Bilimungwe Bushcamp: Our full report
Bilimungwe Bushcamp is a small, stylish camp run by The Bushcamp Company in the remote southern section of ...
... the South Luangwa National Park. Set on a low rise surrounded by wildlife, it was completely rebuilt in 2011, with each chalet overlooking a group of shady waterholes where impala, puku, warthog, elephant and baboons are often seen coming to drink.The central area at Bilimungwe is a thatched, open-sided structure, which is raised on wooden decking between the trunks of tall winterthorn and Natal mahogany trees. There is a comfortable lounge area with cane furniture and African-print cushions, as well as a dining area and well-stocked bar. Down a few steps is another deck with built-in seating, scattered with cushions, creating a quiet area overlooking the waterhole. On a nice evening, meals might also be enjoyed here under the stars. Just a stone's throw from the main area, overlooking an open plain behind the camp, is the firepit.
Bilimungwe Bushcamp has just four chalets: enormous, stylish structures set beneath shady, evergreen Natal mahogany trees that help to keep the rooms cool, even through the hottest months. Each chalet is constructed of reed and cane under a tall thatched roof, and raised up on a wooden platform. Inside, all is light and airy, with brightly coloured African textiles adding a splash of colour, yet they still retain a bushcamp feel, with half-height mosquito-gauzed reed walls allowing uninterrupted views and a free flow of air through the chalet. Two of the chalets have twin beds and the other two have doubles.
To one side of each chalet is a seating area with contemporary round cane chairs and a low table set with nature books and magazines. Doors that can fold away completely lead outside onto a massive deck, which runs the length of the chalet. The waterhole directly in front of the rooms attracts numerous animals throughout the day, meaning the deck is a perfect spot to relax and do some game viewing from camp. In 2015 we were able to watch warthogs bathing in the mud, as well as a family of elephants coming down for a drink all in one afternoon. Three of the rooms are in a semi-circle around the main waterhole which can result in a slight lack of privacy (you can easily see the deck of the room opposite), but one chalet is separate from the others, overlooking a different waterhole, providing much more privacy.
A reed wall separates the bedroom from a spacious bathroom, which has a flush toilet, twin handbasins carved into a beautiful, polished piece of mahogany, and a large open shower. A door from the bathroom leads to an outside open-air waterfall shower, beautifully crafted, and separated from the front of the chalet by a high curved stone wall.
Two activities a day are the norm at Bilimungwe, usually a safari walk in the morning and an afternoon game drive combined with a night drive, although there is a degree of flexibility built into this if you would prefer alternative arrangements. Both activities are given equal weighting, but traditionally walking has been considered the camps main activity, which is particularly good in the area. On our last visit in June 2015 we particularly enjoyed the birdlife on our morning walk, spotting purple turacos, grey crowned cranes and nesting blacksmith plovers. We were also lucky enough to find ourselves upwind of a group of elephants, which we were able to watch as they came down to the river for their morning drink – our guide and armed scout were excellent and we felt safe at all times.
Bilimungwe combines well with its sister camps in the same southern end of the park. If you are keen on walking you can do a walking transfer to Kapamba to the west, or Chindeni to the east. The riverine woodland environment around Bilimungwe, with its tall winterthorn, sausage and natal mahogany trees would contrast well with the open plains and low rocky hills found at its sister bushcamp Kuyenda.
Our view
Bilimungwe is an excellent bushcamp that manages to be stylish and comfortable, while keeping enough rustic design choices to fit in well with the environment and maintain a bushcamp feeling. For those looking for a high quality, comfortable, wilderness camp, with great game viewing from the camp itself, then Bilimungwe would be a very good choice.
Country manager: Zambia
Geographics
- Location
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a two- or three-night stay at Bilimungwe. The camp combines naturally with one or more of its sister bushcamps: Zungulila, Kuyenda, Chindeni and Chamilandu or Kapamba, as well as with Mfuwe Lodge.
- Directions
- Bilimungwe is approximately four hours' game drive from Mfuwe airport, through the South Luangwa National Park.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The meals at Bilimungwe are of a good standard. While it may not be gourmet they do provide an array of well-presented, tasty dishes.
A buffet breakfast is usually served in the main area in time to watch the sun rise, before heading out on a morning activity. It might include cereals, fruit, muffins, hot porridge and toast made on the fire.
The morning excursion usually ends at about 10.30am so brunch is often at around 11.00am, although this is flexible and can be altered if you see something exciting out in the bush. Brunch is served in a variety of locations; on one previous visit we enjoyed a barbecue overlooking the Luangwa River, about 50 metres from camp. This included a variety of salads, freshly baked bread, a choice of chicken, farmer's sausage and beef shish kebabs, all rounded off with fruit salad for dessert. On our most recent visit in June 2015, we had homemade pizzas. Bilimungwe and its sister camps each have a wood-fired pizza oven, and once a week guests are invited to roll our their own dough and select their own toppings before handing it over to the chef to cook. We had plenty of cheese and chicken, along with a few peppers just to make it healthy.
Dinner is usually comprised of three courses served at around 8.00pm. On previous visits we particularly enjoyed the unusual lemon and lentil soup served with freshly baked rolls, followed by a pork chop with potatoes and vegetables, with a chocolate and peach tart for desert. Our dinner on our last trip though different slightly from the standard format as the camp put on a braai with a great selection of grilled meats, vegetable kebabs, baked potatoes and squashes. There were also some more traditional dishes on offers such as nshima (a kind of maize porridge), a bean stew and a tomato relish.
In between meals you will need to save room for homemade biscuits with morning tea, fresh cakes with afternoon tea, and tasty snacks with sundowner drinks. We particularly enjoyed the peanut brittle cookies we had for afternoon tea. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, house wine and local spirits are included in the rates, but note that fine wines, champagne and imported spirits and liqueurs are charged as extras.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- The varied habitat around Bilimungwe, including areas of forest and numerous waterholes, means the birdlife is varied and prolific, great for birdwatching in Zambia. With the help of our guide we were able to spot jacanas, grey crowned cranes, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.
- See ideas for Birdwatching
- Walking safaris
- The area surrounding Bilimungwe camp is varied, with some pretty stretches of riverine woodland, thicker miombo woodland and open waterholes. Excellent walking guides and the ability to walk between camps make this an excellent choice for a walking safari in Zambia.
- See ideas for Walking safaris
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of 12 years and older are welcome at Bilimungwe. Children under 12 can be accommodated on request and if the family group takes over the whole camp. Walking is not permitted for children younger than 12.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under the age of 12 can be accommodated at Bilimungwe on request and if the family group takes over the whole camp. Walking is not permitted for children younger than 12.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Some of the rooms can be fitted with an extra bed to accommodate a child sharing with their parents.
- Generally recommended for children
- We think Bilimungwe has quite an adult atmosphere and so is better suited to mature, sensible children over the age of 14 years.
- Notes
- Bilimungwe Bushcamp is unfenced so dangerous animals regularly roam through the camp. Children must be under the constant supervision of their parents.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Bilimungwe Bushcamp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Bilimungwe Bushcamp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
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Communications
- Power supply notes
- There are no plug points in the rooms but camera batteries can be given to the manager for charging. In the event of a series of cloudy days, charging facilities may be limited, or charging could take longer than normal.
- Communications
- Bilimungwe has 24-hour radio contact with its sister camps in South Luangwa and with its base at Mfuwe Lodge.
- TV & radio
- Bilimungwe has no TV or radios
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- The showers and handbasins are plumbed in. Water is solar-heated so it may take a few minutes to reach your shower. Each chalet has a flushing toilet. Water bottles can be filled up from the supply of filtered drinking water in the main area.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a doctor based at Mfuwe Lodge, Bushcamp Company's main base. In a medical emergency it is possible to arrange evacuation by air to Lusaka, and potentially to Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted between the main area and their chalets after dark by a member of the Bilimungwe team.
- Fire safety
- Bilimungwe has a central borehole with a nearby tap and waterhoses available in case of fire. There is also a fire extinguisher in the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is included, with items hand washed by male staff and then line dried. The exception is ladies' underwear, for which washing powder is provided in the bathrooms.
- Money
- No currency exchange is available. There are no safes in the rooms, but if you’re concerned then small items could be given to management for safe keeping.
- Accepted payment on location
- We recommend you carry US dollars or Zambian kwacha if you’d like to leave a tip. In the unlikely event that payment for anything else is needed, this would be arranged through Bilimungwe's sister camp, Mfuwe Lodge.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Kaingo Camp
Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.
Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.
Tena Tena
One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
Chikoko Tree Camp
Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.
Big Lagoon Camp
Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.
Kapani Lodge
Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.
Flatdogs Camp
A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Luangwa River Camp
Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.
Mchenja Bushcamp
Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.
Kakuli Bushcamp
Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.
Nsolo Bushcamp
Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.
Luwi Bushcamp
In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.
Lion Camp
Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.
Robin Pope mobile
RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.
Puku Ridge
Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.
Kapamba Bushcamp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.
Mfuwe Lodge
In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.
Kuyenda Bushcamp
Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Luangwa Safari House
Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.
Three Rivers Camp
In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.
Island Bush Camp
Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.
Chinzombo
Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.
Chindeni
Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.
Robin's House
With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.
Kawaza Village
Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.
Chamilandu Bushcamp
A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.
Mwamba Camp-out
The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.
Zungulila
Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.
Shawa Luangwa
Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.
Chichele Lodge
Currently undergoing renovations, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in late 2022.
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout
For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.
Mapazi Camp
Mapazi Camp is a basic safari camp in the far north of the South Luangwa, with walking safaris led by renowned guide Deb Tittle.
Chikunto
Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.
