Zungulila Bushcamp

a delightfully remote part of the reserve

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

The camp is in a remote riverside setting, deep in the southern sector of the reserve, some 40 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 camp name means ‘to meander’ or ‘go around’.

The camp is set alongside the Kapamba River, around 10 km upstream from its confluence with the main Luangwa River. Unlike the many seasonal tributaries, this river tends to have surface water flowing well into, and sometimes right through, the dry season.

Arriving through dry miombo woodland, we arrive at the vehicle turnaround surrounded by a low reedwork fence, where we are met by a friendly fellow with fresh hand towels. From here a path leads for 50 metres, exiting the woodland and arriving to the rear of the main building, a traditional open-side ‘chitenge’ under tall mahogany trees. To the right there is a modest lounge area, to the right the main dining table. The decor is an eclectic mix of old and new, with Persian rugs on the floor.

Further to the right there is a semi-circular boma containing a very pleasant campfire area, below which a deck projects out over the floodplain.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Zungulila Bushcamp is in just four suites, which take the form of traditional Meru tents on permanent bases and with thatched roofs to protect from the heat of the day. Inside the sleeping area is to one end, with the bed being fitted with a large mosquito net, whilst at the other end there is a small inside bathroom with a basin and toilet. Outside there is a nice shower and a small plunge pool set into the verandah, which is filled on demand. All of the facilities are plumbed with hot and cold running water. The tents all have modest views out over the floodplain towards the river.

Animals in camp

A feature of Zungulila Bushcamp that we always appreciate is the amount of animals that come wandering through, notably the elephants which come to dine on the seed pods that fall from the taller trees around the main area and in front of the rooms.

Activities

Zungulila 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