Bwana Phil: A Life in the Luangwa

A Legacy of Philip S.M. Berry (1941–2022)

To walk through the Luangwa Valley was to walk through Phil Berry's home. While many visit South Luangwa to see its wildlife, Phil devoted his life to understanding its rhythms, its people, and its deeper meaning. For more than six decades, "Bwana Phil" stood as one of the valley's most respected figures — a bridge between the pioneering years of the 1960s and the conservation-driven approach that defines the region today.

The Architect of Authenticity

Phil was central to shaping what is now known as the bushcamp experience. In 1992, he founded Kuyenda Bushcamp, which became part of The Bushcamp Company in 2000. For more than twenty years — right up until his passing — Phil continued to guide, teach, and welcome guests at Kuyenda, making it one of the most beloved and character-rich camps in the Luangwa.

Alongside his partner, Babette Alfieri, Phil championed a style of safari that prioritized immersion over excess — where thoughtful design, exceptional guiding, and a deep connection to the land defined the experience. His approach continues to influence how safaris are experienced across the Luangwa.

A Life of Service and Grit

Phil's conservation journey began in 1960 at age 18 with Zambia's Department of Game and Fisheries. Rising to Chief Ranger, he spent twelve years learning the landscape at a fundamental level — patrolling on foot, working with local communities, and developing a deep understanding of wildlife behavior.

In the 1970s, he played a role in the development of walking safaris within the park, helping shape an approach that would later become synonymous with the Luangwa. In 1980, he worked on the front lines of conservation as part of efforts to protect wildlife during a critical period, including anti-poaching initiatives across the valley. His leadership contributed to safeguarding elephant populations during a time of intense pressure.

A Teacher and Mentor

Phil's influence is most clearly seen in the generations of Zambian guides he mentored. He taught far more than tracking wildlife — he taught how to read the landscape, how to understand animal behavior, and how to approach guiding with integrity and discipline.

His emphasis on observation, patience, and respect for the natural world helped establish a standard of guiding that remains deeply embedded in the Luangwa today. He also contributed to long-term observation and understanding of species such as the Thornicroft's giraffe, adding to the body of knowledge about this unique population.

A Belief in Community

Phil understood that conservation could not succeed without the support and involvement of the people who call the Luangwa home. Throughout his career — from his early days as a ranger to his decades at Kuyenda — he worked closely with local communities, supporting education, employment, and shared stewardship of the land.

His philosophy was simple.

The valley thrives when its people thrive.

This belief continues to guide conservation work across the region today.

An Enduring Spirit

Though he avoided the spotlight, Phil's presence remains part of the valley. It lives on through the people he mentored, the camps he helped shape, and the values he championed. His legacy is also honored at the Phil Berry Centre and Library at Mfuwe Lodge — a space dedicated to learning, conservation, and community.

Phil Berry passed away in July 2022, but his legacy continues in the rhythms of the Luangwa — in its wildlife, its people, and the experience of those who walk its landscapes today. We honor him as one of the figures who helped define what makes this place so extraordinary.