Photographic 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.
Activities and facilities 
At Shenton Safaris we offer a variety of activities ranging from game drives, walking safaris, night drives to photographic hide trips. We are focussed on the wildlife experience, and unlike most operations, we offer three rather than the standard two activities per day. For the more adventurous travellers, we also offer sleep outs up our elephant hide tree platform as well as fly-camping under the stars with Derek Shenton, owner of Shenton Safaris.
Photographic hides
One of the elements that make our two bush camps so special is our six photographic hides. 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 a unique up-close-and-personal view into the lives of these 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
African wildlife
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:
- Leopards
- Lions
- Wild dogs
- Hippo’s
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Puku
- Impala
- Zebra
- Kudu
- Giraffe
- Waterbuck
attracts many predators. We have identified 10 different leopards around our camps. As unpredictable as these wild 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 named the Mwamba Pride and the Hollywood pride, the latter getting their name 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
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 camp is located on a beautiful stretch of the Luangwa River. It has only six chalets, each one equipped with an indoor ensuite bathroom as well as a bathtub outdoors nestled on the riverbank. Each chalet has an individual deck over the river from which to watch game coming to drink. Kaingo’s famous bar is made of an ancient fallen leadwood tree which is over 1200 years of age.
Mwamba Bush Camp is an intimate ‘reed and thatch’ chalet camp catering to only six guests. Each chalet has soaring skylights and ensuite bathrooms open to the stars. 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.
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, also lives in the camp with Derek, along with their daughter Saphire. She is on hand to help all their wildlife enthusiast guests with new cameras, helping the budding photographers to make the most out of their safari experience.
The guiding team are extremely experienced and under Derek’s tutelage and leadership, they continue the Shenton Safaris’ tradition of superb guiding.
Book a safari
The best time to visit us is between the 20th of May when our camps open and the 31st of October when we close for the rainy season. The season is very short, and the game viewing is exceptional throughout. The weather is temperate during the early part of the season, cooler in July, and hot in September and October.