Mchenja Bush Camp – South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
On the banks of the Luangwa River, under the shady canopy of ebony trees, Mchenja is a sublime mix of rustic and luxury. The camp is intimate and stylish, with simple but elegant furnishings – the main focus being the view and the game that regularly passes. Large herds of elephants cross the river here and lion and leopard are regularly spotted.
The national park is teeming with wildlife with a rare combination of woodland and grassy savannah where Mchenja is famous for its walking safaris and expert guiding, as well as being one of the most luxurious camps in this part of Zambia. Between game drives, relax by the pool or in your soaking tub, watching the hippos wallow in the river close by.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
As it is a traditional but stylish bush camp. It is a great base to explore the more remote areas of the South Luangwa in the hands of an excellent guide whether it is on foot or by vehicle.Style:
Contemporary bush chic.Location:
In the heart of the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia - an hour’s flight from Lusaka or Lilongwe, followed by a 2.5-hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe airstrip.Rooms:
4 suites & 1 family suite.Swimming:
Camp pool.Children:
Children of all ages are welcome.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
May - November.rooms
We love the intimacy of the tented suites at Mchenja. Spread along the river, they are light and airy, with high ceilings draped with canvas and the hugely comfortable beds facing the view. Floors are lined with handmade rugs, the bathrooms are plein air, with free standing bathtubs soaking up the view, and wide decks for sundowners and wildlife spotting. The family chalet has an extra bedroom.
food
In the open fronted dining room, or under the trees, dining at Mchenja is all part of the experience. The expert culinary team artfully blend Zambian ingredients and flavours with international influences, creating delicious menus, morning, noon and night.
activities
Mchenja is a wonderful place from which to see the remarkable game in the Luangwa Valley. At the peak of the dry season, predators are easy to spot, and the area is one of the best places to see the vibrantly coloured carmine bee-eaters. It is also one of the continent’s finest places for walking safaris, and the guides at Mchenja are second to none. Day drives take you through the differing landscapes and during night drives the nocturnal hunters are pointed out to you.
Whatever time you visit, you’ll be richly rewarded with a wide variety of game, including some of Africa’s rarer species such as the endangered wild dog. Don’t miss the opportunity for a “sleep out”. A night under the stars out on the dry river bed with a guide, scout and chef, falling asleep to the sounds of the bush, is a truly incredible experience.
family
Mchenja is a wonderful place for families, with no minimum age (other than for some of the activities – the sleep outs are for children aged eight and over). The Family Suite offers the perfect accommodation for those after adventure.
sustainability
The camp sees itself as a guardian of one of the most beautiful places on earth and is dedicated to preserving this unique environment for generations to come. As part of the Time & Tide Foundation, it contributes towards local community healthcare and education, as well as wildlife conservation.
Location
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
In the heart of the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia - an hour’s flight from Lusaka or Lilongwe, followed by a 2.5-hour game drive transfer from Mfuwe airstrip.
