Kwena Lagoon Camp is a brand new camp. It's due to open in South Luangwa National Park in July 2008, and has been built on the site of an old, long-established lodge known as Luamfwa Lodge. This had a lovely site, right beside the Luamfwa Lagoon, south of the Luangwa River. It's also one of the most remote, being a long way south-west of the main Mfuwe area.
This area is varied and typical of the south side of the park: with open grasslands, mopane woodlands and riverine forest where gigantic jackalberry and wild fig trees grow. Small shallow lagoons, open grasslands and wooded islands mean that this is an excellent area for walking.
This area has a very wide variety of game, from elephant and large herds of buffalo to prides of lion and leopard. However, visitors need to understand that the game here simply isn't as relaxed as you will find it further north in the South Luangwa National Park. Kwena Lagoon Camp is very much a remote wilderness destination for experienced Africa travellers who will appreciate that it's a privilege to be in such an untouched area. It's probably not the obvious destination for first-time visitors to Africa who want to be sure of spotting large quantities of relaxed game for close-up photography.
We haven't visited the new camp that is being built here yet – it's still being constructed as I write – however it's being built overlooking a huge permanent lagoon. ('Kwena' means 'crocodile' in the local dialect, and this is where the name 'Kwena Lagoon Camp' comes from.)
The plan is for Kwena Lagoon Camp to have 7 twin rooms and 2 larger units, each comprising of two en-suite rooms with a small adjoining lounge, perfect for families or small groups travelling together.
Kwena Lagoon Camp is about 15km west to its sister-camp in the Luangwa, Kalamu Tented Camp, and thus is by far the most south-westerly camp currently in the Luangwa Valley.
Kwena Lagoon Camp is due to open on 1 July 2008 and likely to close for the wet season on 30 November 2008.
Lodge overview
Season: July 2008 to November 2008
Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights. Note that Kwena Lagoon will often be preceded in a longer safari with stays at its sister-camps in Kafue National Park: Kapinga Camp or Shumba Camp, plus Lufupa Lodge and/or Lunga River Lodge. Sometimes Kwena might be followed by another camp or lodge in the Luangwa Valley – or possibly the Lower Zambezi.
We want you to understand more about Kwena Lagoon Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
