Read 5 traveller reviews of Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp, named after the sand river near the camp, is Norman Carr Safaris' most remote and rustic camp. Located close to two permanent lagoons (each with an impressive population of hippo and crocodile), Luwi has just four simple en-suite grass and thatch chalets.

The camp stands in a small grove of mahogany and sausage trees, which provide a welcome shade in the heat of the day. The camp has views over the floodplain to the river and the trees beyond, and is in an ideal walking area.

The emphasis here is on walking (the area around the camp does not have many roads), both morning and evening, with a guide and an armed scout. However it is possible to do a drive if the camp is not too full, and a guide is available. Sam, the camp manager, has an encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area and clearly enjoys his walks. He also gave us an interesting astronomy lesson one evening during our last visit.

Sam has built a hippo hide right down by the water's edge of the lagoon, and fantastic photo opportunities are possible to those who are patient! The lagoon is a big draw for game to the area, being the only source of permanent water for miles in the dry months and attracting large numbers of game.

The reed and thatch chalets themselves are rustic but comfortable - each and twin or double beds under a large walk-in mosquito net. There's no electricity here, but a solar lantern stands on the bedside table for light at night. Luwi's furniture is also delightfully rustic – with just a shelf for your luggage, and a hanging rail and clothes hangers, all made out of local wood and reeds.

Outside each chalet is a really large, private en suite outdoor bathroom – open to the sky. Showers have hot and cold running water (heated by a wood-burning stove) and there's a flushing toilet. There is complementary soap, but no other toiletries.

One of the chalets – known as the 'Honeymoon Chalet' – is set slightly away from the others, and is slightly larger – complete with a shaded private 'patio' area, where private meals can be arranged.

Game in the Luwi area is good. There are always impala and puku grazing on the grassy plain in front of the camp. Interestingly, giraffe do not come as deep into the park as Luwi, so they are conspicuous by their absence. We even managed to see a couple of lion in the dry river bed on our morning walk.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 4 chalets

Season: 1 June to 31 October

Ideal length of stay: Two or three nights - Luwi works best when combined with a walking safari encompassing its sister-bushcamps, Nsolo Bushcamp, Kakuli Bushcamp and Mchenja Camp - and, of course, this will often start and/or end (or both) at Kapani Lodge

Central facilities: There is a reed-and-thatch covered bar area with stools in the sand and a small selection of books on the local flora and fauna. Comfortable arm chairs and tables are set out on the grass under the trees with a telescope for spotting game on the grassy plain.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Directions: Fly and transfer from Mfuwe airport into South Luangwa National Park.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Norman Carr Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The food was very good for a rustic bushcamp. Breakfast is served around the campfire before your early morning activity. There is a normally a good choice of cereals, porridge, toast, tea, coffee and fruit juice and when we were there we had wonderful fresh muffins that were still warm from the oven! Brunch is served at about 11h00 – 11h30 – depending on when you return from your morning activity. Tea and cake is served at about 15h30 before heading out on your afternoon walk or drive. Dinner is a three course meal served by candlelight under the stars. Whilst we were there we had pumpkin ravioli starter followed by talapia (local bream), vegetables and rice. Desert was a very tasty banoffee pie.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

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

Special interests

Walking: Luwi is in a prime walking area. Near to camp several lagoons are frequented by large pods of hippo and numerous crocodiles. Longer walks between this camp and Nsolo (about 9km's away) and Kakuli can be arranged, each taking up to about three hours. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Zambia

Wildlife: Wild dogs had been seen near camp on our last visit, and so we headed out on a night drive one evening after our sundowner drinks. We had no luck with the dogs, but managed to find three hyena, a genet, a serval in the middle of the road, a lesser bushbaby and a couple of porcupine! - See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife in Zambia

Children

Attitude towards children: No children under 12 are allowed in camp.

Age restrictions: Minimum age for children here is 12 years.

Activities: None

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: Walking safaris in big game areas like this cannot be recommended to young children at all.

Notes: Children under 12 years are not allowed to walk in the National Park.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: In emergency Luwi has radio links with Kapani Lodge, which has very good communications facilities.

TV & radio: No you are in the bush!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is based at a clinic near Kapani (about 1 hour fast drive) For emergencies one would need to be airlifted to Lusaka or Joburg.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: It is not recommended to walk to your chalets after dark. You will be escorted to and from your chalet by a guide.

Fire safety: None in the rooms. There is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A complementary laundry service is included here.

Money: No money as accepted in camp as everything is included in the cost.

Accepted payment: No

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