Kaingo and Mwamba, South Luangwa National Park

Kaingo Bar

Kaingo and Mwamba,  South Luangwa National Park  are sister camps owned by the Shenton family. Kaingo was the original camp and Mwamba was added at the turn of the millennium. Each camp remains owner-managed, which is unusual in South Luangwa. Mwamba tends to be a bit more walking focused so suits more active people. The camps are remotely located in the northern part of South Luangwa, and are extremely well set up for keen photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and keen birders.

Activities at Kaingo and Mwamba

Unlike most other camps who offer only two activities, at Kaingo and Mwamba three are offered at these camps: morning and afternoon/evening game activity (walks or drives) and guests can be guided to one of the photographic hides. These hides are unique features of Kaingo and Mwamba and, for example, Hippo Hide has been used by the BBC, National Geographic and Discovery channel for filming. In late August/September two more hides open, The Carmine Hide opposite a bee-eater colony which offers amazing photographic opportunities; and the “Last Waterhole Hide” near Mwamba which offers great opportunities to watch thirsty game coming in to drink at the last waterhole in the area.

Kaingo Lookout

Kaingo has just 6 chalets, each with a private deck overlooking the Luangwa River.  Although not far from Kaingo, Mwamba offers a truly authentic bush experience in a very different environment; it has just 4 reed huts, so it’s very intimate.

Each camp can also arrange fly-camps; these are temporary camps, using small two-man tents which leave no trace once you have moved on. They suit overnight safari walks or drives allowing access to truly remote country.

South Luangwa map

What is included at Kaingo and Mwamba

In terms of what is included: everything is included! Accommodation, all meals, full bar, THREE game viewing activities daily, a daily laundry service and transfers from and to Mfuwe airport. The rates also include the VAT, the South Luangwa National Park fees and the Luangwa Valley Community and Conservation Fund levy which alone is $70 per person per night.

Kaingo Bath

Kaingo and Mwamba Open dates

Kaingo: mid-May to end Oct.

Mwamba: June to end Oct.

A typical day at Kaingo and Mwamba

05:30     Wake-up drums

06:00     Tea/coffee/cake served around the fire

06:15     Morning walk or drive; game viewing activity

09:45     Full English breakfast

12:00     Daily trip to hippo hide, lagoon, elephant crossing point or ebony grove

13.30     Lunch on your private deck

15.30     Tea /coffee/drinks/cake – on the river deck

16:00     Afternoon walk or drive; game-viewing activity; stay out for sundowners and continue for

night drive with spotlight

20:00     Drinks at the bar.

20:15     Dinner (3 course meal)

Note: times may vary and activities are optional; you may choose to relax in camp instead!

Kaingo Room South Luangwa National Park

Prices for Kaingo and Mwamba (2016)