The Bushcamp Circuit

A Journey Through the Wild Heart of South Luangwa National Park

Some safaris are experienced from a single lodge. Others unfold as a journey.

In South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, the landscape shifts as you move deeper into the valley — from river systems and lagoons to woodland forests and open floodplains. Wildlife follows these natural rhythms, and the most rewarding way to experience the park is by exploring its different habitats.

This is the philosophy behind The Bushcamp Circuit, a safari journey created by The Bushcamp Company that begins at our gateway lodges just inside the park entrance before venturing deeper into the wilderness to a collection of remote bushcamps.

Together, these camps create one of Africa’s most authentic and immersive safari experiences.

South Luangwa National Park

"The Birthplace of the Walking Safari"

Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is widely regarded as one of the finest wildlife destinations in Africa.

The park is famous for its remarkable wildlife concentrations, particularly along the Luangwa River, which sustains large populations of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, hippos, and antelope as well as predators including lion, leopard, and wild dog.

South Luangwa is also historically significant as the birthplace of the walking safari, pioneered by conservationist and guide Norman Carr in the 1950s. His approach transformed safari guiding and encouraged guests to explore the African wilderness on foot with experienced guides.

Today, South Luangwa remains one of the best places in Africa to experience this tradition.

Inside the Park

Total Wilderness Immersion

One of the defining features of The Bushcamp Company is that all of our lodges and bushcamps are located inside South Luangwa National Park.

This means guests are immersed in the wilderness from the moment they arrive. Wildlife moves freely around camp, the sounds of the bush fill the evenings, and every safari activity begins directly within the park.

This complete immersion is a defining part of the authentic Luangwa safari experience.

The Gateway to the Bushcamp Circuit

Every Bushcamp Company safari begins at one of our gateway properties located just inside the park near the main entrance.

These lodges offer guests a comfortable starting point before they journey deeper into the wilderness to the remote bushcamps.

Mfuwe Lodge

The iconic gateway lodge where elephants walk through the lobby.

Mfuwe Lodge is one of Africa’s most famous safari lodges, known for the remarkable tradition of elephants passing through the reception area each year as they feed on a nearby wild mango tree.

Overlooking a productive lagoon, the lodge offers exceptional wildlife viewing and serves as the perfect introduction to the Luangwa Valley.

The Villas at KuKaya

The only private safari gateway retreat inside South Luangwa National Park

The Villas at KuKaya offer a more private safari experience designed for families and small groups traveling together.

Each stay includes a dedicated guide and vehicle, allowing guests to explore the park at their own pace while enjoying the comfort and space of a luxury villa.

Located just a short drive from Mfuwe Lodge, KuKaya provides an ideal gateway to the Luangwa Valley and the Bushcamp Circuit.

Journeying Deeper into the Wilderness

After beginning their safari at the gateway lodges, guests venture deeper into the park to The Bushcamp Company’s collection of six remote bushcamps.

Set within an exclusive 140,000-acre wilderness area inside South Luangwa National Park, each bushcamp offers its own landscape, atmosphere, and wildlife experience.

From lagoons and rivers to open plains and woodland clearings, each camp reveals a different side of the Luangwa wilderness while maintaining the same core elements:

• small, intimate camps

• exceptional guiding

• authentic bushcamp design

• extraordinary wildlife encounters

Together they form The Bushcamp Circuit.

The Bushcamps

Each camp reveals a different perspective of the Luangwa wilderness.

Kuyenda

An original bushcamp founded by legendary guide Phil Berry

Set around a natural spring and open plains in The Bushcamp Company’s exclusive area of South Luangwa National Park, Kuyenda is one of the valley’s most storied bushcamps and a place where the traditions of Zambia’s iconic walking safaris continue today.

Founded by legendary guide Phil Berry, a protégé of Norman Carr, the camp reflects the authentic spirit of the Luangwa bushcamp tradition and blends seamlessly into its wild surroundings.

Six thatched chalets overlook wildlife-rich plains where elephant, lion, and plains game are frequently seen.

Bilimungwe

A signature waterhole wildlife camp

Set beneath a magnificent grove of mahogany trees in South Luangwa National Park, Bilimungwe overlooks a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the day.

Four thatched chalets are raised on wooden decks beneath the shady canopy, offering views of the waterhole where elephants, antelope, and other animals frequently gather.

With its tranquil woodland setting just a stone’s throw from the Luangwa River and exceptional wildlife viewing from camp, Bilimungwe offers a signature Luangwa bushcamp experience and remains one of our most popular camps.

Chindeni

A breathtaking lagoon camp

Set on the edge of a beautiful lagoon in South Luangwa National Park, Chindeni is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque camps in the Luangwa Valley.

The camp features four elevated tents beneath a grove of ancient ebony trees, each overlooking the lagoon where elephants, hippos, and other wildlife are often seen from camp.

Kapamba

A peaceful riverside bushcamp with star beds

Set along the banks of the Kapamba River in the southern reaches of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a peaceful riverside bushcamp in one of the park’s most game-rich areas.

Four spacious stone-and-thatch chalets overlook the river beneath towering trees, where elephants, buffalo herds, and other wildlife are frequently seen along the riverbanks. The open-fronted design, with traditional wrought-iron shutters, keeps guests closely connected to the sights and sounds of the wild heart of the Luangwa.

Two chalets feature raised star beds, offering guests the chance to spend a night under the African sky.

Chamilandu

Elevated treehouses overlooking the Luangwa River

Perched on stilts beneath a grove of ebony trees along a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, Chamilandu offers one of the most distinctive bushcamp settings in South Luangwa National Park.

Three thatched treehouse-style chalets are elevated above the riverbank, providing sweeping views across the Luangwa floodplain where elephants, hippos, and other wildlife are frequently seen.

Zungulila

The bushcamp set deepest in the wilderness of South Luangwa

Set beneath ancient winterthorn trees near the headwaters of the Kapamba River, Zungulila is the bushcamp located deepest in the wilderness of South Luangwa National Park.

Four elegant thatched chalets overlook an open floodplain where elephants, antelope, and buffalo move freely across the landscape.

Renowned for its exceptional walking safaris, Zungulila invites guests to explore the wilderness on foot or by vehicle with some of the valley’s most experienced guides before returning to camp for relaxed afternoons and evening game drives.

Walking Safaris — Entirely Optional

While South Luangwa is famous for its walking safaris, guests can choose the style of safari that suits them best.

Some guests enjoy exploring the bush on foot with experienced guides, while others prefer to experience wildlife through traditional game drives in open safari vehicles.

Both options are available throughout the Bushcamp Circuit, allowing each guest to shape their safari experience according to their comfort and interests.

The Bushcamp Difference

What truly sets the Bushcamp experience apart is the atmosphere of relaxed authenticity and deep connection to the wilderness.

Days begin with early morning safaris when wildlife is most active, followed by relaxed afternoons in camp before heading out again as the golden light of evening settles over the Luangwa Valley.

Guests might stop for sundowners in magical locations, enjoying a drink as the African sun sets across the landscape.

From there, evening night drives reveal the nocturnal life of the park before returning to camp for dinner beneath the stars.

Meals are a highlight of the experience, featuring fresh farm-to-table cuisine prepared by talented camp chefs and served in intimate settings around camp — or occasionally in the bush itself.

A Safari That Unfolds as a Journey

The magic of the Bushcamp Circuit lies not only in the individual camps but in the journey between them.

Guests may begin their safari watching elephants at Mfuwe Lodge, then venture deeper into the park to experience the waterhole wildlife of Bilimungwe, the lagoon scenery of Chindeni, the river setting of Kapamba, the treehouse views of Chamilandu, and finally the remote wilderness of Zungulila.

Few safari experiences offer this level of variety, continuity, and immersion in the African wilderness.

Discover the Bushcamp Circuit

For travelers seeking a safari that goes beyond a single lodge stay, The Bushcamp Circuit offers one of Africa’s most rewarding safari journeys.

From the gateway lodges near the park entrance to the remote bushcamps deep in the wilderness, each step reveals a new landscape, new wildlife encounters, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of the African bush.

It is a safari designed not simply to see wildlife — but to experience the wilderness as it was meant to be.