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Mwamba Bush Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Secluded, intimate camp
- Exceptional guiding
- Fly-camping and ‘sleepouts’
- Wildlife in camp

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Overview

Mwamba Bushcamp is a small, exclusive camp situated in the remote bushland of South Luangwa National Park, eastern Zambia. The camp accommodates just eight guests in four rustic thatch and reed chalets, with unique skylights open to the stars. Guests can enjoy overnight fly-camping in a secluded bush location, or partake in ‘sleepouts’ on an elevated outdoor platform. Mwamba boasts great wildlife viewing in camp, with its own on-site hide overlooking a bustling waterhole. This is the area’s main water source, and accordingly attracts a constant and diverse clientele including elephant, leopard, buffalo, zebra, impala, puku, and the rare Cookson’s’ wildebeest, along with the local lion pride. Mwamba offers superb guiding and friendly hosting at the higher end of the price bracket, and will suit adventurous travellers seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

The camp’s main guest area is an open air ‘chitenge’ shaded by towering ebony trees, with sandy floors, comfy sofas, and a large communal dining table and bar. Outside is a lovely campfire area and lounge with views of the bush, perfect for sundowners. Nearby is the camp’s ‘last outpost’ hide, with splendid waterhole views. Mealtimes at Mwamba are communal, and preceded by atmospheric African drumming. Buffet breakfasts and lunches are the norm, with a three course evening meal served in the chitenge. The camp operates during the June to October dry season, and visitors in October should prepare for very high temperatures, at a time when wildlife density reaches its peak.

Three different activities are offered each day, including walking safaris and day and night game drives with highly experienced guides, plus time spent at one of the camp’s hides. Subject to prior arrangement, adventurous guests can experience overnight fly-camping in the National Park, or a ‘sleepout’ on a raised camping platform overlooking a savannah plain. Mwamba’s larger, riverside sister camp Kaingo is a three hour bushwalk or 20 minute drive away, and visitors regularly opt for a stay at both camps.

Accommodation comprises four generous thatched chalets with solar lighting and simple but stylish interiors, featuring king or twin beds fitted with mosquito nets, and rustic wooden furniture. Each chalet has a spacious ensuite bathroom with washbasin, flush WC, and traditional hot water bucket showers. The ceilings are fitted with a gauze skylight to give the effect of sleeping in the open. Outside is a private veranda with seating and views of the bush.

Children over 12 years of age are welcome in camp, with younger guests accommodated when the whole camp is booked for exclusive group use. Note there is a minimum age restriction of 12 years for walking safaris. Mwamba does not offer a child specific programme or family unit, and may be more suited to families with older children. Note that the camp is unfenced and wild animals do regularly wander through; parents are therefore 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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