The Camp

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Number of Tents: 4

Important Note: Though Kuyenda offers Traditional level amenities, its small size and remote location give it Distinctive to Premier level pricing.

Settle down in the lounge and look out over the rippling grasses of the neighboring plain where the drama of the African wilderness is played out each day. The extraordinary couple that regularly runs the camp, the hospitable Babette Alfieri and Phil Berry, enhances Kuyenda’s intimate atmosphere. No one knows Kuyenda like they do, and no one will make you feel more welcome. Kuyenda is the quintessential classic African bush camp, lovingly rebuilt each season. Rooms are simple but cozy circular grass huts complete with paraffin lanterns, swathes of mosquito netting and an open-air en suite bathroom with a large “safari” drum shower, twin hand-wash basins and toilet. Huts provide panoramic views of the incredible wildlife that frequently saunters through camp, day and night. With three queen-sized and one king-sized bed, Kuyenda ideally accommodates six to eight guests. A central dining area, lounge and bar also overlooks the grassy plain’s active wildlife.

Back to top

Facilities & Amenities

• En suite open-air bathroom with safari 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

Back to top

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Kuyenda Bush Camp’s highlights include accompanying local expert and guide Phil Berry on personalized walking safaris. Whether tracking a leopard or herd of elephants, Phil’s enthusiasm and seemingly limitless knowledge of the surrounding flora and fauna is astounding and readily available to Kuyenda guests. Featuring some of the South Luangwa’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, no two Kuyenda safari outings are the same. Day and night game drives allow visitors to get even further afield, sighting large congregations of Africa’s prolific wildlife. Prides of lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, hippo, leopard and wild dog abound in the nearby forests and grassy plains. A profusion of 400 vibrant bird species thrive here as well, including saddle bill stork, marabou stork, great white egret, black headed heron, and the stately goliath heron. Zebras, baboons, and hyenas also roam nearby, joining more than 60 wildlife species in this magnificent region.

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.

Climate

Conservation

As part of Kuyenda Bush Camp’s commitment to the wildlife and people of the South Luangwa, its operators have been working with the local community to develop projects that help conserve precious resources and generate a sustainable source of income. Back in the 1960s, when Norman Carr first started to operate walking safaris in Zambia, he realized that conservation could not work without the local people truly benefiting from the wildlife around them. Today, this approach to responsible tourism is more pertinent than ever. In 1999, the camp’s operators started providing much-needed help to two local schools, Chiwawatala Basic School in Mfuwe and Chilongozi School in a remote area close to their bush camps. Since their support began, the progress of the schools has been remarkable. With generous donations they have been able to sponsor pupils, pay teachers’ salaries, build classrooms and staff houses, and take the school children into the park on wildlife drives.

Back to top