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Kaingo Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Intimate, friendly camp
- Three daily activities
- Superb wildlife hides
- Animals in camp

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Overview

Kaingo Camp is a small, independent bushcamp within the stunning, game-rich South Luangwa National Park, Eastern Zambia. Nestled by the Luangwa River, Kaingo offers superior hosting and guiding, three daily activities, and a relaxed, personal atmosphere, at the higher end of the price bracket. The camp’s series of animal hides, unique to this area, are a boon for wildlife watchers and photographers alike, and regularly used for BBC documentaries. The area’s beautiful, diverse terrain includes mopane and ebony forest, vast grassy plains, and lagoons brimming with life. Bird and game viewing is fantastic, with high numbers of lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra, and leopard, along with 14 species of antelope. Hippos and elephants regularly visit camp, and two prides of lions reside nearby.

Open during the May to October dry season, Kaingo is approximately 2 ½ hours’ drive from Mfuwe airport, and a short drive or 3 hour walking safari from its smaller, more remote, sister camp Mwamba; guests frequently opt to stay at both camps. Note that visitors during October should be prepared for extremely high temperatures, when wildlife activity is at its most intense.

The camp’s wood and thatch main area, or ‘chitenge’, comprises a modern lounge and dining area, a small library, a souvenir shop, plus a bar hewn from a 1,000 year old leadwood tree. Outside is a lovely campfire area, and a shaded deck with a telescope overlooking the river. Kaingo grows much of its own produce and operates on solar power, with limited electricity charging available. Characteristic African drums announce mealtimes, with hearty communal breakfasts and three course dinners served in the dining area or around the campfire, whilst lunch is served to guests privately on their own verandas.

Three daily activities include day and night game drives and walking safaris with highly professional, enthusiastic guides, plus a session at one of the hides. Guests can enjoy a thrilling ‘sleep out’ under the stars at Kaingo’s elephant hide, with prior arrangement. This extremely quiet corner of the national park receives few travellers or vehicles.

Accommodation consists of six stylish thatched chalets, spaced along the riverbank. Each chalet has one king size or two twin beds with mosquito nets. Bathrooms are ensuite, with washbasin, shower and WC, plus a romantic outdoor bathtub. A private riverfront veranda is perfect for relaxing.

Families with children aged 10 and over are extremely welcome, with discounts for children sharing with adults. Younger guests may be accommodated, at the camp’s discretion. A recently refurbished family unit offers an ensuite master bedroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and separate bathtub. A second bedroom/lounge comfortably accommodates three single beds. Various child friendly activities include guided walks around camp, hide visits, nature photography, and animal tracking. Note there is a minimum age of 12 years for walking safaris, whilst families with children under 12 years are obliged to book a private vehicle for game drives. As the camp is unfenced and animals do roam through, parents are reminded that children should be supervised at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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