaris. The camp does not have a designated family unit or child activity programme, and may be more suited to older children or to adventurous families seeking an ‘up close’ wilderness experience. The camp is unfenced and wild animals, including elephant and buffalo, regularly roam through. Although it is unlikely that wildlife would approach people or chalets, parents are reminded to supervise children 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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