April - Bushcamp Bulletin

A New Era of Discovery:

The 2026 Season at The Bushcamp Company

To our Friends, Guests, and Valued Trade Partners,

As we prepare for our mid‑May opening ramp for the core season, the Luangwa Valley is alive with renewed energy from our corner of the park. This off‑season, we’ve had our heads down—systematically upgrading every facet of The Bushcamp Company.

Our mission for 2026 is simple: to deliver the same unforgettable safari experiences that Bushcamp is known for, while elevating in‑camp amenities, aesthetics, and comforts—and deepening the sense of discovery that takes our guests back to the very roots of African exploration.

The Infrastructure of Excellence

We believe that true immersion shouldn’t mean sacrificing modern standards. This season, our guests will find:

Seamless Connectivity & Power
Starlink is now live across all remote camps, with a discreet use policy in place to preserve the wilderness atmosphere. Our significantly expanded solar capacity now supports in‑tent charging throughout the circuit.

Remote Comforts
We’ve equipped our bushcamps with new ice machines and washing machines—ensuring small but essential luxuries are never out of reach, while making it easier for our teams to deliver exceptional service in remote settings.

A Refreshed Aesthetic
Every camp has been refreshed with premium new linens, pillows, and a few select furniture pieces. Sundowners, too, now feature hand‑crafted campaign tables and bespoke barware—a sophisticated nod to the classic safari “Explorer” era.

Kuyenda Update
We are particularly excited to unveil a comprehensive interior décor and main lounge update at Kuyenda. This forms part of our commitment to refresh each camp systematically, ensuring an authentic aesthetic that complements a comforting, immersive experience in the wild.

New: Professional Photography Services

Building on the special safaris The Bushcamp Company has long been known for, we’re pleased to introduce new ways for guests to capture their journey.

Capture the Moment
Our in‑house professional photographer can join your safari to document wildlife encounters and quiet, candid moments alike—creating high‑end imagery perfect for framed prints, personal photo books, or holiday cards.

Photography Field Class
For aspiring photographers, hands‑on masterclasses in the field offer practical guidance on light, composition, and technique in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife settings.

Learn More →

(Available to book in-camp or in advance through your agent subject to availability)

New: The Bushcamp Heritage Club Collection

Inspired by the earliest explorers who experienced the Luangwa slowly and deeply, the Bushcamp Heritage Club Collection is a curated suite of moments designed to make each safari uniquely personal.

Scout School Visit – Where Luangwa’s legacy meets the future, with a guided visit to the Game Scout School
Dinner with Dr Livingstone – A private, candlelit dinner set in the bush
The Bush Fly Camp – An overnight fly camp reconnecting you with the valley’s original spirit
The Farm Table – A true farm‑to‑table lunch at the source of our produce
Champagne at Sunset – A signature sundowner celebrating the valley at its most beautiful
Giving Back – A meaningful opportunity to engage with local community and conservation initiatives

Learn More →

(Available to book in-camp or in advance through your agent subject to availability)

A Professionalized Future

Under the guidance of our newly structured senior leadership team—Jo, Walter, Drew, Rhona, Ian, Coby, and Andrew—supported by hands‑on involvement from our owners and their broader US and Lusaka teams, along with 27 outstanding guides and over 200 long‑tenured camp staff, our operations are more focused and capable than ever.

This management‑led structure ensures that the Bushcamp Company standard isn’t just met every day, for every guest—it continues to be elevated.

WILDLIFE MOMENT OF THE MONTH

On an early morning, Easter Monday game drive, Safari guide, Jason Kalimi, witnessed a real “Mexican Stand-off” between one lone male lion and a pack of nine hyenas. The lion was feeding on the remains of a young zebra when he found himself challenged by a very excited, and vocal, pack of hungry hyenas. Although they were insistent on stealing his breakfast, the lion was equally determined to hang onto his meal and refused to be intimidated. At one point he even went on the attack and left a couple of his opponents bloodied and bruised.

Did You Know… Hyenas have a diverse range of vocalizations, which convey a variety of information to other clan members. Their typical “laughs”, do not show amusement, but often indicate excitement, especially during feeding frenzies.

Schedule a meeting with us at WTM in Cape Town April 13 - 15.