Wilderness Safaris New Zambia camps

KWENA LAGOON CAMP, SOUTH LUANGWA

• Open 1 July 2008
• Open from 01 May to 30 November each year
• Kwena means 'crocodile'
• The camp is built overlooking a huge permanent lagoon
• 7 twins / doubles & 2 family units (2 rooms, each en suite, with adjoining sitting area)
• 5 km from Kalamu Camp
• Activities: Day & night game drives, walks, stargazing, village visits, birding
• Rack rates: USD510 pppn (valid to Nov 08)
• Access: Luamfwa airstrip (shared with Kalamu), 15 mins flight from Mfuwe

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

No 5) Luwi Bushcamp – South Luangwa National Park (Mid)

Focussed solely on walking safari, this is a rustic bushcamp that epitomizes the legacy of Norman Carr- this is a product every true safari enthusiast would relish. Luwi lies beneath a shady canopy of mahogany trees looking over a grass plain that is regularly used as a crossing path by game moving toward the lagoon just off to the camps side. With only 4 rooms the camp is minimal but has undeniable charm and character; the guiding is some of the best around.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

No4) Old Mondoro – Lower Zambezi National Park

Nestled among giant winterthorn trees on the banks of the Zambezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park Old Mondoro overlooks a maze of scenic channels and islands. With accommodation for only 8 guests, Old Mondoro is a back to basics authentic bushcamp. Accommodation includes four rustic yet comfortable, open-style canvas and reed rooms; each with its own en-suite bathroom. The perfect camp to couple with a few nights at Chiawa or Sausage Tree.

The Luangwa today

As we write to you now from the Luangwa Valley the storm clouds are brewing and we are expecting another of our early season rain showers. After the excessive rains we received at the start of this year no one really knew what the weather Gods had in store for us this time around but at the moment it certainly looks as though our weather is coming early this year.

The new growth has already started as a result of the early rains and the bush has that wonderful fresh feel to it. The Impala are just starting to drop their young and the warthog babies are all over the place.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

No 3) The River Club – Livingstone, Victoria Falls

Perched up on a hill overlooking a wide curve in the Zambezi the River Club, an Edwardian style 9 roomed lodge, has the best views of any Zambezi River lodge. Located only 20 minutes drive from the Falls themselves, the lodge is close enough to make use of all the activities and views the area can offer whilst also being tucked away from the crowds. A fantastic infinity pool, beautiful manicured gardens and open fronted river view rooms make this a cracking place to stay.

Zambia - Top Ten lodges

No 2) Chiawa – Lower Zambezi National Park

Regarded as One of Africa's Top Ten safari camps" according to Conde Nast, Chiawa is renowned for personalized, excellent service and its expert African-born guides. Due to being one of the first of only a privileged few to commence operating safaris in this unique area, Chiawa’s camp location is unrivalled – each room looks out over the Zambezi and the general communal areas are right on the banks of the river. It has the highest price tag of any Zambian camp….but it is worth every penny!

Zambia's Top Ten Lodges

Over the next ten days we will be reviewing Zambia's best safari lodges...there is no particular order to the list as so many of the countries camps are superb and we cannot decide which ones are the very best!!

So, (in no particular order!)

1) Busanga Bush Camp - Kafue National Park

Located in the heart of the Busanga Plains in Kafue, Busanga Bush Camp is a stunning ‘raw’ bush camp. With only three rooms (four for group bookings is possible) the camp is all about safari and ‘no frills’. Discreetly hidden away from view this small camp is located on an island overlooking the Busanga Plains, an expanse of seasonal floodplains that play host to some of the remotest game viewing (superb lion) in Africa.