Time + Tide Kakuli

a commanding view of the river

Time and Tide Kakuli Camp is located in the South Luangwa North area of eastern Zambia.

The camp is situated at the confluence of the usually dry Luwi River and the main Luangwa River, with broad views out across the surrounding floodplain, often with a range of wildlife in view. It lies on the border between the busy central and quiet northern sectors of the reserve, so tends to be reasonably peaceful, especially at either end of the day when it is out of range of the self-drivers who have to enter and leave the distant Mfuwe Bridge Gate at first and last light.

It is an authentic small camp in an unusually open setting. Arriving into the vehicle turnaround it is a short walk to the main building, which is a simple open-sided structure under thatch, containing modest bar, lounge and dining areas, leading out to a small deck area with a recessed campfire overlooking the bed of the Luwi River, which is higher than that of the main river and is a popular grazing spot for animals such as pukus, impalas and zebras. A little further on a simple flight of steps cut into the earth leads to another smaller lounge area, which has views out over the main river.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Kakuli Camp is in just four rooms, which take the form of relatively small Meru tents, under thatch and with concrete bases. Out back there is an outdoor bathroom, encircled by reedwork walls and with concrete floors, partially covered by the thatched roof, containing conventionally plumbed basin, shower and toilet.

Note that there is no air-conditioning and no fans in the rooms, so you may be exposed to some uncomfortably high temperatures towards the end of the season in Oct-Nov. Earlier in the season extra blankets and hot water bottles will be provided.

A particular highlight is the view of the river from your bed, or at least from the verandah. It’s great to spend some quiet time here, watching the animals wander by.

Animals in camp

One aspect of Kakuli Camp which we really do enjoy is the amount of animals that pass by along the riverbed or come right through camp.

A particular feature is a large bull elephant called Dexter, who visits very regularly and obviously feels quite at home, although you obviously should not take any chances with him. The camp can grind to something of a halt when he arrives, with staff and guests often finding themselves unable to move between buildings, you just have to sit it out and enjoy.

Activities

Kakuli Camp 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

Unusually for this area, the Kakuli Camp is open during the green season mid-Jan to end Mar, as well the usual dry season mid-May to mid-Nov.

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