Zungulila is the newest bush camp in the southern area of the South Luangwa National Park. As the camp is built in one of the more remote areas of the park, a stay at this small camp promises to be an intimate experience in an unspoilt wilderness.
Zungulila Bushcamp has just four safari tents on concrete platforms. The tents are strengthened by a wooden pole frame and covered with a thatched roof designed to keep them cool. Two of the tents, west of the main area, overlook a natural spring and the lush green vegetation surrounding it. The other two tents, east of the main area, sit along a ridge and have a sweeping view of an open plain and the Kapamba River beyond.
Each of Zungulila's safari tents is spacious, with a king-size or twin four poster beds, hung with mosquito nets. Fabrics in bold natural colours such as russet and sienna add colour, without appearing gaudy. Simple, practical furniture carved out of rosewood includes bedside tables, storage chests and a standing storage unit. This ceiling high unit also acts as the divider between the bedroom and the en-suite bathroom. Each tent has a flush toilet, sink, mirror and shower.
Zungulila's main area is a thatched building set on a raised knoll. The natural spring passes directly below here and a wide expanse of the Kapamba River can be clearly seen about 100m beyond an open plain. A waist-high reed wall encloses the main building on three sides, whilst the front remains open for an uninterrupted view.
Activities at Zungulila Bushcamp concentrate solely on walking safaris – usually organizing one walk in the morning for 3-4 hours, and another in the afternoon. Each is accompanied by a professional walking guide, and an armed game scout, as is the usual practice for walking in South Luangwa.
Only a few necessary access roads have been created in this area, which leaves a vast expanse of pristine bush to discover on foot. Join the expert guides in exploring this varied area cut through by the meandering Kapamba River.
Zungulila Bush Camp is best reached on foot from its sister camp - Kapamba - as part of a safari combining the two destinations.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 4 tents
Season: June to October
Ideal length of stay: We suggest two or three nights at Zungulila. For a great safari experience consider combining it with a longer visit taking in a couple of its sister-camps: Kapamba or Bilimungwe.
Central facilities: Zungulila Bushcamp's main lounge and dining room area is a pole and thatch building with a low reed wall, about waist-height, enclosing three sides. In front of the building, the bank of the old channel falls away onto an open, sandy plain – part of the original course of the Kapamba River. A natural spring trickles past directly below this bank. Animals that come to drink from the river or spring are often seen from this vantage point.
River sand makes up the floor of the main area. To one side of this is a lounge area, with comfortable cushioned chairs. On the other side is a dining table, where guests sit down to group meals. A small bar cabinet stands in the centre of the building.
Directions: Mfuwe Airport in South Luangwa National Park is reached by a 70-minute flight from Lusaka. Zungulila Bushcamp is then reached by a game drive through the park lasting approximately three hours.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: The Bushcamp Company
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: We only stopped at Zungulila for a short visit in July 2008, and so didn't have any meals here. However, we understand that the camp is going to offer hearty home-cooked meals. From our experience at the other camps run by The Bushcamp Company - Kapamba, Bilimungwe, Chamilandu, Chindeni and Kuyenda - we'd expect delicious food.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: All drinks available at Zungulila Bushcamp are included in the accommodation rate. A good variety of soft drinks, juices, beers, spirits and wines are available.
Special interests
Walking: South Luangwa National Park's terrain, relaxed wildlife and excellent guiding make it the perfect destination for walking safaris. The area around Zungulila is special because it is remote with limited road access. Environments here are varied and the Kapamba River and natural spring by the camp attract a myriad of animals and birds.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Zambia
Children
Age restrictions: The minimum age accepted by Zungulila is 12 years – but we don't recommend this camp for children.
Generally recommended for children: As this is purely a walking camp we recommend that only adults stay at Zungulila.
Notes: Zungulila is unfenced, so dangerous animals can and do roam through the camp.
Central communications
Power supply: Solar Power
Communications: Zungulila has 24-hour radio contact with its sister camps and Bushcamp Company's base at Mfuwe Lodge.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The various safari operations in South Luangwa National Park sponsor a doctor who is based in the valley and always on call.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Guests are escorted to their tents after dark as a precaution against meeting wildlife on the footpath unexpectedly.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available at Zungulila. Clothes are hand washed and ironed with a coal iron so we don't recommend handing over any delicate items. Washing powder is provided for any hand washing guests would like to do.
Money: US Dollars are recommended for gratuities. In the unlikely event that payment for anything else is required, this would be processed by Zungulila's sister-camp, Mfuwe Lodge.
We want you to understand more about Zungulila. 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.
Zungulila homepage Click here for more information and images of this small and comfortable bush camp.
