The Bushcamp Company
Bilimungwe
A cosy camp offering an authentic safari experience in the knowledgeable hands of an award-winning guide.
Profile
There’s always a warm welcome at Bilimungwe. The heart of camp is the rustic lounge area set beneath a huge winterthorn tree and looking out over a shady waterhole – an establishment favoured by local warthogs, elephant and other thirsty game.
The buzzing outdoor eating area with its unique open-air kitchen (the only ‘bistro’ in the park!) is the perfect spot for a lively barbecue in the heart of the African wilderness. When it comes to wildlife-watching at Bilimungwe, it’s hard to know where to look first – choose from the tangle of mahogany trees surrounding camp, the nearby plain where leopard prowl, the popular waterhole, or the open waters of the Luangwa River.
Put simply, this is a nature-lover’s paradise, and with Manda Chisanga – Bilimungwe’s award-winning resident guide – to lead you, you could not be in better hands.
Accommodation
Bilimungwe’s four thatched brick-and-grass chalets have been effortlessly styled to blend with the surrounding landscape. The dark wood of the surrounding trees is echoed in the wooden furniture and rich colour scheme to create warm and cosy rooms that stave off the chill of an African night. Each has a private porch that looks out onto the peaceful neighbouring plain, an ensuite bathroom and twin beds (queen-sized beds). Bilimungwe sleeps up to eight guests and is open from May to December.
Activities
Take advantage of the superb knowledge and charm of resident guide Manda Chisanga, and head out with him on a combination of walking safaris, day and night game drives, and sundowners on the river’s edge. In between outings, find a chair and enjoy the wildlife magnet that is Bilimungwe’s permanent waterhole.
Summary
Location: Overlooking a shady lagoon, South Luangwa, Zambia (3 hours from Mfuwe Lodge)
Season: Open from 15th May to 15th December (camp will be closed in 2010 for refurbishment)
Activities: Guided walking safaris; game drives (day and night); birdwatching
Children: Children over 12 are welcome (under 12s welcome if a private camp is booked)
Electricity: Solar power for lighting, battery charging facilities and hot water
Accommodation: 4 spacious thatched chalets
- all twins (queen-sized beds)
Guest Comments
“Our first Bushcamp and we are amazed. We never dreamt that it would all be so fantastic.”
- Ivan & Lesley Holmes, UK
“We’ve been dazzled by Bilimungwe. Thank you for your warm hospitality. Africa has captured our heart and soul – will never be the same.”
- Michelle & Stephen Marks, USA
“What an amazing place! Fantastically remote, beautiful bush land, great camp, delicious food and wonderful people.”
- Catherine Barton & Marc Johnson, UK
“This has been our favourite of 6 camps we have stayed. The staff, the setting, the ambience, the greatest food and the lovely accommodations make this an extraordinarily special place. Joe’s Bistro was a real highlight.”
- Lynn Donaldson & Cameron Avery, USA
“Manda you are magnificent…Bili is a little piece of Paradise.”
- Louise Nolder, UK
“The wildlife, the hospitality – all absolutely marvelous, the guiding and spotting simply miraculous. But the social highlight had to be the glamour and sophistication of the opening night of JOE’S BISTRO!!”
- Claire & Paul Williamson
“Bilimungwe has so far been the jewel in the crown. Amazing company and hospitality, outstanding guiding and superb food – and the animals weren’t bad either. Leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo to name but a few”
- Becks & Baz Scully
Photo gallery
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“Truly this has been the most fantastic experience and the hospitality has really made it special. We will miss this place greatly. Thank you!! Thank you!!”
- Lizanne Crowther & David Bradley, UK