KAINGO CAMP – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Kaingo Camp is set overlooking the Luangwa River deep within the South Luangwa National Park. This luxurious lodge has a relaxed, personal and friendly atmosphere and offers a choice of photographic hides and fantastic game-viewing opportunities all within an area of incredible beauty.
Kaingo means Leopard in the local Nyanja language and the name of the camp was chosen due to the resident female leopard Goldie, who liked Kaingo so much she took up residence in one of the chalets.
The camp has just 5 comfortable and beautifully furnished chalets and one suite which are nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River with fabulous views of the river and bush beyond. The large centrally located open-sided Chitenge includes a dining area, library and Kaingo’s thousand-year-old lead-wood bar.
A real highlight staying at Kaingo is the chance to sleep out on the Elephant Hide Star Bed which is set in an ebony tree on the Luangwa River – you’ll sleep in a very comfortable king bed under the stars while listening to the nocturnal noises of river and the African bush.
LOCATION
The camp is located in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access from Lusaka is via around an hour by aircraft to Mfuwe Airport where you will be met and transferred approximately 3 hours to camp.
CAMP
Kaingo features 5 brick and thatch chalets set on the banks of the Luangwa River all with comfortable beds, ensuite indoor bathrooms with a sink, shower and flushing toilet and a romantic outdoor bathtub tucked under the ebony trees outside. The chalets have a patio with a day bed and seating area as well as a private deck overhanging the banks of the Luangwa River offering great views of the animals coming down to drink.
Additionally, there is one deluxe suite called the First House which is great for couples looking for extra luxury and space but can sleep up to 6 people comfortably so is also ideal for families or groups. The suite features a lounge area and larger patio with dining table and there is an ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom, guest toilet near the lounge area as well as an outdoor shower and bath. Booking this suite would include the use of a private vehicle, private butler and private dining.
Shenton Safaris actively supports anti-poaching efforts within the National Park in conjunction with the South Luangwa Conservation Society and equally contributes towards the local community through its involvement in Project Luangwa.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE
The South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and the concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. Dense thickets and vast numbers of plains game creat a perfect habitat for leopard.
Kaingo is located in the northern territory of the park that borders to the Nsefu Sector. When you stay at Kaingo you will get to explore deep into all the hidden wildlife hotspots this incredible area has to offer. The beautiful loops of roads travel from the Ebony Grove, along the Luangwa River and further inland into Lion Plains with ample changes in vegetation on the way.
The camp has exclusive access to the Hippo Hide and the Elephant Hide and guests at Kaingo can also use the Wild Dog Lagoon Hide and the Carmine Bee-eater Hide when it is put in place. With two mobile hides in the Kaingo workshop, you may have the chance to visit additional hides during your stay.
Game drives – start from camp and guides are quick to react to the alarm calls of baboons or impalas. They last approximately three and a half hours and are offered morning and afternoon. Morning game drives leave around sunrise with a tea break on the route, and the evening game drive departs after afternoon tea with a stop for a sundowner around sunset time. The drive will continue into the night to observe the nocturnal animals.
Walking Safaris – setting out from the lodge, a group of no more than six guests are escorted by a professional walking guide and an armed ZAWA scout. This system of two people leading the walk has proved to be very safe over the years. A typical walking safari has a duration of approximately 3 hours and there are some beautiful walks around lodge that highlight the specialities of the area. A large part of a walking safari revolves around tracking animals – from big cats to a multitude of wildlife such as Kudu, Eland, Elephants, Giraffe and the endemic Cookson’s Wildebeest. Walks bring you closer to the smaller things, the incredible flora, bird life, and arthropods. You will see most of the big game but not always necessarily as close as you will from the vehicle.
Photographic Safaris – the camp pays special attention to your photographic experience by providing all guests with bean bags, dust covers for their camera gear and of course there are our world renown photographic hides.
Photographic Hides – are just one of the elements that make the two camps so special. These hides are used regularly by National Geographic, BBC and Discovery channel for numerous photographic shoots and the making of wildlife documentaries. The hides provide an up-close-and-personal view into the lives of the animals enabling you to watch them undisturbed in their natural environment. There are number of hides at the two camps including Hippo hide, Elephant hide, Carmine bee-eater hide, Mwamba’s waterhole hide and sometimes additional mobile hides
The Elephant Hide Star Bed – is set in an ebony tree on the Luangwa River and is exclusive to guests staying at Kaingo which is a 2-minute drive away. The sleeping platform is beautifully set with a king size bed, warm duvet, wash basin, lanterns and a large mosquito net. A bush toilet (long drop) is available on the ground under the platform. If you need a hand (or have a change of heart) an armed scout will spend the night in a nearby hut and will be equipped with a radio.
KAINGU CAMP IS CLOSED FROM NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE 19TH MAY EVERY YEAR
THE CAMP WELCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 10 YEARS AND OLDER. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN HAVE TO BE 12 YEARS OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS
Call +44 1386 830264 or Email [email protected]
Our expert staff are on-hand, happy to assist with any enquiry you have.