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The 5 best Campgrounds in North Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Discover the best Campgrounds in North Luangwa National Park, Northern Province including Buffalo Camp, Luangwa Wilderness Lodge, Samala Camp, Delia Camp, Chifunda Bush Camp.
1. Buffalo Camp
Overall Ratings
5 based on 56 reviews
DISCOVER THE AUTHENTIC SAFARI EXPERIENCE AND COME TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Located in the heart of North Luangwa on the banks of the Mwaleshi river lies Buffalo Camp. Pioneers of walking safaris in North Luangwa, the Harvey family has kept a proud tradition for over 50 years in providing the ultimate experience in walking safaris. We pride ourselves with combining traditional stylish bush comfort with some of the finest game viewing Zambia has to offer. Buffalo Camp is one of the few seasonal bush camps still operating from its traditional roots in the true colonial style. Consisting of six en-suite chalets, a bar, dining room and self-catering facilities; all constructed of local, natural materials, the camp retains a friendly and informal atmosphere giving you total intimacy with your surroundings.
Unforgettable stay - we should have stayed longer
Reviewed By zola025We came here from Kapishya Hot Springs on our way through North Luangwa, heading for the comparative zoo that is South Luangwa. Mark Harvey said stay more than one night, I wish we had listened to him. Instead we rolled in early late morning and left the next day, only 24 hours after arriving. We were there in July and we were the only guests. Being a party of 9, we spread out across 3 chalets. It was a big trip for us, so we were self catering and generally sleeping in our Hilux roof tents. At Buffalo, we took the chalets and self-catered. First up, the camp is a miracle. It is in a very remote - but easy to get to - spot right next to the river. Being next to the river, Mark Harvey and his crew have to rebuild the place every year. Despite that it has a feel of tradition about it - it's comfortable and established. After our lunch we sank a few Mosis and we sat in the river, in chairs that the staff had set up. The camp is in a stunning setting, on a bend in the Luangwa River. The water was low, pretty much ankle deep. In the wet, the whole surrounding area would be submerged. The camp was 7 chalets, each with water tank and bathroom, looking over the Luangwa river and the sweeping beach. The water was about 50 yards wide and 12 feet below the ground level. So low and so shallow. The chalets are simple, wild and comfortable - with hot showers - and a priceless view of the river. A few notes, many are already covered by the other reviews for the camp. - the walking safaris are stunning. We did 2, an evening one with a sundown and a night drive back to camp. Then a morning one that was a drive to a drop off and a wade through the (low) river, a walk along the bank and a wade back across the river to the camp. - it is an absolute wonder to take these walks. Sure there is a tiny edge to them (you are humans walking through a wild park with a guide, a spotter and a scout with a rifle), but that is part of the wonder and privilege. Honestly, it doesn't compare to driving. There are no sounds, except from nature. You are up close and personal with everything. There are unpredictable moments and moments of pure majesty. Each walk is different, unique. For our walk we had Kofi (a guide), a spotter and a scout (armed park employee). The scout was camouflaged, no one else was! - the guides, talk to them! Ok, so they will tell you this and that and give you the normal spiel. But if you point to anything you spot - a piece of poo, a fragment of bone, a hole, some fur, a footprint, a seed, a leaf - anything, the stories will flow. Such knowledge, and humour. I won't list what we saw, it's irrelevant. It is about the deep immersion that the walking safari experience provides. - the camp managers. We got to know Mark while staying at Kapishya Hot Springs and it was a shame he couldn't be in two places at the same time. If he had been at Buffalo I would have hacked Tripadvisor and found a way to give this 6 stars. Our camp managers were definitely a bit of a let down - polite, helpful but awkward, not really as hospitable as they may have been. - catering... as i mentioned, we self catered to make our budget work for our trip. This was fine, but it felt wrong. There was a whole crew of staff who were there to help, cater, etc and there we were chopping up onions, opening cans and boiling rice. The kitchen was great, with a giant poured concrete fire stove. The camp crew who were casually chatting stepped in and helped as needed. The crew was super nice about everything, the kitchen facilities were perfect for our needs, but somehow it felt wrong. I'd strongly recommend to have the full board and fully support the project and let the team do their thing.
2. Luangwa Wilderness Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Luangwa Wilderness Lodge is a mid-range lodge operating in the remote but beautiful Luambe National Park, Zambia. It is situated on the Luangwa River, offering great views over a game rich area. The lodge is the only accommodation within the park, meaning our guests are guaranteed to be the only vehicle in the park! We offer a vast array of activities or just a great place to relax!
How do you rate a place that has been abandoned?
Reviewed By riverrat205Expecting to bushcamp because of the ten-hour drive down the eastern side from North to South Luangwa, we were told about the existence of this place. In order to get there from North Luangwa, you drive through a spectacular forest on the banks of the river (still in North Luangwa), which itself must be one of the most beautiful drives in Africa, then cross on a pontoon ferry (very exciting), and then drive over some hellish black cotton soil roads and some relatively good track. We were there in September, the river was low, and there were at least 450 hippos in the water directly below the campsite. It was awe-inspiring - the sound of all those hippos at night is something I will never forget. The campsite at this time of year is too high for the hippos to reach - fortunately they feed on the other side. The people maintaining it have not been paid in three years but they were extremely friendly and accommodating and there were toilets, wood and hot showers which worked well with a bit of maintenance from our group. They jealously guard the lodge and its accommodation in the hopes that there are better times coming...if you are an adventure traveller, this is definitely for you - we could easily have spent another night there. The rest of Luambe appears to have been poached out and abandoned and it is better to hurry on to South Luangwa but this stay was definitely a highlight of our trip. We paid the staff a small fee despite having paid to get into Luambe but were glad to do it.
3. Samala Camp
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Samala Camp is located on the banks of the fast flowing Mwaleshi River, in the Mukungule Game Management Area bordering North Luangwa National Park. Samala Camp consists of two twin-bed walk-in safari tents, each with its own en suite outdoor bathroom.There is a spacious self-catering kitchen with gas stove, solar powered fridge/freezer and kitchen equipment.Nearby there is a private campsite.
Excellent value self catering, tranquillity on the edge of one of Zambia's hidden treasures
Reviewed By FarmingFlyerTwo (very comfortable) safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, plus a magical camp site make this a great stop for small groups and families - almost guaranteed exclusivity. The outdoor bathrooms make the best of local materials. Bush experience combined with privacy. Kitchen is well equipped - solar fridge/freezer, gas cooker, hot and cold running water, full range of crockery and utensils. Helpful staff available for cleaning, laundry and keeping hot water going Location is stunning - beautiful river, amazing trees, chance of elephants on your door step.
4. Delia Camp
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Experiencia inolvidable!
Reviewed By PuyDanielHemos regresado hace menos de dos semanas de nuestro viaje a Zambia y llevamos aún todo un mundo de sensaciones, colores, sonidos, luz, silencio dentro de nosotros. Nuestra estancia en Delia Camp formará siempre parte de nuestros recuerdos. Hemos vivido en un documental de televisión. Ramón, Víctor y todo el resto del equipo nos han tratado con esmero y cariño, atendiendo en todo momento nuestras inquietudes. Gracias por vuestro trabajo. Si queréis disfrutar del África salvaje, real, exclusiva, de la amabilidad de sus gentes y de una estancia inolvidable os recomendamos este lugar. No lo olvidaréis.
5. Chifunda Bush Camp
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Real community Camp on the river side.
Reviewed By Richard197311This camp is operated by Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) and is located in Chifunda Game Management Area. The scenic riverine lagoons lined by towering mahogany trees, graceful cathedral mopane forests and sprawling grassy plains with diversity of wildlife habitat makes an ideal setting for a camp. The camp is located approximately 227km north of Mfuwe Airport. The bush camp has two chalets with twin beds, which can be joined as a double. It has fully equipped kitchen and a serene dining area that caters for more than six people. Chifunda Bush Camp also has a fenced campsite for those interested in camping. Protective fencing surrounds each bush camp and chalets are located under trees with ample shade. We arrived lately. The sent us to a spot near the river. One of the chalets could be used by us for shower and toilet.
