The Bushcamp Company

At a time when commercialisation seems to have tightened its grip on most of the world, Zambia remains true to its roots. This is the real Africa, with all the charm, beauty and occasional challenges that this entails.

In Zambia, mother nature is queen. From the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls to the untouched bush of the South Luangwa, the little-explored Bangweulu Swamps to the wild Lower Zambezi, the country is a tribute to the awe-inspiring diversity of the natural world and a wildlife lover’s dream.

Zambia, and in particular the South Luangwa National Park, remains the finest place in Africa for walking safaris. The prolific game and unrivalled expertise of the local guides mean that sightings of leopard, elephant, hippo, lion and wild dog are not just rare experiences, but commonplace.

The country gained its independence from the British in 1964. While English is still the official national language, Zambia’s remoteness and strong sense of identity has ensured that traditional culture remains strong among its people. Ancient ceremonies are still observed today among the different tribal groups, and they are well known for their artistic skills using local ceramics and traditional textile designs.

Maize is the staple food crop for much of the population. The more drought-resistant millet and sorghum are also grown, along with cassava, cowpeas, peanuts, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Lakes and rivers supply a constant supply of fish, while cattle, pigs and poultry are reared on the land. The national dish is nshima, a maize porridge-like dish that is eaten with beans or meat and the local lager, Mosi, is a particularly good brew.

South Luangwa

For wildlife, and wildlife-lovers, it doesn’t get any better than the South Luangwa National Park. With its verdant floodplains rustling with huge herds of game, mopane woodlands and indigenous hardwood forests filled with over 400 species of birds, and a mighty river that attracts thirsty animals like a magnet, it’s a natural utopia and one of Africa’s truly great wildlife sanctuaries.

Bordered on one side by the Muchinga Escarpment and the Luangwa River on the other, the park consists of 9,050 square kilometres (half the size of Wales or Massachusetts) of untouched wilderness supporting one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

It was none other than explorer David Livingstone who first recognised the extraordinary allure and unique nature of the South Luangwa Valley. Crossing the Luangwa River in 1866, he declared, “I will make this land better known to men that it may become one of their haunts. It is impossible to describe its luxuriance.” It wasn’t until 1938 that the area was proclaimed a game reserve, and then given national park status in 1971. In 1961 the legendary Norman Carr put the Luangwa on the map as a safari destination leading the first walking safari in the reserve.

Over 60 different species of mammal call the South Luangwa National Park their home, drawn by the diverse range of habitats from sandy seasonal river courses to the mineral-rich alluvial floodplains that stretch out to distant blue hills. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog stalk the smaller game, whilst primates such as yellow baboons and vervet monkeys swing through the trees. Down on the river, huge densities of elephant, hippo and crocodile enjoy the cool waters.

There are two distinct seasons, during which the park completely changes its appearance. In the dry season (May to October) the landscape is arid and vegetation is sparse, providing optimum conditions for viewing game, especially as animals congregate at the waterholes and rivers. During the wet summer (November to April), the park is lush and green. Wildlife is harder to spot but the park is arguably at its most beautiful in this ‘emerald’ season.

Unlike some other African national parks, in the South Luangwa the focus is always on the wildlife. Sprawling visitor centres and restaurant complexes are nowhere to be found here – just traditional safari lodges and intimate, rustic bushcamps that merge discreetly into the landscape, from where you can enjoy the true pleasure of being surrounded by an unspoilt African wilderness.

Emerald Season

The South Luangwa National Park, offers the safari enthusiast two exciting and dramatically different seasons. Most people visiting Zambia on safari choose the better-known dry season (May-October), where the climate is hot, dry and game viewing is clearer. However, the ‘Emerald Season’ (November-May) is equally dramatic, diverse and beautiful and is often an underrated experience.

These are the summer months in Zambia where the rain falls and completely alters the landscape in a matter of days, turning what was barren dry land into lush, green expanses teaming with wildlife and birdlife; the impala drop their young, large carmine bee-eater & stork colonies form, migratory bird species arrive and many birds are in full breeding plumage.

Here at Mfuwe Lodge, we also offer our guests visiting in the Emerald Season a true natural phenomenon, which has turned into an annual ritual. Every October to December, a herd of about ten elephants, led by Wonky Tusk, walks right through the reception area on their way to a specific wild mango tree they have been visiting for many years.

When the first rains come the park takes on a fresh green appearance, the air becomes clear and the light is perfect for photography. This is a wonderful time to visit the South Luangwa and with Mfuwe Lodge open year round and three of our Bushcamps (Chindeni, Kapamba & Zungulila) open until the end of the year; the only bushcamps open in the park at that time of year – the Emerald Season is the perfect time to see the Luangwa River in full flow and enjoy both game-drives and walking safaris at a lower rate.

Why the Emerald Season?

• The bush is emerald green, incredibly lush and picturesque with blue skies and a pleasant climate
• Air quality and natural light improves - excellent photography conditions
• The Luangwa River is at its peak, often bursting its banks and hosting the largest population of hippo in the Africa
• Fewer people visiting leading to fewer vehicles and more intimate game viewing
• Wonderful conditions for walking safaris
• We have the only Bushcamps open in the park from November to January, offering a remote, intimate safari experience
• Excellent value, with lower rates

Walking Safaris

Not until you’ve followed in the footsteps of the great explorers and experienced the compelling mix of excitement, fear, vulnerability, respect and awe that a walking safari delivers, can you really understand the true nature of the African wilderness.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of feeling your heart pound in your chest as you tiptoe your way through the bush, alarm calls from other animals echoing in the air, inching towards a small clearing and peering through the branches where… yes, there it is… a pride of lions is busy devouring a recent kill.

From a vehicle you see Africa. On foot you feel, hear and smell Africa

The South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari – this is where it was first pioneered by Norman Carr back in the 1960s and, with the continent’s finest local guides to lead you, we’re proud to say that nobody does it better. To stride out on your own two feet is the only way to understand the wilderness, and it’s the best zoology lesson you’ll ever have.

Our guides will let you in on the secrets of the bush, from teaching you how to track a leopard by identifying spoor and listening for tell-tale alarm calls, to explaining how to soothe insect bites with the juice of a sausage tree. If you have a particular interest in a specific area such as birding or local bushcraft, then just let your safari guide know and he will tailor the walk accordingly. With every step there is something new to learn, a new bird or animal to spot and a new unforgettable experience.

Safety is, of course, paramount. Our guides are highly trained and they will instruct you on how to behave when approaching some of the larger animals. Alongside your guide, an armed national park escort scout, provided by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), is required to accompany you on walks. We are proud of our untarnished safety record so whilst your heart may inevitably race, you need not fear that you will come to any harm.

The final member of your walking safari group is the all-important tea-porter. As well as being another valuable set of eyes and ears, he will carry refreshments for your walk. At a suitably scenic point, his bag will open to produce tea and biscuits in the morning, or cold beers and G&Ts in the evening. Should you need a drink of water at any point during the walk, he’s the person to ask.

It is a rare privilege to be able to walk in an African national park. With so many different habitats to explore, from open plains to sandy river banks, eerie mopane forests to swampy lagoons, no two outings will ever be the same, but we guarantee that you will remember every one.

Wildlife

As one of Africa’s most unspoilt and remote national parks, the South Luangwa is renowned for its wide diversity of habitats and high game density. With more than 60 different mammal species in the park, there is an abundance and diversity of wildlife that sets the Luangwa apart from other wildlife destinations. The survival of these animals depends on the meandering Luangwa River; crowded with hippos, crocodiles and wading waterfowl.

Elephants, baboons and vervet monkeys seem to be everywhere from the moment you enter the park. Antelopes, zebra and other plains game congregate on the open floodplains and grasslands along the River and its numerous tributaries that course through the Park. Large herds of buffalo roam the park, impala are ubiquitous, the puku – rarely seen outside Zambia — is almost as common and there are plenty of waterbucks and bushbucks too. The endemic Thornicroft's giraffe is indigenous to the park, as are Crawshay's zebra and Cookson’s Wildebeest. The South Luangwa has become one of the best places in Africa to see wild dogs – which are endangered – with numerous resident packs requiring large traversing areas to hunt. Night drives are renowned for sighting lion on the hunt and leopard (the density of leopards is among the highest in the world). And even rarely seen nocturnal animals like the honey badger, porcupine and civet, are often seen by spotlight.

Birdwatching is superb in the Luangwa Valley; with over 400 species of birds recorded you could easily see over 100 different species in a three day visit. Some particularly attractive ones include; Carmine Bee-eaters, Malachite Kingfishers, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Bateleur Eagles, Saddle-billed Storks, Crowned Cranes, Pel’s Fishing Owls and Fish Eagles. Before you set out on safari, download Derek Solomon’s Checklist of Common Birds & Mammals of the South Luangwa National Park here.

Medical Tips

We strongly advise you to consult your doctor before you travel to Zambia and get accurate and up-to-date advice on current inoculation requirements. Your doctor may also advise you about any recently recognised medical precautions that may be necessary. While we operate in a remote wilderness part of Zambia we normally have a Western doctor available for medical consultation (at a fee) should the need arise during your safari.

Common medical concerns on safari...

Malaria:
Malaria is caused by a mosquito borne parasite and is endemic in Zambia; but experience has found that the worst time of the year for malaria is generally from mid February to the end of June. The incidence of malaria diminishes as the season gets drier and cooler, but there is still a risk even at the end of the dry season before the new rains. The best precautions are physical barriers in the early evenings and at night (long trousers and sleeves, insect repellents and mosquito nets – which all of our camps are equipped with). You need to watch for the symptoms for several months after your return home - if you develop flu-like symptoms then get a quick and simple blood test without any delay to be on the safe side.

Diarrhoea:
Diarrhoea is a common problem when travelling anywhere in Africa. But the reality is that food preparation and presentation in some of the remotest camps is better than the fare you'll get in many well known hotels in Europe and North America. We would say just be sensible about what you eat and drink and bring suitable medication just in case.

Sunburn:
From May to June and October to December the African sun is fierce. There's no need to get extreme with precautions unless you're particularly sensitive to the sun. Be sure to bring a wide brimmed hat, long sleeves, a strong sun barrier cream/spray that suits your skin type and wear sunglasses.

Medical services:
Even though our camps are remote, we are reasonably well geared to handle minor mishaps, with many of our staff trained first aiders. For illnesses and minor emergencies the safari operators in the Luangwa sponsor a Western doctor to be available in Mfuwe who should be available to offer medical advice (for a small fee). In the event of a serious accident, Johannesburg in South Africa is the only real option for immediate high care evacuation - ensure that you have adequate medical insurance.

Downloads

Below is a collection of useful documents and other media for download. This section of The Bushcamp Company website is updated from time to time, so please check back for any updates.

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
  U.S. Citizens' Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
  7 February 2011  •  PDF file
• Jonathan Scott and Phil Berry Safari 2011
  Join Jonathan Scott and Phil Berry on Safari at Mfuwe Lodge in November 2011
  27 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Safari Packing List
  The Bushcamp Company's Suggested Safari Packing List 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Mfuwe Lodge Fact Sheet
  Mfuwe Lodge Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Kuyenda Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Kuyenda Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Chamilandu Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Chamilandu Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Chindeni Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Chindeni Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Bilimungwe Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Bilimungwe Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  DOC file
• Kapamba Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Kapamba Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• Zungulila Bushcamp Fact Sheet
  Zungulila Bushcamp Fact Sheet 2011
  10 January 2011  •  PDF file
• The Bush Spa Menu
  The Bush Spa at Mfuwe Lodge Menu 2011 - 2012
  1 August 2010  •  PDF file
• Best Video Competition - Terms and Conditions
  Bushcamp Company & Mfuwe Lodge Best Video Competition - Terms and Conditions
  21 June 2010  •  PDF file
• Luangwa Bird and Mammal Checklist
  South Luangwa Bird and Mammal Checklist
  20 October 2009  •  PDF file
• Mfuwe School Projects Info 2010
  Info Sheet on Bushcamp and Mfuwe Lodge's School Project
  27 November 2009  •  PDF file