Zambia : North Luangwa National Park

One of the most remote and untouched wilderness experiences in Africa, the North Luangwa National Park is a secluded bush paradise. This park is about half the size of the South Luangwa National Park, yet is completely undeveloped and pristine. It is not open to the public and there are no permanent lodges. Access is with one of the three safari operators granted permission to conduct safaris. The park has the same kind of animal and birdlife as its southern counterpart, but is especially known for buffalo herds and attendant lions. Walking safaris in the Luangwa are deemed to be an unparalleled wilderness experience.

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Kutandala	Mwaleshi Camp

Kutandala
Set on the banks of the Mwaleshi River in the remote heart of North Luangwa National Park, Kutandala is Zambia's smallest owner-operated camp. Catering for only six guests on each safari, exclusivity is guaranteed. The thatch and reed guest rooms are spread out along the river bank, giving ample space and privacy, and each has an en-suite bathroom with a flush loo and hot shower.

The dining area, bar and library are under the shade of a huge Natal Mahogany, deliberately and delightfully low key. The library is extremely comprehensive with over 250 titles relating to Zambia and the natural history of the area.

The North Luangwa is an area renowned for its superb wildlife in a pristine environment. Only in the last decade three safari operators have been permitted to set up small, seasonal bush camps. Safaris at Kutandala are primarily undertaken on foot, the classic way to appreciate Africa's wildlife. Walking from camp is always fascinating due to the abundance of game, a myriad of bird species (over 350 recorded), and the natural beauty of the area. With such small groups at any one time, exclusivity and flexibility is the key, with every safari tailored to the interests of the guests.

Rod and Guz, who own and operate Kutandala Camp, care passionately about what they do and about the restoration work which has brought the North Luangwa back from the brink. In camp Rod's wife Guz a trained chef manages, against incredible logistical odds, to produce meals of the highest quality and variety. Rod started guiding in 1989 when at the age of 18 he became the youngest qualified walking guide in Zambia. His depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for all things ecological means that the guiding experience is always informative and fresh.

Kutandala Camp offers the ultimate safari for those who seek truly remote wilderness. Not many experiences can match the thrill of finding lion on foot or standing face to face with a thousand head of buffalo.

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Kutandala cottage	bedroom	bathroom

library	Mwaleshi river	walking safari

Mwaleshi Camp
Mwaleshi Camp is one of the most remote and secluded camps in Zambia. It is one of only two camps in the virtually unknown North Luangwa National Park, one of the most untouched wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

Access to the camp is by light aircraft only, and there are very few roads in the entire park. Game density in the North Luangwa is high, thanks largely to the conservation efforts of the famous naturalists, Mark and Delia Owens. The area is particularly well known for its lion population and large herds of buffalo, as well as the near endemic Cookson's Wildebeest.

This remote camp offers comfortable accommodation for a maximum of 8 guests only, in four comfortable reed and thatch chalets. The chalets are set well apart, and each has lovely views across the Mwaleshi River. There is no electricity in camp and lighting is provided by solar storm lanterns. All chalets have en suite flush loos and hand basins and there are two communal showers with views across the river.

With virtually no roads in the entire North Luangwa National Park, whilst it is possible to drive along the Mwaleshi flood plain, almost all game-viewing is done on foot accompanied by a highly skilled and experienced guide, and an armed game scout. On foot guests should not expect to see as much game as they would on game-drives, but the encounters are more intimate, and the sense of wilderness unrivalled.

For those seeking a true wilderness experience in a remote and intimate safari camp, under the guidance of some of Zambia's most experienced 'bush folk', it's hard to imagine a camp more perfect than Mwaleshi.

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Mwaleshi camp	chalet	hippos

Mwaleshi Falls	sundowner on the sandbar	views