The Bushcamp Company
Kuyenda Bushcamp
A charming and rustic camp that offers a true taste of the African bush with one of the Luangwa’s premier guides at its helm.
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There’s something undeniably special about Kuyenda. Set beneath shady trees by the Manzi River, it may be the simplest of our camps but Kuyenda embodies the authentic charm of old Africa with its cluster of traditional thatched grass huts and back-to-nature feel. As for the wildlife, you hardly need look for it as it will come to you. Settle down in the lounge and look out over the rippling grasses of the neighbouring plain where the drama of the African wilderness is played out each day. Kuyenda’s intimate atmosphere is only enhanced by the extraordinary couple who regularly run the camp – the ever-hospitable Babette Alfieri and Phil Berry, one of Zambia’s most experienced guides. No-one knows Kuyenda like they do, and no-one will make you feel more welcome.
(In the event that Phil & Babette are on leave, another guide and host from The Bushcamp Company’s excellent and experienced team will be on hand).
Accommodation
Forget infinity pools and wi-fi – Kuyenda is the quintessential classic African bushcamp, lovingly rebuilt each season. Your room is a simple but cosy grass rondavel (circular hut) complete with paraffin lanterns, swathes of mosquito netting and an open-air ensuite bathroom with a large ‘safari’ drum shower. From the panoramic windows you can look out onto the surrounding plains and the incredible game that frequently saunters through camp, day and night. With three twin-bedded rondavels (queen-size beds) and one double (king-sized bed) Kuyenda ideally takes six guests, however groups of eight are accepted. Kuyenda is open from June to November.
Activities
Top of the list has to be a walking safari with Phil Berry. Whether you are looking at a leopard or a termite, Phil’s enthusiasm and seemingly limitless knowledge of all things wild will keep you hanging off his every word. With some of the South Luangwa’s most diverse and breathtaking landscape situated around Kuyenda, you can guarantee that no two outings will ever be the same. To get even further afield, day and night game drives are also on offer.
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Summary
Location: On the Manzi River, South Luangwa, Zambia (1 hour south of Mfuwe Lodge)
Season: Open from 15th June to 31st October
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 and battery charging facilities
Accommodation: 4 thatched rondavels :
- 1 double (king-sized)
- 3 twins (2 queen-sized)
– ideal for groups of 6 or less
Guest Comments
“… first view from my bed was three lionesses some 50 metres away with a bright red scene behind, a memory for life.”
- Stuart Connor, Scotland
“This is the world that I have wanted to see...the bush experience I have longed for.”
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“The family of elephants walking past and eating around our hut last night was the perfect send off experience for us. This has been the BEST holiday of our lives!”
- John & Zoë Zardis, USA
“If Zambia is the Real Africa, then Kuyenda is the Real Zambia!”
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“A lovely serene spot, like old Africa. You really feel you are here.”
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“A quite perfect and amazing introduction to Africa. Can it get any better?”
- Marianne Barratt, UK
“Great game-viewing, especially from bed!”
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“The perfect retreat...everything you want without everything you don’t want.”
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“The combination of classic and classy is a wonderful complement.“
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"The situation of the camp, its simplicity and the presence of elephant and buffalo within feet of our window at night was unforgettable. ....The surrounding bush was the most beautiful we had seen and the game amazing - a true Garden of Eden....To finish our safari here was perfect
Phil & Babette were charming hosts and their staff great. We were lucky enough to have Phil guide ... and it was the highlight of our trip."
- Mike & Sue Clark, UK
"The intimate nature of the camp means that you do actually feel part of the place. If you love Africa then you are always welcome here."
- Gerry Batchelor, UK
"Neither my daughter nor I will ever forget this trip and the variety and beauty of the bush - its smells, the light, the abundance of wildlife - and those stars at night! It really is a place that once you visit calls out to you."
- Daryl Grabarek & Ariana Revilla, USA
"This is a very special place with very, very special people and we loved every minute of our 3 day stay....why did we not find this bit of paradise earlier?!"
- Graham & Catherine Chandler, UK
"The most beautiful place in the world. The staff lead by Phil and Babette are incredible, the wildlife amazing, the food incredible, and the peace & quiet just lovely. I am doing everything I can to get back to Kuyenda as soon as possible."
- David Bacon, Sydney Australia
"LOVE THIS PLACE. AWESOME. Would love to live here. Very special. Excellent staff. High quality guides. Memories for a lifetime. If you're going to do a safari do it here. Everywhere else is too commercial and does not compare... camp is superb and this is as close to Wild Africa as you can get. Imagine and then live the dream."
- Pam Sekhon, UK
"There are few places in the world that can be revisited and live up to your memories. Phil and Babette make Kuyenda one of those places."
- Phil & Katherine Collins, UK
"We were full of pep and enthusiasm as Kuyenda was our first real adventure..Phil and Babette opened our eyes and our senses..the huts were fun...the food colorful and delicious...we felt 'at home' and yet we were far from our daily routines...we awoke with great expectancy!"
- Barnwell/Thomas Family, USA
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“A truly wonderful experience. The beauty of Luangwa, the knowledge and hospitality of Babette and Phil all came together to make this the safari of a lifetime …”
- Jeanet & Jesper Lewche