Time + Tide Mchenja

respectful of the local safari style

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

The camp is in a gorgeous position on the western bank of the 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-drives who have to enter and leave the distant Mfuwe Bridge Gate at first and last light.

It is a relatively comfortable small lodge, set on broad open lawns under ebony and sausage trees above the riverbank. It is centred on a modest open-sided ‘chitenge’, which contains modest bar, lounge and dining areas, as well as a small swimming pool. Out front here is a nice outdoor dining and campfire area.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Mchenja Camp is in just 4 guest rooms, which take the form of large circular tents under thatch with cement floors, all very nicely presented inside. Unusually for camps in this area, the rooms are proper safari tents which are, in theory, impermeable to insects, so mosquito nets are not needed on the beds and you can walk around your room at night without getting nailed by mosquitoes. To one side the tent extends out to include and indoor bath, which can be especially welcoming after a long dusty drive or hike. A door leads to the outdoor bathroom with conventionally plumbed basin, shower and toilet. Note that there is no air-con and no fan 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.

Animals in camp

One aspect of the camp which we particularly appreciate is the amount of wildlife which can be seen from your verandah.

Elephants are commonly drawn in by the seed pods which fall from the mahogany trees; they can often be heard munching their way around the rooms at night. Apparently they even stop by the swimming pool for a drink every now and then, even when guests are sitting right next to it.

We have also heard tales of honeybadgers repeatedly raiding the kitchen and back in 2010 some hyenas came in and stole a big leather-bound guest book.

It is such a treat to lie in bed after lunch and be serenaded by the hippos.

Activities

Mchenja 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

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 two hours by road into camp.

usually combined with Livingstone and other safari areas