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Luangwa River Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Small, intimate riverside camp
- Superb hosting and guiding
- Abundant seasonal wildlife

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Overview

Luangwa River Camp is a small, stylish safari camp, on the banks of the Luangwa River, eastern Zambia. Featured on the BBC documentary ‘No Going Back’, this intimate camp boasts superior hosting and guiding, and just five select chalets at the higher end of the budget spectrum. One hour’s drive from Mfuwe airport, the camp enjoys direct seasonal road and river access into nearby South Luangwa National Park. The diverse surrounding terrain comprises expansive plains, woodland and lagoons, home to prolific birdlife, plus seasonally high numbers of elephant, leopard, lion, jackal, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, and the occasional wild dog. The camp operates from January to November, and visitors from October onwards should prepare for the extremely high temperatures which coincide with peak wildlife density.

The open-sided, thatched main area with its distinctive red columns surrounds a courtyard of banana trees. Guest spaces include a comfortable lounge, a communal dining area, and bar, all with lovely river views, plus a small library. Outside is a decked terrace with an attractive infinity pool and a lawn with ebony and sausage trees. Meals, often served alfresco on the terrace, comprise delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches and communal, three course dinners. Special diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

Activities include day and night game drives, and guided walks with extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides. Visitors should be aware that game drives in the park’s Mfuwe Bridge Gate area may be subject to vehicle congestion at peak times. Guests can also enjoy cultural visits to local villages and markets, and take a relaxing boat safari on the Luangwa River during the wetter January to April ‘Emerald’ season, when water levels are at their highest.

Accommodation comprises five spacious chalets, constructed from brick with thatched ceilings. Decorated with stylish, hand-carved furniture, they accommodate two guests in double or twin beds, draped with mosquito nets. Each chalet has a lounge area with a comfy daybed, perfect for reading, and an ensuite bathroom with twin basins, flush WC, shower, and a large sunken bathtub. French doors lead from the bedroom and bathroom onto a wooden veranda overlooking the river. The chalets have mains electricity and fans, but no air conditioning, and whilst the camp has internet access and reasonable mobile phone reception, guests are encouraged to refrain from using mobile phones in communal areas.

Children aged seven and over are most welcome. An extra bed can be added to accommodate one child per chalet, although this does somewhat compromise the available space. Note that there is a minimum age of 12 years for walking safaris, and as there is no child specific programme, the camp may be more suited to older children. The property is unfenced with animals free to roam through, and although it is unlikely that wildlife would approach chalets or people, parents are reminded that children should be supervised 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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