(Tree) top-notch

Located in the remote southern region of the South Luangwa National Park is one of the most exclusive and picturesque camps in the park: Chamilandu Camp. Situated in a cool ebony grove high on the banks of the Luangwa River, Chamilandu has breathtaking river views that reach across to the Chindeni Hills in the distance. This stunning location situates you right in the middle of all the action. Although two safari activities are offered daily, leaving the camp to see wildlife is not even necessary. Lay yourself down on one of the lounge chairs, grab some binoculars (plus a cool drink) and watch the wildlife pass by. The nature experience starts at the crack of dawn when you wake up in your tree house - isn’t that a childhood dream coming true? - to enjoy a great bird’s-eye view over the river. Sip a freshly brewed coffee and watch zebras, kudus, hippos and many more going through their morning bath routine. In between game activities, you can spend your time softly swinging in a hammock, taking naps with the sound of rippling water in the background, or trying to make up your mind about lunch: a fresh salad with veggies? Or are you indulging in homemade pastries? Yes, it is a hard knock life here in the bush.

This intimate camp offers three high-stilted thatch and reed tree-houses perched on the edge of the Luangwa River, exposed to 180 degree views from the open-fronted bedroom and bathroom. The open-air en-suite facilities include twin vanity, flush WC, and twin showers with hot and cold water. There are four poster beds draped with black mosquito nets for uninterrupted night views. Outside you will find comfortable seating on the raised wooden verandah. The central dining area, lounge and fully-stocked bar are enclosed on three sides by a waist-high reed wall and set just metres from the riverbank. To eliminate the carbon footprint, this camp is solar run. It is possible to charge camera batteries, but these options are limited. Besides cameras, we highly recommend turning your cell phone off anyway; this is time to share some real bush-moments with your fellow travellers.

Activities at Chamilandu Bushcamp

Traditionally, this camp focuses on walking safaris. With excellent guides like James and John, you will soon be infected by their love for Zambia, as they don’t hesitate to share all their knowledge and interesting bush facts. Combined with day and night game drives, you can cover a great deal of the surrounding area in a couple of days. And there is plenty to discover; Chamilandu is surrounded by a wealth of habitats that include riverine forest, woodland, oxbow lakes and open floodplains. This attracts a huge diversity of wildlife to the area from Crawshay’s zebra, puku, and waterbuck to regular leopard sightings. In the afternoon, settle down in the hide overlooking the water hole, and spend a siesta with wart hogs, hippos and elephants who have come there to quench their thirst. Before you know it, a delicious dinner is prepared by top chefs. Mealtime is the perfect moment to share wildlife experiences with other guests, while the sunset gives the surroundings a golden glow. Or let a fiery African wine warm your soul while you gaze up at the stars.

Tripadvisor comments Chamilandu Bushcamp

Thank u Ty for this wonderful experience. No doubt this place is heaven. It got us back to Genesis, to our roots, to enjoying wild life without borders, to get to see the world from a "house" built on the tree, to enjoying discussions with people also through breakfast- brunch-sunsets-sunrise without disturbances (as there is no internet, or any other connection, no electricity) Chamilandu is unique and we already miss it and you Ty who give this place such a superb atmosphere.

LesStaffordshire from Staffordshire

What a fantastic place! In addition to all of the wonderful words I've shared over the past four years about Chamilandu, I must add that the chalets have all been remodeled and expanded. They still have the delightful feature of being completely open on one side, facing the beautiful Chindeni Hills and the Luangwa River. This camp consistently provides warm hospitality, amazing cuisine, intimate wildlife sightings and superb guiding. I particularly enjoy sitting at the hide watching birds, baboons and other wildlife during the mid-day siesta.

SafariGail from Yardley, PA