There is a great sliding scale where bushcamps in Luangwa are concerned from roll-top baths and four-poster beds at one end to reed walls and packed earth floors at the other. Kapamba lies at the former end. Located south of the Mfuwe area in a remote but lovely location on the Kapamba River (a large tributary of the Luangwa), Kapamba has recently had a face-lift with all new interiors. The simple exteriors remain looking west over the sandy river, surrounded by lovely trees. The rooms are positioned side-on so that both the bedrooms and bathrooms (complete with sunken bath) can enjoy the view. Now sporting a novel Maroccan look, the camp has a contemporary, though comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Kapamba operates in a fairly exclusive area free from other camps so it’s unlikely that you will see much in the way of human beings while here. The wildlife, however, is prolific (although you can never be sure!) and there are frequent lion and leopard sightings. Nearby plains along the riverbank attract plenty of puku, impala, zebra, baboons and warthog. There is an implicit focus on enjoying the details of the bush on foot so if you would rather be out in search of the big game in a vehicle, this is perhaps not for you.
As with other camps in the Luangwa, the wildlife experience is paramount and the guides feature prominently not only in the walks and evening drives, but as hosts to your stay. Affable and knowledgeable, they are among some of the best trained in Africa and, for the most part, are drawn from the local area. While there is plenty to do here, there is also lots of time during the day to relax on the deck with your book or binoculars and just see what happens along.
