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Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp

About Mwaleshi Camp

Mwaleshi is a great little walking camp with excellent guides in one of the remotest areas of Zambia

One of only three camps in North Luangwa, Mwaleshi is a remote, rustic place that specialises in walking safaris.

If you love walking in a vast, unspoilt wilderness with simple but comfortable accommodation and good food, then Mwaleshi is the place for you. North Luangwa is one of the least commercialised national parks in Africa. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of conservation organisation Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Zambia Department of National Parks and Wildlife, it’s now thriving and offers excellent wildlife sightings. Sister camp to Tafika, Mwaleshi is part of Remote Africa Safaris, hence its guides are superb. They bring the best out of your walking experiences, often tracking big game, getting (safely) close to lions or herds of buffalo. Back at camp, enjoy the slow, relaxing pace, maybe wallowing in the Mwaleshi River or just dozing on a day bed outside the reed rooms, which are built afresh every year. The main building with a small lounge, bar and dining area, is just as relaxing and not a single nail has been used in its construction. Brightwell the chef is a genius, creating fabulous meals on an old cast-iron stove, an open fire and an earth oven.

Accommodation
4 chalets
Children
OK for ages 12+
Open
15 June to 31 October

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Mwaleshi Camp: Full Report

Safaris visiting Mwaleshi Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Giraffe Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.

Visiting South Luangwa, North Luangwa

US$8,700 - US$10,430 per person

Read more about the Giraffe Safari

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Traveller reviews of Mwaleshi Camp

66 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


99%
66 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
63
Good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
DavidfromDoha

Arrived 27 Sep 2024, 4 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp stay"

"a superb walking camp... lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, wild dogs and more …" Read David’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A.fromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 26 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"This camp was a revelation.. excellent facilities.. amazing wildlife sightings.. …" Read Mr A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromEast Devon

Arrived 29 Jul 2024, 2 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"Lovely location on a shallow stretch of the Mwaleshi river. …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

R & GfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 23 Jul 2024, 2 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp experience"

"A different feel to this more remote camp...we enjoyed crossing the Mwaleshi …" Read R & G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromGlos

Arrived 6 Jul 2024, 3 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"Beautiful location, fabulous staff …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr. PfromNL

Arrived 21 Jun 2024, 4 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"Probably the best experience i have ever had while on safari. …" Read Mr. P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms A fromCalgary

Arrived 16 Oct 2023, 2 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"If I could go back to only one camp in Zambia, it would be here.. …" Read Ms A ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms PfromLondon

Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 4 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"The walking safari there is second to none..hyena sightings a highlight. …" Read Ms P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr. CfromNew Forest

Arrived 16 Oct 2023, 3 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp review"

"The best walking camp in North park! …" Read Mr. C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MAHfromSt Albans

Arrived 8 Sep 2023, 2 nights

"Mwaleshi Camp small and remote"

"All the staff were helpful and friendly. …" Read MAH’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Mwaleshi Camp reviews

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mwaleshi Camp

Click an animal to see our traveller's success in sighting them.
How we work this out.


Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Wildebeest

95% success

Buffalo

90% success

Zebra

76% success

Lion

70% success

Spotted Hyena

60% success

Leopard

33% success

Wild dog

22% success

Black Rhino

6% success

Aardvark

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Mwaleshi Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mwaleshi Camp.


When to go to North Luangwa National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mwaleshi Camp in North Luangwa National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

North Luangwa National Park in January

In North Luangwa, January marks the peak of the wet season. Expect daily downpours, often lasting several hours, punctuated by brief sunny intervals. Temperatures soar above 30°C/86°F, accompanied by high humidity.

The landscape is a lush, green paradise, but this abundance of vegetation and water allows the larger game to spread out, making it much harder to spot. Birdlife thrives during this period, with numerous migratory species present – and many species sporting beautiful breeding plumage.

Many roads in the national park are impassable, limiting access. Safari camps in North Luangwa are closed and visitors are very scarce.

  • Wet season peak, warm and moist climate
  • Verdant scenery, ideal for nature photography
  • Wildlife scattered, challenging to spot
  • Vegetation high; no walking safaris
  • Safari camps are closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

North Luangwa National Park in February

February in North Luangwa National Park is at the heart of the rains. Dramatic thunderstorms are a daily occurrence, often followed by clear skies.

The park remains verdant and waterlogged, making both getting around and game viewing challenging. However, patient observers with the logistics to get here may be rewarded with sightings of animals with their young.

The Mwaleshi River, swollen by the rains, can’t be easily crossed – adding to the very wild and remote feel of the park. Navigating by canoe would probably be easier than by safari vehicle!
The lush scenery and dramatic skies create excellent photographic opportunities for landscape enthusiasts who can get here.

  • Rainy season continues, warm and humid weather
  • Lush landscapes, but large animals hard to see
  • Many birds resplendent in breeding plumage
  • River levels high, altering park dynamics
  • Scarce visitors, safari camps closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

North Luangwa National Park in March

March sees the gradual tapering of North Luangwa's rainy season. While heavy showers persist, they become less frequent. The park is at its most verdant, with water bodies at their fullest. Temperatures remain high, often exceeding 30°C/86°F, with considerable humidity.

Wildlife viewing remains challenging due to the thick vegetation, but predator activity increases as they take advantage of vulnerable young prey. Some palearctic migrant bird species start to migrate back north. As the skies begin to clear more frequently, the combination of dramatic clouds and lush landscapes provides stunning photographic possibilities.

  • Final month of wet season, balmy and damp
  • Abundant greenery with plenty of smaller animals
  • Antelope species have young around
  • Access to ( and safaris in) the park are challenging
  • Safari camps remain closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

North Luangwa National Park in April

April marks a transition in North Luangwa as the heavy rains give way to occasional light showers. The landscape remains lush and green, but wildlife starts to become more visible as vegetation begins to thin. Safari camps remain closed. The levels of the Mwaleshi River begin to recede, exposing sandbanks that attract the odd basking crocodile.

This month offers a blend of green scenery and improving wildlife sightings. The air is clear, providing excellent visibility for photography. As visitor numbers are still low, those who visit can enjoy a sense of exclusivity in the park.

  • Rainfall tapering off, warm and occasionally wet
  • Verdant surroundings, wildlife viewing improving
  • Rivers full, altering animal movement patterns
  • More roads becoming accessible
  • Very low numbers of safari visitors

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

North Luangwa National Park in May

May heralds the beginning of the dry season in North Luangwa. Rain becomes a rarity; most days are clear and sunny. Temperatures and humidity continue to reduce, with daytime highs around 25°C/77°F. The landscape begins its transformation from lush green to golden hues.

Wildlife viewing improves significantly as vegetation thins and the animals start appearing around permanent water sources. Most safari camps start to make ready or even reopen around the end of May, offering the first walking safaris of the season. The clear air and thinning vegetation provide excellent conditions for photography. May offers a good balance of comfortable weather, improved game viewing, and relatively low visitor numbers.

  • Dry season onset, mostly clear and mild days
  • Landscape still green, excellent for photographers
  • Wildlife sightings becoming more frequent
  • Vegetation thinning and drying
  • Safari camps make ready, some reopen

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

North Luangwa National Park in June

June in North Luangwa National Park is characterised by cool, dry conditions. Daytime temperatures hover around 23°C/74°F, but nights can be chilly, dropping to around 10°C/50°F. The absence of rain and decreasing humidity make for comfortable safari conditions and lovely walking.

The thinning vegetation significantly improves visibility for game viewing. Camps in the park are open and operational during June. The Mwaleshi River becomes a focal point for wildlife safaris, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The clear skies and golden light make for stunning sunrise and sunset photography.

  • Consistently sunny days, cooler nights
  • Ideal conditions for guided walking safaris
  • Animal viewing opportunities increasing
  • Safari camps open and accessible
  • Almost all roads now accessible

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

North Luangwa National Park in July

July brings winter to North Luangwa, with cold nights and mild days. Temperatures can drop to single digits at night but warm up to the low 20s°C/70s°F during the day.

The landscape is now predominantly golden, with much vegetation becoming drier. Wildlife is seen more often around the remaining water, particularly the Mwaleshi River, leading to excellent game viewing opportunities there.

Walking safaris in the national park are at their prime, with cool temperatures and good visibility. All camps are open and North Luangwa is as busy as it gets – although it remains a remote park with very few visitors. Early mornings can be particularly cold, so warm clothing is essential for game drives; it’s perfect weather for walking safaris.

  • Pleasant days, chilly evenings
  • Clear skies with very few clouds and no rain
  • Vegetation thinning, enhancing visibility
  • Wildlife sightings significantly improved
  • Prime time for on-foot safari experiences

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

North Luangwa National Park in August

August in North Luangwa National Park is one of the best months for a walking safari as the days are clear and cloud-free, with wonderfully cool mornings as you start out. The dry conditions increasingly force wildlife to visit permanent water sources, making sightings more predictable. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, in the mid-20s°C/70s°F, even though nights and early mornings remain cold and fresh.

The vegetation has become more sparse, providing excellent visibility for wildlife spotting. There are a few less insects and smaller creatures around than earlier in the year. The dry conditions sometimes lead to a haze on the horizon, which can affect long-distance views and photography.

  • Dry conditions, warm days and cool nights
  • Optimal weather for walking safaris
  • Excellent wildlife viewing near water sources
  • Vegetation thinning out so easier to view wildlife
  • Some haze may affect long-distance views

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

North Luangwa National Park in September

September is usually considered ‘the’ best month for visiting North Luangwa National park on safari. Daytime temperatures start to climb, reaching the low 30s°C/high 80s°F, while nights become more temperate. The landscape is dry, with excellent visibility for game viewing through drying vegetation.

Wildlife concentrates more around remaining water sources, leading to frequent and diverse sightings. It’s so shallow in parts that you can paddle across the Mwaleshi River – or cool your feet during a walk. Walking safaris are warming up, but still not too hot and offer thrilling close encounters with animals.

The tiny camps here are sometimes full, so planning ahead is essential. The conditions can create a heat of heat, dust and smoke which affects photography.

  • Dry, warm days and mild nights
  • Prime month for observing wildlife
  • Great time for walking safaris
  • Rivers and waterholes shrinking
  • Landscape hazy from dust and bush fires

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

North Luangwa National Park in October

October marks the end of the dry season in the national park, bringing intense heat and anticipation of the rains. Daytime temperatures in North Luangwa climb and frequently exceed 35°C/95°F, with nights remaining very warm.

The landscape is parched, with most vegetation brown and lifeless. Wildlife viewing reaches its peak as animals desperately seek out the few remaining water sources. Predator-prey interactions are common, offering exciting but sometimes intense viewing experiences. Walking safaris are challenging due to the heat. Safari camps start to close towards the end of the month. The dry conditions can create a haze of heat and dust, affecting visibility and photography.

  • Optimal chances to see the wildlife
  • Very warm temperatures, day and night
  • Environment feels harsh and arid with the heat
  • Water sources scarce, concentrating animals
  • Hazy atmosphere, challenging for photographers

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

North Luangwa National Park in November

November typically sees the return of rains to North Luangwa, though the timing is always unpredictable. Early in November, conditions remain hot and dry, but when rains arrive, the landscape begins a rapid transformation.

Temperatures remain high, often above 30°C/86°F, with increasing humidity. Initial rains bring rapid greening of the landscape and dispersal of wildlife. Game viewing becomes more challenging as animals are no longer confined to limited water sources.

Safari camps are closing as access becomes difficult: bush roads become impassable when heavy rains start. The rains clears the air of dust and haze, creating vibrant, clear air that is excellent for photography.

  • Wet season beginning, hot and muggy
  • Increasing likelihood of rainfall
  • Wildlife dispersing as vegetation busts into life
  • Insects and smaller creatures emerge
  • Birds starting to don breeding plumage

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

North Luangwa National Park in December

December is firmly in the grip of the wet season in North Luangwa National Park. Regular thunderstorms occur, often in the afternoons, followed by periods of sunshine. The landscape becomes increasingly verdant. Temperatures remain high, often exceeding 30°C/86°F, with high humidity.

Wildlife viewing is challenging as animals disperse across the now water-rich environment. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching, with many migratory species present. Safari camps in the park are closed and very few visitors are here to witness the park's dramatic seasonal transformation.

The combination of stormy skies and green landscapes offers unique photographic opportunities.

  • Rainy season underway, warm and wet days
  • Wildlife harder to spot in thick vegetation
  • Lush scenery, improved photographic conditions
  • Safari camps now closed for the season
  • Very few visitors as most roads inaccessible

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

Zambia fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Mwaleshi Camp


Other lodges in North Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Takwela Camp

Takwela Camp

Remote, wild and very small, Takwela Camp offers excellent guiding on both walking safaris and game drives in Zambia's North Luangwa National Park.


98% (22 reviews)

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