Chamilandu Bushcamp

one of the most scenic locations in the valley

Chamilandu Bushcamp is located in the South Luangwa South area of eastern Zambia.

The camp, whose name means ‘the place that solves problems’, is set in a remote position alongside the main Luangwa River, deep in the southern sector of the reserve, some 30 km as the crow flies from the main Mfuwe Bridge Gate. This is an extremely quiet part of the reserve, so you really can expect to have the place largely to yourselves, even during peak season.

The site is pleasantly and unusually open, shaded with tall trees, but with a clear sandy ground, unlike many camps which are much more shrouded by vegetation. It is a very small and very authentic camp, centred on a modest open-sided ‘chitenge’ under thatch, containing simple lounge and dining areas.

Out front there is a lovely campfire area. We were particularly pleased to see the campfire being lit in the morning and being used to prepare porridge and toast for breakfast, something which we always associate with a proper authentic safari.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Chamilandu Bushcamp is in just three large rooms, which are raised up on stilts and accessed from the rear by a flight of wooden stairs. The rooms are constructed of reedwork under thatch and are very open, the whole of the front wall is missing, the bedroom flowing directly out onto the verandah. The bed is fitted with an unusual black mosquito net and to one side there is an outside bathroom with conventionally plumbed basins, shower and toilet.

Every part of the camp has awesome views over the broad riverbed, where animals can often be observed. The backdrop of the Nchindeni Hills really does enhance the vista and is a boon for landscape photography, an element which is notably absent from the northern and central parts of the reserve.

Animals in camp

One aspect of Chamilandu Bushcamp that we particularly appreciate is the amount of animals that wander through, notably the elephants which come to collect the seed pods which fall from the canopy above.

In the evening you can lie in bed and be blissfully serenaded by noisy hippos. Lions and leopards also come through the camp at night, you may well find their tracks in the morning. As one guest put it “thank heavens they haven’t taken to climbing the stairs”, the absence of a wall on the front of your room does tend to encourage a certain sense of doubt.

Activities

Chamilandu Bushcamp provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• night vehicle safari

South Luangwa is a very high quality safari area that often serves as the primary location in a trip.

The stay duration tends to be 5-8 nights split between two camps, or more occasionally 3-5 nights at one camp. Three camp combinations are also possible.

Seasonality

The best time to visit South Luangwa is during the May-Oct dry season, when the wildlife is focused on the riverine areas and easy to find.

Within that period, May-Jul is pleasantly cool at night, but the animals may not yet be fully migrated back into the river.

Towards the end of that period, Oct-Nov the wildlife should be at its strongest, but the weather is likely to be uncomfortably hot, especially at night. Bear in mind that most camps do not have air-conditioning.

Getting around

South Luangwa lies to the east of the country and is usually accessed by light aircraft services from Lusaka or Livingstone.

From Mfuwe Airport it is three hours by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas