Kaingo Camp in the South Luangwa NP
Kaingo Camp was built in 1992 and is Shenton Safaris’ flagship camp. Here, six chalets sit idyllically along the Luangwa River. Kaingo is designed simply, to make you feel at home in the bush and to offer you a chance to get close on safari the Shenton family way.
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. Everything at Kaingo has been handpicked by the Shenton family, from the camps stylish design and practical layout to the choice of local produce grown on the Shenton Plot.
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. The large centrally located open-sided “Chitenge” includes a dining area, library and Kaingo’s renowned thousand-year-old lead-wood bar. Kaingo’s five standard chalets and one exclusive deluxe suite all have an incredible and private view of the Luangwa River.
Accommodation
Kaingo’s chalets are created with brick walls and thatch roofing, with each chalet home to its own spacious veranda, hidden outdoor bathtub and private deck on the Luangwa River. All are accessed by a path network that runs behind the chalets, to maximise privacy. All share the rustic luxury design of the camp, with ample comforts and the ability to hide and get close to nature.
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 lion’s roar, a leopard’s call or the early morning ‘drumming’ of the Ground Hornbill.
In addition to the indoor ensuite bathroom, each chalet has a stunning outdoor bathtub with shady views of a pod of hippos. A distinctive feature of Kaingo is the unique individual decks built out over the river in front of each chalet. From this relaxing vantage point, one can view game coming down to drink, basking hippos, aquatic birds, crocodiles fishing, and daily elephant crossings.
The First House
The First House is Kaingo’s Deluxe Suite, ideal for couples really looking to hide away. One of the furthest from the central area, it offers additional private space for the guests. The chalet books out at an all-inclusive rate, meaning you’ll have access to a private vehicle, private dining and a butler service to the suite. The suite has a large private deck on the Luangwa River, and a spacious lounge area with ensuite toilet facilities. The master bedroom has an ensuite indoor shower and toilet, and the suite boasts an outdoor bathtub and shower.
For families, The First House offers the perfect private safari experience, separate to the runnings of the main camp.
Elephant Hide Star Bed
Get close to the Luangwa River. To really get close to nature, why not spend an incredible night on Kaingo’s Elephant Hide Star Bed? Set in an ebony tree on the Luangwa River, you’ll sleep in a very comfortable king bed while listening to the nocturnal noises of river and the African bush. The Elephant Hide Star Bed is an ideal add-on to your safari experience with Shenton Safaris, immersing you into the wild night. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or just looking to spend a night where only a mosquito net separates you from the night sky, it’s a real experience. We highly recommend the Elephant Hide Star Bed on nights with a full moon for the incredible night views of the river, but it is just as unbelievable on a new moon with a full starry sky.
The Elephant Hide Star Bed is exclusive to guests staying at Kaingo and is a 2-minute drive away. The sleeping platform is beautifully set with a King size bed, warm duvet, washing basin, lanterns, and a large mosquito net. A bush toilet (long drop) is available on the ground, under the platform. If you need a hand (or have a change of heart) an armed scout will spend the night in a nearby hut and will be equipped with a radio. Belongings are kept in the chalet and guests are encouraged to take essential toiletries to the Star Bed.
Hides at Kaingo
Of the incredible network of photographic hides that Shenton Safaris offers, Kaingo has exclusive access to the Hippo Hide and the Elephant Hide. Guests at Kaingo can also use the Wild Dog Lagoon Hide, and the Carmine Bee-eater Hide when it is put in place. With two mobile hides in the Kaingo workshop, you may have the chance to visit additional hides during your time with us.
