Zanzibar Safaris 2012
FOR AUTHENTIC TENTED CAMPS WITH LUSH GAME VIEWING, WE LOVE Zanzibar Safaris AND THE VARIED ACCOMMODATION THAT IS ON OFFER. SPEND YOUR TIME BY THE LUANGWA RIVER OR NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE NATIONAL PARK.
South Luangwa National Park by Norman Carr Safaris
Established in 1950 and pioneers of the walking safari, the company is renowned for its experience in the South Luangwa bush and the quality of its local guides. These are true bush camps, rebuilt every year after the rainy season; and each is managed by its head guide, many of whom were trained by the late Norman Carr himself. The camps offer a blend of luxury and rustic eloquence, and the distance between them is walkable – for the full experience, it’s worth staying in a combination of them.
Luwi Bush Camp by Norman Carr Safaris
Set in a remote location at the heart of the National Park, this rustic camp has only four rooms, designed using natural materials, making it one of the most traditional of all the Luangwa camps. With few roads, most of the activities are based around walking safaris.
Nsolo Bush Camp by Norman Carr Safaris
In an area noted for its lions, this luxury bush camp has just four spacious, individually designed chalets with thatched roofs. They’re built on raised decks to make the most of the fabulous views over the popular waterhole in front of the camp.
Kakuli Bush Camp by Norman Carr Safaris
This camp of four spacious traditional safari tents is where the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers meet – giving it some of the best game viewing in Zambia. It also opens from January to March, when it’s only accessible by boat, to make the most of the Emerald Season.
Mchenja Bush Camp by Norman Carr Safaris
One of the most luxurious camps in Zambia, this has five huge and very stylish thatched tents, comfortably equipped including baths and outdoor showers. With a pool and bar too, it’s the perfect place to complete a walking safari with stays at the other camps!
Chongwe River Camp - Lower Zambezi National Park
This award-winning camp on the Chongwe River is family-owned and run, and prides itself on its first-class service and exceptional game viewing. The camp itself consists of nine spacious classic safari tents under thatch, each with a large outdoor bathroom; plus two luxurious tented suites.
Alternatively, you can stay in Chongwe River House – a super-cool four-bedroom house with huge beds, hand-carved ‘organic’ – style furnishings and its own chef and ranger.
And about 21 miles upstream is Chongwe’s latest venture – Tsika Island Bush Camp. Taking just six guests, it combines canoeing safaris with an authentic cultural experience in partnership with nearby Mugurumeno village. Visits to the village and school can be organised, giving your trip a whole new perspective!
CHIAWA CAMP AND OLD MONDORO - Lower Zambezi National Park
These two camps, in prime positions in the Lower Zambezi, are owned and run by the same family and make a wonderful combination. Both offer a completely different style…and you can even canoe between the two! Chiawa Camp has nine bush-luxury tents with ample comforts such as king-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and ball & claw baths.
In contrast, Old Mondoro offers a more authentic, intimate safari experience. The camp’s canvas and natural materials give it an open and adventurous feel, with prolific leopard sightings here.
A well-developed tourist industry means many options for travellers, from classic safari camps to colonial country houses; and bush cool to barefoot luxury. Add a human population as fascinating and varied (with around 40 different ethnic groups!) as its animals, and it’s no wonder that Kenya is one of Africa’s crown jewels.