Boehm's Zebra Safari: Day-by-day

Small, personal, and fiercely independent, Kaingo thrives on being different, and makes a great choice for photographers. The influence of owners Derek and Jules Shenton permeates the entire camp – not least in their commitment to wildlife photography. Open-sided vehicles are kitted out with stabilisers, beanbags and camera dust covers, while a “window” seat is guaranteed on every game drive.

Then there are the camp’s stunning photographic hides, each with a different focus: carmine bee-eaters, elephants crossing the Luangwa River, hippos in a deep pool.

As if to emphasise the point, Jules’ own black-and-white photographs take pride of place in the rustic, brick-built chalets. Each of these has a tree-shaded outdoor bath, a private deck over the river – a blissful spot for a light lunch – and uninterrupted river views.

With game drives, safari walk and the hides, most camps would struggle to fit everything in, but at Kaingo, three activities a day are the norm. Top-class guiding is the norm here, too, yet it’s all very relaxed and friendly, with flexibility key to the camp’s approach. If you’d like to visit Kaingo’s community project, that, too, can be arranged.

"Wild Dogs, Leopards and Lions...camp staff are exceptionally helpful"

Mr & Mrs SfromUK

Arrived 21 Sep 2023, 5 nights

Back at camp, don’t miss the unique bar, crafted from an ancient leadwood tree. And if you can’t get enough of the elephants, consider spending a night under the stars in the elephant hide. See our full report on Kaingo Camp

Mwamba is an utterly delightful camp, immersed in nature: it’s remote location and bushcamp vibe bring a touch of adventure to your safari. Located at the confluence of the East Mwamba & main Mwamba rivers, the approach to the camp is lovely, following the snaking, dry sandy riverbeds through mopane forest, ebony groves & grasslands. To truly soak up the idyllic surroundings, you can choose to arrive on foot as part of a gentle walking safari from Mwamba’s sister camp, Kaingo.

The camp itself is shaded within a grove of particularly beautiful ebonies. A neatly swept, open-air circle is at the heart of camp life. There’s a banqueting table for social dinners, a fabulous bar lit by beaded chandeliers and festooned with python vines clinging to the magnificent ebony tree around with the camp is centered. The open-air lounge area, where comfortable sofas & carved Malawi chairs cluster beside a reference bookshelf, sits under a triangular shade cloth, and there are deep cushioned chairs around an adjacent metal firepit & a large birdbath to attract passing avian visitors. It’s a camp nestled in its natural surroundings.

The four small, traditional bamboo reed-&-thatch chalets have thoughtful, rustic-chic interiors with delicate beaded linens, comfortable beds, charging facilities & gauze skylights, enabling you to enjoy the Milky Way from your very comfortable bed.

"Mwamba is better than ever..the food was superb - the best we had on our trip. "

Ms PfromLondon

Arrived 29 Sep 2023, 3 nights

Thanks to its small size, Mwamba is very personal camp & activities are particularly flexible. Walking & driving safaris are on offer & the camp has its own hide, focused on a waterhole that regularly attracts birds & passing wildlife. The wildlife in the area is excellent: it’s one of South Luangwa’s best spots for Cookson’s wildebeest and eland are sometimes spotted in the area. You’re certainly guaranteed plenty of sightings to share over fireside drinks at the end of the day. See our full report on Mwamba Bushcamp