The Bushcamp Company
Kapamba Bushcamp
A remote and romantic camp situated in a prime location on the Kapamba River, and the only bushcamp to be open from April to January.
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In a remote corner of the South Luangwa National Park lies Kapamba, a camp that combines the isolation and superb game-viewing opportunities of a true bushcamp with a touch of... dare we say it... luxury.
Set on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed eponymous river, Kapamba is surrounded by some of the park’s richest wildlife. Watching an elephant take a dip in the river can be quite an experience when you’re lounging in your own private plunge pool. The central bar and dining room is positioned under a huddle of matumi and sausage trees, with a wide deck that stretches out with views of the Kapamba River. And if that’s still not close enough for you, why not enjoy your G&T from the middle of the river itself, your feet dipped in the cool, crystal shallows.
Accommodation
The charm and romance of Kapamba is most obvious in its four spacious en-suite chalets. Cool, simple and utterly original, these entirely open-fronted rooms boast wide verandas with river views, twin showers and sunken stone plunge pools – the ultimate in bush indulgence. Clever wrought-iron shutters are drawn each evening so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the African night without worrying about unwanted visitors wandering into your room whilst you sleep. Two of the chalets have twin beds (queen-sized beds), while the other two have king-sized doubles. Kapamba is the only bushcamp in the park to stay open from April until January.
Activities
Get out into the bush and explore the rich diversity of the surrounding area on guided morning and afternoon walks, or jump into a Land Rover for a driving safari (day or night). On special occasions we can also arrange an afternoon wading through the cool waters of the Kapamba where a scenic sundowner or special meal will be waiting for you.
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Summary
Location: Overlooking the tranquil Kapamba River, South Luangwa, Zambia (3 ½ hours from Mfuwe Lodge)
Season: Open from 16th April to 6th January
Activities: Guided walking safaris; game drives (day and night); birdwatching; swimming
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:
- 2 doubles (king-sized)
- 2 twins (queen-sized)
Guest Comments
“A truly fabulous stay. The sighting of wild dogs with pups eating and playing was just great. Congratulations to all the staff for excellent service. Thank you.”
- Peter Lead, UK
“This has been the best trip of my life. Thank you for helping me build those memories.”
- Jacquie, USA
“What a wonderful setting. The sight of elephants crossing the river and feeding feet from our room with us watching from the deck will stay with us for ever.”
- Jo Kebson
“What an absolutely magical place! The rooms are really stunning – and as far as personal pools...bliss!!
- Anna Devereux,UK
“What more to say? We had a truly memorable weekend – complete with lions eating a giraffe and elephants to the rescue. Thanks so much for the wonderful food, service and hospitality. And guiding, of course.”
- Ellen Annapolis, USA
“What an unbelievable experience! The food, the staff, the animals, all excellent. And bathing with the baboons, well that was just the icing on the cake.”
- Cathlyn, Laura & Mike Klein, USA
"Our first experience of a bush camp, and what an experience! Our room was perfect and we loved the great bath! Our guide Fanuel was fantastic, so knowledgeable and passionate about his subject - we learned such a lot from him. Food was fantastic - how do they do it with the logistical problems."
- Mike & Sue Clark, UK
"Kapamba was the highlight of the holiday. I can't speak highly enough with regards this camp: the game decided not to be shy whilst we were there, and the food and rooms were superb. However, what made our visit extra special were the staff. Everyone at Kapamba was genuinely friendly, including the 'backroom' staff. Our guide's enthusiasm was infectious and the camp manager made us so welcome that the camp felt like home. Thank you all for wonderful memories."
- Dave & Suzanne James, UK
"Our first drive we saw a wild dog with kill, 2 week old lion cubs and a carmine bee eater colony. Then leopards, elephants, birds etc etc. Our guide was thoughtful and knowledgeable; there was time to really observe and absorb what was going on. Probably our best safari anywhere. Thank you."
- Lady Sian Crisp, UK
"Excellent staff and never ending hospitality ensuring that any specific needs were happily met. It is hard to out shine the animals but it was a close competition! And Steve, what a wonderful professional and knowledgeable guide. I had him for two solid weeks and never once did he waiver in his respect for and commit to the wildlife and the national park....outstanding experience in every aspect! Thank you all! "
- Kim Sullivan, USA
"The animal sightings we experienced whilst staying at Kapamba were fantastic. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the camp, coupled with the friendliness of the staff and delicious food. It was quite incredible to bathe in the river whilst an elephant was cooling himself down on the other side!"
- Holly and Nick Osmond, UK
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“So tranquil yet alive – what a wonderful way to spend a birthday weekend… It was truly a memorable experience, especially drinking sundowners in the river. Thank you!”
- Ellen Annapolis, USA