ZUNGULILA BUSHCAMP – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Zunguzila Bushcamp Zungulila is a small and intimate camp with stunning views onto the Kapamba river and an expansive plain where natural springs attract huge herds of game and buffalo to the area. The camp is set in the remote and quieter south of the South Luangwa National Park.

The 4 comfortably furnished tented chalets each have their own private verandas as well as outdoor showers and luxurious bathtubs and all the chalets and the main areas enjoy wonderful views.

Many guests enjoy sundowners and drinks in the afternoon and evening in the shallow river dipping their feet in the cooling, crystal clear waters!

LOCATION

Zunguzila Bushcamp is set on a bend of the Kapamba River in the southern part of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Access is via a flight from Lusaka which takes around an hour and 10 minutes. You are then driven 45 minutes to Mfuwe Lodge and then it is around 3 – 3.5 hours’ drive south to camp.

CAMP

Zunguzila has just 4 spacious tents built under thatch roofs and each shaded tent has its own private bamboo veranda with amazing views over to the Kapamba River with the chance of seeing wildlife coming down to the river to drink – from elephant, birds and lion to large herds of buffalo.

With stylish interiors, ensuite bathrooms, hot-and-cold running water, outdoor showers and a sunken plunge-pool you can enjoy your creatures and your creature comforts in this classic tented bushcamp.

The main area is comfortably furnished with comfy chairs and colourful rugs and outside there is expansive wooden decking enjoying the same views down to the river. During the dry months you can eat out under the stars and the boma area is the perfect place to relax with a drink around the fire – as is the river itself – sundowners in the river are always popular!

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

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 and 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. Large herds of buffalo roam the park, impala and puku are plentiful and there are plenty of waterbucks and bushbucks. The endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe is indigenous to the park, as are Crawshay’s zebra and Cookson’s Wildebeest. The South Luangwa is a superb area to see wild dogs with numerous resident packs.

Night drives are renowned for sighting lion and leopard (the density of leopards is among the highest in the world). And nocturnal animals like the honey badger, porcupine and civet are often seen by spotlight.

In the evening, after wading through the river, you are invited you to join your hosts for sundowners, or sit around the campfire for a drink before reflecting on the day’s adventures over a starlit supper overlooking the river.

Birdwatching – is superb and 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.

Walking Safaris – the South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari and this is where it was first pioneered by Norman Carr back in the 1960s. To stride out on your own two feet is the only way to understand the wilderness and the guides will explain 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.

Game Drives – are an ideal way to explore the different range of habitats in the area and there are game drives in the morning and evening – which normally return back to the camp after sundowners and a short night drive.

ZUNGUZILA IS CLOSED FROM FEBRUARY TO MARCH EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER. IF BOOKING THE WHOLE CAMP THEN UNDER 12’S ARE WELCOME. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON WALKING SAFARIS.