Kuyenda is one of the more rustic bushcamps in the Luangwa Valley – and offers a very authentic feel for how most safaris used to be run in this area. It's situated right next to the Manzi River – a dry sand river during the dry season.

Kuyenda is run by Phil Berry, and his partner Babette Alfieri, and most people return here because of their infectious personality, knowledge and charm. It feels as if you are guests in their home.

Phil is one of the best guides in Zambia and has lived in the bush for nearly forty years, and is a renowned expert on the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe, and is able to recognize over 200 individuals purely by their neck markings. His guiding and knowledge of this area is fascinating and walking with him is an amazing experience – although Phil is the Luangwa's most senior guide, he no longer does all the guiding here.

The main area of the camp is deliberately simple and this adds to its charm. A thatched area houses the bar (complete with 'Tribal Textiles' wall hangings), a sitting area with comfortable deckchair style chairs, a very well stocked library and the main dining table. A portable washstand and canvas basin to wash away the dust from the day is located just outside the main area, and a camp fire is further out, overlooking the plain, where guests can sit and watch the sunset while enjoying drinks.

There are four thatched chalets (two had to be completely relocated and rebuilt following the floods in February 2007). Each chalet has a different view and is furnished in natural, neutral fabrics and local wooden carved furniture.

The open-air bathroom leads off the back of the chalet. There is a flush toilet, bucket shower and twin basins.

For much more detail of the camp and up to date pictures, click on the link on the right side of the page, under 'Information on the web...' >>

Look also on the right side of this page for details of examples of trips that will take you to Kuyenda - just click on the link below 'Trips to Kuyenda…' >>

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Thatched Chalet at Kuyenda

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: Four chalets – three twins and one double.

Season: 1 June to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: We recommend three nights and Kuyenda is often combined with its sister-camps, Chindeni Camp, Chamilandu Camp, Bilimungwe Camp, Kapamba Camp and Mfuwe Lodge.

Central facilities: The main area is all under one roof and consists of a simple seating area with deck chairs and a large coffee table. The dining area consists of a large dining table that can seat 8 – 10 guests. There is a small bar area from where drinks are served.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Directions: Kuyenda is about an hour south of Mfuwe Lodge, or about two hours drive from Mfuwe Airport.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Buschcamp Company.

Staff: Camp/Lodge Manager: Phil Berry and Babette Alfieri Guide: Phil Berry Guide: Derek Solomon (a renowned guide in the Valley) comes in to guide when Phil is away or to help out when the camp is full. Chef: Lloyd Tembo

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The dinner we had when we were here (June 2007) was very good. It consisted of a starter, main course (chicken with vegetables) followed by a desert of apple pie and custard. We had an early morning breakfast of cereal or porridge and toast before our morning walk. Brunch is generally served on return from your morning activity.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: None

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Yes - soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates. Note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs, are charged as extras.

Special interests

Honeymoons: The honeymoon suite at Kuyenda is a lovely spot to stay for a few nights – provided you're happy with very rustic comforts. Its remote setting and paraffin lamps at night give it a lovely romantic ambience. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons

Birdwatching: Luangwa's birding is varied, and the guides are keen and knowledgeable - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Birdwatching

Walking: A walk with Phil Berry is one of the highlights of a trip to this area. On our morning walk with Phil we saw impala, puku, zebra and a total of 25 elephant! Walking along the Luangwa Rivers edge we saw numerous water birds including yellow-billed stork, white egrets and a mother hippo guarding her dead baby from scavenging crocodiles. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Walking

Wildlife: Although this is predominantly a walking camp, day and night game drives are also possible in this area, which has a good density of wildlife. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife

Children

Attitude towards children: No children under 12 years old accepted in camp. Kuyenda concentrates mainly on walking safaris and it is not possible for children under 12 years old to walk in the Park.

Age restrictions: No children under 12 years old.

Activities: None

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: No

Notes: Kuyenda is unfenced, and has dangerous big game wandering through it regularly so any children brought here must be closely supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: Radio only

TV & radio: None - you are on safari!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Nearest doctor is at Mfuwe.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Don't walk around the camp on your own at night as animals roam through regularly: a guide will escort you to and from your room. While we were at Kuyenda there were hyena in and around the camp.

Fire safety: In the kitchen only.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included

Money: No money is changeable in camp.

Accepted payment: No currency is accepted in camp as everything is included in the cost.

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