Read 4 traveller reviews of Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp is a seasonal camp which stands in a lovely spot, at the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers. It's the sister camp to Nsolo (10km away), Luwi (20km away) and Mchenja Bushcamp (5km away), which makes walks between these camps a very interesting option.

The Expert Africa team visited Kakuli first in the late 1990s – and have many times since then, Most recently, two of our team popped in for a very short visit in June '07, on their way from Luwi to Mchenja.

Kakuli has five walk-in tents, under shady thatched roofs, equipped with solar lights and either twin or double beds. The rooms are simple, yet comfortable, and are decorated in neutral colours with a splash of orange thrown in on the bed cushions to brighten things up a little. Each has an open-air en-suite bathroom, with a flushing loo, hot & cold shower and washbasin. There is also a little shaded veranda at the front of each tent, with canvas chairs and a table.

Four of the tents overlook the river, whilst the fifth tent is set back from the river – under the shade of some tall trees. Kakuli can get very hot in October – there's not much shade, so the tent without the river views would be our first choice in October.

Kakuli concentrates on both walking safaris and 4x4 game drives (day and night drives) in the game-rich South Luangwa National Park. We didn't head out from the camp on any of their activities one this most recent visit, but are confident in recommending them from past experience – and the excellent drives and walks that we had when staying at Kakuli's sister-camps, Luwi to Mchenja.

For 2008 some fairly major changes are planned for this camp – changing the tents and generally enlarging them … and we'll bring you first-hand news and reports when we have them.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 5 Meru-style tents

Season: 1 June to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: Two or thee nights is ideal here, and most travellers will combine Kakuli in a longer visit taking in a couple of its sister-camps: Nsolo Bushcamp, Luwi Bushcamp and Mchenja .

Central facilities: The central 'chitenge' (main area) is a large thatched area with dark red screed floors. Reed walls and open sides maximize the views, and keep it very light and airy. Inside you'll find a small bar and comfortable sitting area with wooden chairs and benches. There is also a long dining room table, and a useful little library of natural history books.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Directions: Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe (about one hour) and then transfer by game vehicle to Kakuli (approximately two hours.)

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Norman Carr Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: When we last visited Kakuli in June 2007 we only popped in for a short visit so we didn't have any meals there. However, from our experience at the other camps run by Norman Carr Safaris, we'd expect excellent food.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: All drinks are included, including wines, beers & spirits. The exceptions to this are premium wines, champagnes and costly imported spirits

Special interests

Walking: Norman Carr was the pioneer of walking safaris, and Norman Carr safaris has some of the best guides in the South Luangwa National Park. Kakuli offers both guided walks and game drives. Guests can also walk between camps; Nsolo Bushcamp, Luwi Bushcamp and Mchenja . - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking

Children

Attitude towards children: No children under 12 years.

Activities: None

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: Not for children under 12 years.

Notes: Kakuli is unfenced so dangerous animals do roam through the camp. When we visited in June '07 the camp manager pointed out hyena footprints on the sandy paths through the camp.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power - Type of plug: There are no plugs in the tents. Camera batteries can be given to the camp manager to be charged.

Communications: Radio only.

TV & radio: No radios or TV - this is the bush!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The closet doctor is near Kapani – about an hour's fast drive away. In severe emergencies you will be evacuated to Lusaka or Johannesburg.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: The camp is unfenced so dangerous animals can roam around freely. Guests are escorted to their tents after dark.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Included Full laundry service is included, except for underwear, for which washing powder is provided in the bathrooms.

Money: No exchange facilities offered, but you're unlikely to need any as everything (baring gratuities) is included.

Accepted payment: No.

^ Top of page