Mwamba Bushcamp

a great option for serious wildlife photographers

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

The camp is in an impressive position under a stand of huge ebony trees on the banks of the usually dry river after which it is named and which acts as a corridor for wildlife. It is one of the most northerly camps in the reserve, which means that the areas in which it operates its safari are usually very quiet and peaceful.

The camp itself is rather homespun and characterful. From the vehicle turnaround we first arrive at the very open central area, which has no roof and is essentially just a low reedwork wall around a mud-packed floor. At the foot of an enormous tree there is a very pleasant bar, with dining and lounge areas leading out towards the very nice campfire area above the river.

A particular feature of the camp are the various viewing areas. Down in the riverbed there is a simple row of chairs under shade, which are great for watching any passing wildlife. At the other side of camp a comfortable little lounge has been built on top of a large termite mound, providing views out over the surrounding bush. By far the most impressive is the waterhole hide, which we will come to in more detail in the activities section below.

The family nature of the camp is reflected in its particularly relaxed and informal atmosphere.

The lodge also has a very high ratio of return guests, people come back here time and time again, which can only be a good sign.

Another aspect we really like is the fact that meals are announced by drums. It is in no way cheesy, but really does add to the atmosphere of the place. It’s really surprising more camps don’t do it.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Mwamba Bushcamp is in a total of just four rooms, which take the form of simple circular reedwork structures, notably with a large slice of the thatched roof missing, in order to provide you with a view of the heavens. Interiors are simply but elegantly presented, with a nice large bed fitted with a mosquito net, natural flooring and simple wooden furniture. To the rear there is a large outside bathroom with conventionally plumbed basin and toilet. The bucket shower is filled with hot water on request, in traditional safari camp style.

Animals in camp

A particularly pleasant feature of Mwamba Bushcamp is the amount of animals which can be seen here, with elephants being regular visitors.

One particular bull, who goes by the name of Jerry, has the habit of shocking guests by occasionally peering in through the windows of the rooms.

Activities

Mwamba Bushcamp provides the following guided activities …

• vehicle safari
• walking safari
• hides
• 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.

It is also possible to charter into the nearby Lukuzi Airstrip, especially if you are coming from a more unusual location.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas