Kapamba Bush Camp
distinctive Camp | South Luangwa N.P., Zambia
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In a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park lies Kapamba Camp, combining the isolation and superb wildlife-viewing opportunities of a true bush camp with a touch of luxury. Set on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed river, Kapamba is surrounded by some of the park’s richest wildlife. Open vistas from the charming chalets and main camp often survey elephant and giraffe roaming the banks.
Our Expert Says
If genuine hospitality, great food and unbelievable sunsets are requirements, then the intimate Kapamba Bush Camp is the place for you! Set on the banks of the Kapamba River in South Luangwa National Park, it is ideal for walking safaris. And because there are no crocs or hippos, you can even take an afternoon plunge right in the river (or you can plunge into the enormous bath in your chalet). Few places in the African bush are as unique.
– Don Martinson
The Camp
Location: South Luangwa National Park
Number of Tents: 4
Important Note: Though Kapamba offers Distinctive level amenities, its small size and remote location give it Premier level pricing.
Kapamba Camp is a remote and romantic bush retreat situated in a prime location on the Kapamba River. The charm of Kapamba is exhibited in its four spacious en-suite chalets. Cool, simple and utterly original, these entirely open-fronted rooms boast wide verandas with river views, twin showers and sunken stone plunge pools – the ultimate in bush indulgence. Clever wrought-iron shutters are drawn each evening to allow the sights and sounds of the African night inside while ensuring complete privacy. Two chalets have queen-sized beds while the other two have kings. A central bar and dining room are tucked under matumi and sausage trees, with a wide deck that stretches out for unimpeded views of the river. Campfires along the crystal-clear shallows offer a relaxing way to unwind in the evening following your safaris.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite open-air bathroom with tub and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion
- 220v charging outlets in main area
- Laundry included
- Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
- Credit cards accepted
- No air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone, Internet or cellular coverage
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
Get out into the bush and explore the rich diversity of the surrounding area on guided morning and afternoon safari walks, or jump into a Land Rover for a driving safari (day or night). Prides of lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, hippo, leopard and wild dog abound in the nearby forests and along the life-sustaining waters of the Kapamba River. A profusion of 400 vibrant bird species thrive here, including saddlebill stork, marabou stork, great white egret, black-headed heron, and the stately goliath heron. Zebras, baboons and hyenas also roam the open grasslands joining 60 other wildlife species in this magnificent region. Enjoy scenic sundowners and excellent meals along the riverbank following a full day of safari activities—you can even take a swim in the cool, clear water, as there are no hippos or crocodiles to worry about here!
Each region has varying concentrations and species of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Other typical sightings may include Thornicroft’s giraffe, Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest, and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.
| Country | Park/Reserve |
Buffalo
|
Cheetah
|
Eland
|
Elephant
|
Giraffe
|
Greater Kudu
|
Hippo
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
Sable Antelope
|
Wild Dog
|
Zebra
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | South Luangwa N.P. |
| Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
| Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81° F | 63° F | 9.02 in |
| 27° C | 17° C | 229 mm | |
| February | 81° F | 63° F | 9.49 in |
| 27° C | 17° C | 241 mm | |
| March | 81° F | 63° F | 6.86 in |
| 27° C | 17° C | 174 mm | |
| April | 79° F | 59° F | 1.3 in |
| 26° C | 15° C | 33 mm | |
| May | 79° F | 55° F | 0.12 in |
| 26° C | 12° C | 3 mm | |
| June | 75° F | 52° F | 0.0 in |
| 23° C | 11° C | 0 mm | |
| July | 77° F | 52° F | 0.0 in |
| 25° C | 11° C | 0 mm | |
| August | 79° F | 54° F | 0.12 in |
| 26° C | 12° C | 3 mm | |
| September | 86° F | 61° F | 0.12 in |
| 30° C | 16° C | 3 mm | |
| October | 90° F | 64° F | 0.59 in |
| 32° C | 17° C | 15 mm | |
| November | 90° F | 66° F | 3.39 in |
| 32° C | 18° C | 86 mm | |
| December | 82° F | 63° F | 8.39 in |
| 27° C | 17° C | 213 mm |
Conservation
Kapamba Camp supports community projects that focus on reducing deforestation and encourage tree planting; for example, one of the camp’s guides has set up a successful solar-cooker project, and they are helping to run food-security eco-initiative workshops in Mfuwe. The camp runs programs on HIV and AIDS awareness for their staff and also supports a local theatre group, which performs plays for guests about human-wildlife conflict. Current projects that Kapamba hopes to develop further with funds from the Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund (LCCF) include fruit-tree planting, vegetable market gardens, solar cookers and “rocket” stoves, bio-fuel briquettes and honey production. There are several conservation and community development charities that work in the Luangwa and across Zambia that benefit from Kapamba Camp’s fundraising and environmental awareness initiatives.