Mwamba Camp Out: Our full report

Walking out in the afternoon, after your afternoon tea at the main camp, you will head through the bush to the camping area, where you will spend the night. Accompanied by a senior guide and armed scout, you will head north of Mwamba, into a totally remote area. With a maximum of four guests, this is an exclusive experience.

Although none of the Expert Africa team have been on a Mwamba Sleepout, we have been able to put together a good description of this exciting option in the bush.

You’ll arrive at camp, which is situated next to a waterhole, deep into the park. Fires will be lit and lanterns set around the camp. Your bed is a bedroll with sheets and blankets, and a round mosquito net above.

In the evening, you’ll sit round the camp fire with your scout and guide and enjoy a simply cooked braai (barbeque) as the night sounds start. As the camp is close to a waterhole, you can expect some nocturnal visitors – perhaps a family of elephant, a herd of impala or zebra, or maybe even a cat or two! The guide and the scout keep watch at night to make sure that nothing gets too close to camp.

The camp does have a simple “bush-loo" – a long drop with a throne, separated from camp by a sheet of canvas. You’ll be escorted to and from this.

After a night spent under the stars, there will be tea, coffee and toast round the camp fire before you set off back to camp with your guide and scout.

Our view

Camping out in the Luangwa Valley really is spending the night in the wilds. You may lie awake for a few hours at first, just listening to the night sounds of the bush, but you’re likely to remember the experience for much longer. We usually love raw, real experiences like this, but they’re not for those who require luxuries at night, or are of a nervous disposition.

Geographics

Location: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Ideal length of stay: These ‘sleepouts’ are just one night long – and would always be combine into a longer safari in South Luangwa. Typically this would last around a week, and include time at Kaingo Camp, and its small, satellite bushcamp, Mwamba.

Directions: These camp-outs are normally done within about an hour’s drive of Kaingo or Mwamba.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children under 12 are not allowed on the sleepouts, and aged 12 to 16 is at the discretion of the guide. Camping in the bush sometimes frightens adults who aren't familiar with the sounds and ways of the bush; children would need to be very mature to cope well.

Generally recommended for children: No.

Central communications

Power supply: None

Communications: The guide/scout has limited radio communication with the camp.

TV & radio: Only a radio for communications.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The closest doctor is in Mfuwe (1 ½ hours fast drive away) For emergencies clients will be evacuated by Medivac.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: An armed game scout and guide will remain with you.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Laundry would need to be done at the main camp; there are no laundry facilities here.

Money: No exchange facilities offered.