Kaingo Camp
Lodge style Feels like family
Indulge yourself in generations of experience
Kaingo Camp is a relaxed, family run safari camp found deep in the South Luangwa National Park. Nestled between the Luangwa and Mwamba Rivers, the camp is set on the banks of the Luangwa River and enjoys stunning views across the extravagant terrain, including the picturesque Fish Eagle Lagoon, one of the largest ebony forests in the park, and the spectacular Lion Plain (the biggest plain in the valley, and a hugely productive grassland that teems with wildlife). Kaingo Camp is run by Derek Shenton, who represents the third generation of his family to work in the field of safari guiding and wildlife conservation. All Shenton family camps boast friendly atmospheres, eco-friendly practices, and long relationships with guests who return year after year. Derek Shenton is a former ranger in Luangwa and warden of Kafue National Park, and his wife Jules is a trained zoologist and wildlife photographer. This is the perfect destination if you are looking for outrageously beautiful photo opportunities. This camp will make you feel like kicking your shoes off and relaxing: the design is stylish, timeless and full of intimate nooks to watch wildlife, read a book or just rejuvenate your spirit.
Kaingo Camp is a small camp, sleeping twelve guests in six brick and thatch chalets. The chalets were designed with the sole purpose of transporting you safely into the world of the Luangwa without a single distraction. Your chalet will have an en-suite with inside shower and private outside bath, discreetly set on the riverbank. Can you picture yourself lounging in a bubbly bath while you gaze up at the stars? (And a nice glass of red wine to quench your thirst wouldn’t hurt, would it?) There are private wooden decks with loungers edging out over the river. Chalets are comfortable and naturally furnished, well ventilated, mosquito proofed, and lit by solar power. A benefit of solar power is the complete absence of generator noise, so all you hear is the wheeze-honk of a hippo, blending with a trumpeting elephant and morning ‘drum session’ of the ground hornbill. Welcome to South Luangwa... Central camp areas are under thatch and open sided, so the views are equally stunning. There is a sitting room, library, dining area and a thousand year old leadwood bar: the perfect spot to order your all-time favourite drink or chat with other guests over a sundowner. A well-placed deck over the Luangwa River is a comfortable place to relax and watch the world go by. (Which in this case means elephant crossings, fishing crocodiles and beautifully coloured skies.)
Activities at Kaingo Camp
South Luangwa is known for its pioneering mentality when it comes to walking safaris. This is perfect walking safari country! No worries: you will only set food outside the property under the watchful escort of an armed scout and guide. Walking safaris are a great way to discover small secrets of the bush. To cover some more land; Kaingo Camp also offers daily game drives. A network of carefully planned, low impact roads will lead you to all the beautiful spots of this game-rich terrain. Make sure your camera is powered up and ready to shoot; game-drives and walks from Kaingo provide exciting photographic opportunities! No patience needed, since the action often starts just outside camp. Kaingo Camp is lucky to have two extremely productive lion prides and more than ten individual leopards roaming the area around Kaingo and Mwamba. Chances that you will spot this incredibly elegant creature are no less than 95%. And it is up to you how often you feel like opting in for an activity. Three separate game-viewing activities are offered daily, which may include walking safaris, game drives or time spent at a hide or blind, but this is optional. If you feel like reclining in a hammock; go for it. Like we mentioned before: make yourself at home, there are no obligations when it comes to your perfect safari.
Tripadvisor comments Kaingo Camp
Have just spent 4 days at Kaingo. Everything was outstanding. The abundance of wildlife, the photographic opportunities, the comfort of the camp as well as the delicious fresh food could not be faulted. Thank you to the whole team for making our trip so memorable.
dandmp2016 from Perth, Australia
From the moment we arrived we had the most fabulous experience. The rooms are lovely, the food fabulous, the guides exceptional etc etc. We saw 5 leopards on the first day!! Only once did we see another vehicles, which made the experience even more outstanding! We walked every day which I can thouroughly recommend and we both felt completely safe as there is a guide and a scout. We will definitely be going back!!
janec71Tas from Bridport, Australia