Kuyenda
Location - Overlooking the Mwanze River south of the Mfuwe sector
Accommodation - 4 reed and thatch rondavels with open bathrooms
Experience - Walking safaris with some game drives
Price Guide - $535 - 590 pppn
Kuyenda has the advantage of long history; it's been here since the mid-1990s and was started by Phil Berry, one of the most senior Luangwa veterans. Kuyenda is still very much Phil and Babette's home and they manage to make every guest feel as though they are already part of the family. Read more?
The focus here is very much on the holistic bush experience and while there is a lot of game around (lion, hyena, elephant and leopard are regular visitors to the camp), you will also see the small surprising details while out on walks. Phil and his guides are regular encyclopaedias of information.
Walking is the main activity here, although it is possible to drive and short night drives are encouraged since there are many critters which you will only see after sunset. Kuyenda is quite close to Chichele which occupies a rather prime site on a hill close by, so you do sometimes catch a glimpse of the lodge or see the lights at night whilst on a walk or game drive.
The camp is informal both in appearance and in function. Four reed and thatch huts are scattered among the trees, with sandy floored bathrooms open to the stars. There is running water but it comes from two large raised drums which are filled by hand and so hot water is arranged on request...there is plenty of it though. To add to the charm, the camp is lit by paraffin lanterns. However, your comforts are well catered for and the rondavels are comfortable and stylish, the meals delicious and the company good! Banter around the dinner table can last for hours and as you can imagine, both Babette and Phil are full of tall-tales to keep you entertained.
Kuyenda is ideal for lovers of the bush looking for an authentic experience in the company of knowledgable folk. While the camp is comfortable, it is not luxurious so if you worry about encountering a gecko in the basin or insects around the lamps, this may not be for you. The camp works well with Chindeni, Bilimungwe and Kapamba which are all good choices for a walking safari.
Location - South Luangwa
The Luangwa Valley is probably Zambia's best known wildlife area. As well as having very good all-round game, Luangwa is somewhere that has gained a well deserved reputation for walking safaris, though there is a great deal more to do above and beyond. Jump to page?
More articles that you might find helpful
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Camps, lodges and bushcamps in the Luangwa
Night drives in Zambia
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Have a look at our blog at safarigeek.com
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