Wildlife Safaris in Zambia

Shenton Safaris offers high quality photographic safaris in Zambia. We are the operation of choice for wildlife lovers and wildlife professionals alike.

Safaris and Activities

At Shenton Safaris we offer a variety of safari activities ranging from game drives, walking safaris, night drives to photographic hide trips. We are focussed on the wildlife experience and, unlike most operators, we offer three, rather than the standard two, activities per day. For the more adventurous travellers we also offer sleep-outs in our Elephant Hide tree-platform as well as fly-camping under the stars.

Stay at our Bush Camps

The camps are situated on either side of ‘Lion Plain’, and the surrounding terrain varies from ancient ebony groves to large lagoon networks.

Kaingo

Kaingo camp is located on a beautiful stretch of the Luangwa River. The camp has only six chalets, each one with an en suite bathroom as well as a bath tub outdoors, nestled among the trees with views of the river. Kaingo’s famous bar is an ancient fallen Leadwod tree which is over 1 200 years of age.

Mwamba

Mwamba Bush Camp is an intimate reed-and-thatch-chalet camp catering to only six guests.  Each chalet has skylights and en suite bathrooms that are open to the vast expanse of stars in the African night sky. This camp is situated on the banks of the Mwamba River in the grasslands next to ‘Lion Plain’. The Mwamba pride of lions frequent the camp as they follow the buffalo herds in their journey to and from the Luangwa River. Our camps are extremely eco-friendly, and both run on solar power.

Photographic hides

Our photographic hides are just one of the elements that make our two bush camps so special.  These hides are used regularly by National Geographic, BBC and Discovery channel for numerous photographic shoots and the making of wildlife documentaries.

However, these hides are not just for photographers and film makers. They are for anyone who loves wildlife. They provide an up-close-and-personal view into the lives of the animals, enabling you to watch them undisturbed in their natural environment. That said, we are well equipped to take care of our photographers and we provide specialist bean bags, dust covers and charging facilities.

One of the wonderful features of Derek Shenton’s camps is the network of blinds he sets up each year to allow close-up views of hippos, elephants, and the other wildlife. From his hippo hide, hidden in a corner of the Luangwa River you are close enough to feel as if you are part of the pod – a truly unique perspective that is both a tribute to Derek’s ingenuity and to his superb knowledge of the Luangwa Valley Frans Lanting – National Geographic

Have a look at our brochure here!

African wildlife in South Luangwa National Park

We are located deep within the richest game viewing area of the South Luangwa National Park. The areas surrounding our camps are incredibly rich in wildlife, and the vast volume of prey species such as: Hippos, Elephants, Buffalo, Puku, Impala, Zebra, Kudu, Giraffe, Waterbuck attracts many predators. We have identified 10 different leopards around our camps. As unpredictable as leopards can be, an incredible 95% of our guests get to see these stunning cats. We also have two very strong Lion Prides in the area, which we have named the Mwamba Pride and the Hollywood pride, the latter being so named due to the vast amount of time documentary filmmakers have spent following them.

In the moonlit blackness, all lights off, we hold still and listen. I hear only the blood beat in my ears, but Derek Shenton hears the leopard. Derek is uniquely qualified to guide me through the Luangwa night from his camp “Kaingo” (which means “leopard”), perched above the river in an area exceptionally rich in wildlife, including the big cats. Christine Eckstrom – National Geographic Traveller Magazine

Shenton Safaris Staff

Shenton Safaris is owner run by Derek Shenton and his wife Jules Shenton. Derek represents the third generation of his family to work in the field of safari guiding and wildlife conservation. A natural guide, he has a particular interest in tracking and observing the big cats. Passionate about providing his guests with the ultimate safari experience, Derek’s camps and network of photographic hides are continually evolving to suit the needs of his clients.

Jules, a trained zoologist and wildlife photographer, has recently  moved back to the Shenton residence in Lusaka with the girls, Saphire and Jayabella, and from home she remains an integral part of the operations.

The experienced members of our guiding team continue the superb-guiding traditions of Shenton Safaris and under Derek’s tutelage and leadership, offer our guests a safari experience of true excellence.

Book a safari

The best time to visit us is between the end of May when our camps open and the 31st of October when we close for the rainy season. The season is very short but the game-viewing exceptional throughout. The weather is temperate during the early part of the season, cooler in July, and hot in September and October.
You can book by contacting us here.

Guest Image of the Month – May 2012

Congratulations to Russell, Ian and Bruce for these 3 winning pictures on the theme of Luangwa Landscapes!

May 2012 - Winner of Picture of the Month

You can find more on the image of the month as well as our runner up images if you follow this link