Whether or not it was intended as a compliment, Norman Carr (the patron saint of walking safaris in the Luangwa) was nicknamed "Kakuli", meaning an old bull buffalo. I imagine he was told that it was because of his wisdom rather than implying he was a cantankerous old fellow, and indeed his wisdom in carving out Zambia's place as the walking destination in Africa cannot be doubted.
The camp that bears his name is one of a number of bushcamps in this area of the park where walking is the best way (and sometimes the only way) to explore. Kakuli lies on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers, perched high on banks where bee-eaters come to nest year after year. From the camp, the lush floodplain and sandy banks of the river team with impala, puku, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles. Elephant apparently feel that they have an equal claim to the camp site and are frequent visitors around the tents which can be a little disconcerting, although the staff are well used to is and maintain a watchful vigil.
Kakuli is a more traditional tented safari camp with only four tents under thatched roofs, each overlooking the Luangwa River. While still simple, the camp offers all the amenities you can expect, from hot showers to tasty fresh meals served on the deck.
The camp often serves as the end point for walking safaris along the course of the Luwi via {Luwi Bushcamp} and {Nsolo Bushcamp}. Unlike these two, which are geared almost solely for walking, Kakuli and it's sister {Mchenja Bushcamp} offer a more diverse range of activities in this rich game area. Knowledgeable guides are entrenched in the Norman Carr Safaris modus operandi and add tremendous value to the experience.
It is also worth noting that Kakuli is one of the few places that remains open during part of the green or emerald season in February and March, where walking and river trips operate between here and {Kapani Lodge}.
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