About Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp lies in a beautiful riverside location on the small Kulefu Island, deep in Zambia's Lower Zambezi ...
... National Park. Opened in July 2018, it is a simple, rustic tented camp, and rebuilt each season, with some highly experienced guides.
We think Kutali is a great addition to the accommodation options in the Lower Zambezi National Park, allowing travellers to get back to basics at this rustic tented camp with a great guiding team. Kutali Camp also combines well with the more luxurious options in the park.
Our view
We think Kutali is a great addition to the accommodation options in the Lower Zambezi National Park, allowing travellers to get back to basics at this rustic tented camp with a great guiding team. Kutali Camp also combines well with the more luxurious options in the park.
Accommodation
5 tents
Children
Best for 16+
Open
01 May–31 Oct
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Kutali Camp
8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 17 Oct 2022, 2 nights
"Kutali Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 17 Sep 2022, 3 nights
"Classic bush camp feel"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Jul 2022, 3 nights
"Kutali Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Jun 2022, 2 nights
"A lovely riverside camp"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Jun 2022, 2 nights
"Kutali Camp review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 8 Jun 2022, 2 nights
"Kutali Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Sep 2019, 4 nights
"Kutali & Chula camps - Tusk & Mane"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Jul 2019, 1 nights
"Very special low-key wilderness camp"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Jun 2019, 3 nights
"Wonderful camp on the banks of the Zambezi"
Overall rating: Excellent









Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 50 pictures of Kutali Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryKutali Camp: Our full report
Kutali Camp lies in a beautiful riverside location on the small Kulefu Island, deep in Zambia's Lower Zambezi ...
... National Park. Opened in July 2018, it is a simple, rustic tented camp, and rebuilt each season, with some highly experienced guides.
Shaded by an expansive winterthorn grove, Kutali has just five walk-in tents of a unique design: in a switch from the norm the walls of the rectangular tents are made up of full mesh panels, with roll-down canvas 'blinds' coming into their own on cooler evenings. In the warmer months, though, you can view the surrounding wildlife and scenery from your bed. Large canvas shades cover the entirety of the tents, to provide some relief in the hotter months.
Rugs line the floor, solar lights hang in the centre, and each tent has either twin beds or a double, with a small bedside table and luggage rack. You'll also find a torch, whistle, mosquito spray and an insulated water flask and glasses. A couple of camp chairs sit outside, a great spot from which to watch the wildlife so often found in and around the camp.
Each tent has its own en-suite open air bathroom, with a separate traditional bucket shower and toilet surrounded by walls of bamboo and reed. There's a great view out into the surrounding bush from the bucket showers, which have hot water on request, fluffy towels and a towel rack, plus a small table with a mirror, and toiletries provided. Flush toilets are sheltered under a tree, along with brushed copper basins and a quirky bucket-tap design – the team will bring hot water with your wake-up call, and can re-fill on request.
The main area of Kutali is sheltered under a large stretch-canvas roof, with directors' chairs and coloured cushions set around a bar and dining table. There's a small reference library, and a water dispenser to refill the water bottles provided by the camp for each guest.
Activities at Kutali are overseen by Kyle Branch, an exceptionally experienced guide with a vast wealth of knowledge. Kyle is one of the team responsible for the design of the new guiding exams in Zambia, and on our walk with him during a previous visit he was not only knowledgeable but also entertaining and personable, making for a brilliant walking experience. Along with walking safaris, Kutali also offers day and night game drives and, with the permanent Zambezi River running through the park, boating, canoeing and fishing are all available. Though the gates of the Kariba Dam had been open the week prior to our last visit making the river levels too high to canoe safely, we very much enjoyed a sunset boat cruise with an attendant array of birdlife.
A stay at Kutali combines well with its sister tented camp in the Lower Zambezi, Chula Island. For guests wishing to add a bit of luxury to their stay, both Kutali and Chula would also combine well with one of the permanent camps in the park – call us for more details on the options. Otherwise, consider combining with one of their sister camps in the Kafue, Musekese or Ntemwa Busanga– with direct charter flights between the two parks, it’s a great way to experience the diversity of Zambia’s national parks.
Geographics
- Location
- Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd recommend a stay of three to five nights between Kutali and its sister camp, Chula.
- Directions
- Kutali Camp is just a short drive from Jeki airstrip, a game drive of around 30 minutes, though the time taken varies depending on the wildlife you see along the way. From Jeki you can connect to or from a scheduled flight to Mfuwe, Lusaka and Livingstone airports.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Kutali has a basic kitchen serving simple but tasty and filling food when we stayed in October 2023. The team can cater for a range of dietary requirements, with advance notice.
A breakfast buffet was served around the campfire at 5.30am, with fruit, toast, and jam, and porridge cooked to order over the fire, along with tea, coffee and juice.
Lunch timings are flexible, depending on the activities guests are taking part in that morning. We enjoyed a vegetable and pasta bake, steaks and a green salad from the buffet, followed by fresh fruit.
Dinner is a set meal and is often served under the stars. We started with onion soup, followed by chicken stir-fry and rice, and finished up with a delicious apple crumble. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Filtered drinking water is provided, and soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks are included. Premium wines and spirits can be ordered in advance, and will be an additional cost.
Special interests
- Walking safaris
- Kyle Branch helped design the new National Guide Training Program in Zambia, and has a wealth of experience guiding walking safaris. The area around Kutali is remote, but with plenty of wildlife, and the island is perfect for exploring on foot.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The minimum age for children at Kutali is normally eight years old. While they are happy to accept younger children, this would generally be as a private camp booking.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The camp will accept children of eight years and older. The minimum age for walking safaris within the national park is 12 years old.
- Special activities & services
- For children younger than 12, short nature walks within the camp can be arranged.
- Equipment
- None provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- We feel that, given the activities on offer, the age limit for walking safaris and the remote location of Kutali, this camp is not suited to children.
- Notes
- Wild animals walk through the camp, and the Zambezi River, with hippos and crocodiles, runs alongside the camp. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kutali Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kutali Camp 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.

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

50% success

50% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Solar panels provide electricity for the camp, and there is a small charging station in the main area.
- Communications
- Kutali is in a remote section of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with no cellphone signal. The camp has radio contact with its sister camps, and also satellite WiFi for emergency communications.
- TV & radio
- None available
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Flush toilets and cold-water basins are plumbed in, and bucket showers are filled with hot water on request.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The manager and guides are first-aid trained, with first-aid kits in both the main area and each vehicle, as well as on any walking safaris.
The closest doctor is in Lusaka, accessible via a 35-minute flight from Jeki. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- An armed scout is based on site, and guests are escorted to and from their tents after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire buckets are placed outside each tent, and there is a fire hydrant between the main area and kitchen.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included; clothes are hand washed and line dried. Washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for delicates.
- Money
- There is a safe in the staff quarters where guests can leave valuables should they wish.
- Accepted payment on location
- There are no facilities to pay by credit card at Kutali, but cash payments for extra are accepted in US dollars, UK pounds, Zambian kwacha, South African rand and euros.
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Kutali Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kutali Camp.
Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Old Mondoro Bushcamp
For an intimate safari in the Lower Zambezi, with superb guiding, Old Mondoro is up there with the best.

Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.

Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree is a high-quality safari camp offering a luxurious stay and excellent personal service deep inside Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.

Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.

Anabezi Luxury Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers a high degree of understated luxury in a very lovely, quiet part of the Lower Zambezi with outstanding wildlife.

Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.

Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a stylish four-bedroom house designed for the exclusive use of families and small groups, affording the ultimate in flexibility on safari.

Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.

Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.

Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
When to go to Lower Zambezi National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kutali Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lower Zambezi National Park in January
At the peak of Lower Zambezi's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours on many days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity. The landscape is lush and green, but wildlife disperses, making game viewing challenging. The thick vegetation limits walking safaris. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migrant species boost the park's bird count.
Many camps close during this period, but those remaining open offer their lowest rates. The Zambezi River swells, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds. Despite the challenges, the park's beauty during this wet season is undeniable, with vibrant colours and dramatic skies.
- Peak of rainy season, hot and humid
- Most camps closed, limited accessibility
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Dispersed wildlife, challenging game viewing
- Lowest visitor numbers, cheapest rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Lower Zambezi National Park in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Lower Zambezi National Park. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
The abundance of water disperses game, making wildlife viewing more challenging. However, the swollen Zambezi River allows for unique boat safaris, offering close encounters with hippos and crocodiles. Birdwatching is excellent, with many migratory species present. The lush vegetation creates a picturesque backdrop for photography.
While game drives may be less productive, canoeing trips can be particularly rewarding, allowing quiet approaches to wildlife along the riverbanks. The few camps that remain open charge their lowest rates, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to experience the park's wet season beauty.
- Continued rainy season, hot and humid
- Many camps still closed, limited options
- Green landscape, photographic opportunities
- Difficult game viewing due to thick vegetation
- Low visitor numbers, affordable rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Lower Zambezi National Park in March
March marks the last month of the green season in the Lower Zambezi. Heavy downpours still occur most days, with water levels at their highest. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.
While many camps remain closed, those few remaining open offer unique wet season experiences. Boat safaris are particularly exciting, with the swollen Zambezi River providing extended exploration areas. Wildlife sightings may be sporadic, but many animals are raising young, offering heartwarming scenes.
Predators like lions and wild dogs are active, taking advantage of vulnerable prey. The lush, green landscape and clear air create stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatching remains excellent as thousands of birds prepare for their winter migration. Despite challenges, March offers a different perspective of the park's ecosystem.
- Late rainy season, occasional showers
- A few camps begin to reopen
- Landscape still green, good for photography
- Improved wildlife viewing as vegetation thins
- Few visitors; rates for camps low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Lower Zambezi National Park in April
As the rains transition to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a period of change in Lower Zambezi National Park. The landscape remains exceptionally green and lush. While larger wildlife viewing may be sparse, this is an excellent time for birding enthusiasts.
The Zambezi River is at its highest, creating spectacular scenes along its banks. Boat safaris offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape. As camps slowly start to reopen, visitors can enjoy lower off-season rates. The park's famous canoe safaris become increasingly viable as water levels stabilise.
Night game drives can be particularly rewarding, offering chances to spot nocturnal animals like civets and genets. April's transitional nature provides a blend of wet and dry season experiences.
- End of rainy season, drier conditions
- More camps open, better accessibility
- Landscape transitioning, good for photos
- Improved game viewing, animals more visible
- Visitor numbers rise, rates remain low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Lower Zambezi National Park in May
May typically marks the start of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures reach highs of around 26°C/79°F. The landscape begins to dry out, improving access throughout the park.
Most camps reopen, offering a wider range of accommodation options. Game viewing improves significantly as animals start to congregate around permanent water sources. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River become increasingly popular, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Walking safaris resume, providing intimate wildlife experiences. May's pleasant weather and improved game viewing make it an excellent time to visit, with some camps still offering shoulder season rates.
- Start of dry season, cooler temperatures
- Most camps open, full range of activities
- Landscape drying, clearer wildlife sightings
- Excellent time for walking safaris
- Visitor numbers increase, rates go up
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Lower Zambezi National Park in June
The Lower Zambezi sees virtually no rainfall in June, with sunny days predominating. Humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures range from 10°C/50°F at night to 25°C/77°F during the day. The landscape remains relatively lush, but vegetation starts to thin, significantly improving game viewing.
All camps in the park are open, some offering shoulder-season rates. The Zambezi River's water levels begin to recede, concentrating wildlife along its banks. This is an excellent time for canoe safaris, offering unique perspectives of the park's ecosystem.
Game drives become increasingly productive, with higher chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. June's pleasant temperatures and improved wildlife sightings make it a popular month for visitors.
- Dry season, cool days and cold nights
- All camps open, peak activity options
- Improved wildlife viewing around water sources
- Prime time for walking safaris and game drives
- High season begins, increased rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Lower Zambezi National Park in July
As the dry season continues in Lower Zambezi National Park, vegetation thins and water becomes scarcer. Wildlife is starting to cluster around major water sources, particularly the Zambezi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the heart of winter, with daytime temperatures in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit but dropping to single digits at night. Early morning and late evening game drives can be very chilly, with camps often providing blankets and hot water bottles.
This is prime time for walking safaris, offering exciting wildlife encounters. Canoe trips on the Zambezi River are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting elephants coming to drink. Visitor numbers increase, and properties charge peak season rates.
- Peak dry season, clear skies
- Excellent game viewing, especially near river
- Popular time for canoe and boat safaris
- Night drives offer nocturnal wildlife sightings
- Peak season, highest rates and visitor numbers
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Lower Zambezi National Park in August
August in the Lower Zambezi offers excellent game viewing as wildlife congregates around remaining water sources. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed. Temperatures can drop below 5°C/41°F at night but climb to the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit during the day.
The thinned vegetation provides clear views of animals, making this one of the best months for photography. Boat safaris on the Zambezi River offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Tiger fishing is at its peak, attracting anglers from around the world.
Walking safaris provide thrilling up-close wildlife experiences. This is one of the most popular months to visit, with camps charging their highest rates and often fully booked well in advance.
- Very dry, animals concentrate near water
- Outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities
- Ideal for photography and walking safaris
- Zambezi River cruises highly recommended
- Peak season continues, advance booking needed
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Lower Zambezi National Park in September
September is one of the best times to visit Lower Zambezi National Park for wildlife enthusiasts. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and daytime temperatures climb to the low 30s Celsius / high 80s Fahrenheit.
Water is scarce, concentrating wildlife around the Zambezi River and remaining water holes. Game viewing is at its peak, with high chances of seeing predator-prey interactions. Elephant herds are frequently spotted crossing the river.
Canoe safaris offer thrilling close encounters with wildlife. Night game drives provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and genets. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species nesting. However, this popularity comes at a price: camps charge their highest rates and are often fully booked far in advance.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Excellent month for wildlife viewing
- Zambezi River at its lowest, great for canoeing
- Increased elephant sightings near water
- High season, camps can be fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Lower Zambezi National Park in October
October marks the peak of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. Away from the Zambezi, the national park is brown and barren, with little ground-level vegetation. Temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, often exceeding 40°C/104°F during the day.
Despite the heat, this is considered the best month for game viewing. The scarcity of water forces animals to congregate around the main river, leading to frequent wildlife sightings and predator-prey interactions.
Boat safaris offer relief from the heat and excellent opportunities to observe elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Walking safaris may be challenging due to the heat but provide thrilling wildlife encounters. October is prime time for spotting large predators like lions and leopards.
- Hottest month, animals congregate at river
- Peak time for wildlife viewing and photography
- Excellent for boat safaris and fishing
- Chance to see elephants crossing the river
- End of high season, some rate reductions
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Lower Zambezi National Park in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in the Lower Zambezi. While the timing of rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Early November may still offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. As the month progresses, the arrival of rains leads to rapid vegetation growth and wildlife dispersal. This transition period can be fascinating to witness. The initial rains bring relief to the parched landscape, with new growth attracting grazing animals.
Birdwatching improves as migratory species arrive in the valley. While some remote camps close, those that remain open significantly drop their rates. November offers a unique opportunity to experience both dry and wet season aspects of the park.
- Start of rainy season, occasional showers
- Wildlife disperses as water becomes available
- Good birding as migratory species arrive
- Lush landscapes return, photography improves
- Shoulder season, lower rates and fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Lower Zambezi National Park in December
December marks the start of the green season in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Heavy thunderstorms occur most days, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The rainfall brings abundant water to the landscape, encouraging lush vegetation growth. While game viewing becomes more challenging due to the thick bush and dispersed wildlife, this is an excellent time for birdwatching. Migratory birds arrive, boosting the species count. Boat safaris on the swollen Zambezi River offer unique perspectives of the flooded landscape.
Many camps close for the season, but those remaining open charge their lowest rates. Despite the challenges, December offers a green and vibrant aspect of the park, with dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
- Rainy season in full swing, hot and humid
- Some camps close, limited accessibility
- Newborn animals, great for bird watching
- Challenging game viewing, but lush scenery
- Low season, cheapest rates, fewer tourists
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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