Zambia’s Top Seasonal Camps
Mobile camps and seasonal camps offer the most authentic experiences and connect us both physically and emotionally to the wilderness and wildlife, as such these are my personal favourite type of camp (not that I don’t like to indulge every now and then!).
A seasonal camp is one which is open only for a portion of the year, often giving us access to otherwise difficult to reach, remote areas of national parks and game reserves. In contrast to mobile camps (a blog for another time!), seasonal camps do not move rather they close and re-open in the same location when they are accessible. .
In this blog we are going to talk about our favourite seasonal camps in Zambia, authentic, remote and fantastic, some very different ideas for your next holiday to Africa!
In Zambia these camps are often called Bush Camps, and many are only open for the dry season between April and October depending on the exact location of the camp.
Ntemwe Busanga Camp – Kafue
In my opinion one of the most exciting, intimate and exclusive operations in Zambia today, a small company owned and operated by Tyrone McKeith and Phil Jeffery. It is the fact that these two young guys are so attentive, professional and personable that makes a safari at Ntemwa and its sister ‘main’ camp Musekese so special. If you are looking for a truly authentic safari with a focus on wildlife and with people that have a clear passion and empathy for their surroundings then you cannot pass up on an opportunity to visit JM Safaris in the Kafue.
Old Mondoro – Lower Zambezi
A long standing favourite in the whole of Zambia, this is a camp that offes a really high standard of guiding in possibly the best part of this national park. Another owner run property, there is a great pride taken here in the focus that is given to the surroundings and the clients experience over and above all else.
The Lower Zambezi is great for those looking for a longer stay in one location as there are so many activities and this camp is no exception, elsewhere it is rare that there is the chance to not only game drive but walk, canoe, fish, and boat all at one place. This means that you can occupy yourself here with stays of around 5 or 6 nights if you wish.
Chindeni – South Luangwa
Part of the Bush Camp Campany, this property offers a little more conventional luxury in a fantastic location in the southern part of the South Luangwa wilderness. Along with its sister camps Kapamba and Zungalilia this can make a lovely luxury itinerary, but can also be combined with its other related camps Kuyenda or Chamilandu to create a contrasting and very exciting itinerary.
The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari and is a place that captures the heart of many that visit, particularly those that make it to the remote and magical fringes of the area we are able to access.
Mwaleshi – North Luangwa
Another property with a long standing reputation, this time in one of the countries most remote and untouched national parks. Mwaleshi is run by the Coppinger family, owners of Remote Africa safaris and Tafika Camp, one of the best traditional bush camps in the South Luangwa. These two properties combine fantastically for those looking to get out and explore on foot, a fantastic experience in itself and there really is no better place for this than Zambia.
The North Luangwa has some tracks to explore in the vacinity of the Mwaleshi, but by far the most popular reason for visiting is to explore on foot and really get back to nature, the feeling of connecting with the wilderness here is one of the most intense that we have come across and this is amplified by the way the camp is run.
Luambe Camp – Luambe National Park
For something off the beaten track then Luambe is a must, located in a small national park between the south and north Luangwa national parks this is the only accommodation in the entire area giving exclusive access to an area of real conservational interest. Luambe Camp re-opened in summer 2017 and is currently being run by a great friend of mine who I worked with in the Luangwa so I know that this will be a fantastic experience for those who dare to try something a little different from the norm.
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