Mwamba Bush Camp in the South Luangwa NP
Mwamba Bush Camp, Shenton Safaris’ exclusive bush camp, is the epitome of Derek’s ethos. He created the camp on a poachers campsite in 1995 to push poaching out of the surrounding area. Mwamba has strong roots in Derek’s belief of conservation through tourism. Here, four chalets sit idyllically along the Mwamba River that dries out as the season progresses. The relaxed and rustic designs of Mwamba with hidden luxury items make you at home in the bush, every aspect of camp life is finely tuned to the Shenton’s family rhythm. A truly unique safari experience.
Once a hiding spot for poachers, Derek had the vision to develop a bush camp on this site to ensure the safety of the wildlife in our surrounding areas – so Mwamba was born.
Mwamba is the location of one of Shenton Safaris’ most famous hides, the Last Waterhole Hide, and is truly Africa’s Best Place to Hide in more ways than one!
Set on the banks of the Mwamba River, the site has four chalets uniquely designed with soaring skylights allowing you to experience sleeping under the stars. These reed and thatch ensuite bungalows also have solar fans and lighting, outdoor flush toilets, plumbed cold water and hot water bucket showers. The bush-style “chitenge” is set under the deep shade of huge ebony trees. A spectacular sunset viewing point on top of a large termite mound and a glowing campfire under the stars completes the camp’s friendly and personal atmosphere.
Accommodation
Mwamba’s chalets are created with interwoven bamboo walls and thatch roofing and have a viewing deck over the dry Mwamba River and complete private outdoor ensuite bathroom. All are accessed by a path network that runs behind the chalets to maximise privacy. All share in the rustic simplicity of the design of the camp with beautiful copper accents.
Large fly-wired skylights provide incredible views of the night sky, and the complete absence of generator noise (we’re big fans of solar power) means nothing but the wild Zambian night with leopard calls, lions roars or the incredible owls that visit regularly.
The outdoor bathrooms are a truly stunning addition to your safari experience, with each chalet taking its name from the surrounding flora. Gardenia, Fig, Ebony and Sausage all have incredible outdoor showers immersed into the wild.
Guests can enjoy the private access to Mwamba’s in-camp hide, the Last Waterhole Hide, just a short walking distance from all chalets.
Numbu Star Bed
At Mwamba, you have the chance to spend the night on our Numbu Star Bed, set in a wide-open savannah plain. You will sleep in a very comfortable bed while listening to the nocturnal noises of the African bush. The Numbu Star Bed is an exceptional add-on to your safari experience with Shenton Safaris, immersing you into the wild night. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or just looking to spend a night where only a mosquito net separates you from the night sky. We highly recommend the Numbu Star Bed on nights with a new moon for the incredible view of the starry sky, but it is just as unbelievable on a full moon to see Numbu Plains flooded with moonlight, you never know what you’ll get to see!
The Numbu Star Bed is exclusive to guests staying at Mwamba and is a 15-minute drive from Mwamba. The sleeping platform is beautifully set with a queen-sized bed, warm duvet, washing basin, lanterns and a large mosquito net. A bush toilet (long drop) is available on the ground, under the platform. An armed scout and a guide will spend the night in a nearby boma and will be equipped with a radio, in case of a change of heart. Belongings are kept in your chalet and you are encouraged to take essential toiletries to the Star Bed.
Hides at Mwamba
Of the extensive network of photographic hides that are exclusively available to our guests, Mwamba has exclusive access to the Last Waterhole Hide. Guests at Mwamba can also enjoy time spent in 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, it means you may also have the chance to visit additional hides during your time with us.
