Our Camps - Kaingo

Kaingo - 2 honeymoon and 4 twin chalets overlooking the Luangwa river

Overlooking the Luangwa River deep within the prime area of the South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo's relaxed, personal and friendly atmosphere offers its guests fantastic game-viewing opportunities within an area of incredible beauty and varied terrain.

Built and run by Derek Shenton, son of Barry Shenton - former ranger in Luangwa and warden of Kafue National Park - Kaingo has many attributes from the Shenton family ranging from the camps stylish design and practical layout to the homemade soaps, textiles, and farm produce. The large centrally located open-sided sitting room includes a dining area, library and Kaingo's renowned thousand year old lead-wood bar.

Kaingo's chalets were designed with the sole purpose of transporting you safely into the world of the Luangwa without a single distraction. Nestled discretely apart on the banks of the river, we have four twin chalets and one honeymoon suite.

Large fly-wired windows provide stunning views of the river; and the complete absence of generator noise (we prefer solar power) means nothing but the wheeze-honk of a hippo interferes with the sounds of a lions roar, a leopards call or the early morning 'drumming' of the Ground Hornbill.

The honeymoon suite is discretely nestled under tall leadwood and sausage trees and, in addition to the indoor ensuite bathroom, has a stunning outdoor bathtub with shady views of a pod of hippos.

A special feature of Kaingo is the unique wooden deck built out over the river. From this relaxing vantage point just below the central dining area one can view game coming down to drink, basking hippos, aquatic birds, crocodiles fishing, and daily elephant crossings. Game-drives and walks from Kaingo provide exciting photographic opportunities for its guests. The action often starting just outside camp.

The varied terrain around camp includes the picturesque Fish Eagle lagoon, one of the largest ebony forests in the Park, and the spectacular Lion Plain (the biggest plain in the valley a hugely productive grassland that teems with wildlife) bordered by the meandering Luangwa and Mwmaba Rivers.

The area is ideal walking country (under the watchful escort of an armed scout and guide). A network of carefully planned low impact roads provide excellent coverage of this game-rich terrain.

We have two extremely productive lion prides (we had 16 cubs on show last year), which we have the pleasure of following and there are more than 8 individual leopards around Kaingo and Mwamba. 95% of our visitors will see leopard.

The elephant and hippo hides are close to camp, which afford visitors close-ups of these great extraordinary mammals. Stork fishing parties, Carmine bee-eater colonies, resident Pels Fishing Owl and Red-billed Quelea in their thousands are among the birding highlights of the area.

At Kaingo you will be offered 3 separate game-viewing activities a day which may include walking safaris, game drives or time spent at a hide or blind (normally during midday)

1. Early morning: 06.00 TO 09.30
2. Mid-day: 12.00-13.30
3. Afternoon/evening: 16.00 - 20.00

N.B. All three daily activities are optional; some guests choose to miss out on one or more and relax in camp using the sun chairs, hammocks or the viewing deck and watch game from the camp across the Luangwa River and elephants crossing nearby.

Kaingo/Mwamba Combination

By experiencing Kaingo Camp and transferring to the Mwamba Bush Camp, one can enjoy the unique environs and character of both camps, while maintaining quality service and continuity of staff. We recommend a safari of 8 nights split between the two camps as the ideal length of time to explore this magical African wonderland.

The journey between the two camps is either a relaxed three hour walking safari, or morning drive, filled with an abundance of game and interesting landmarks, such as massive buffalo herds numbering over 500 on the vast Lion Plain.

Recommended Itinerary

4 to 5 nights at Kaingo camp followed by 4 nights at Mwamba.

Season of operation Kaingo: 20th May to 1st November.
Season of operation Mwamba; 1 June to 28 October.

Daily Itinerary at Kaingo

Scenes around Kaingo