Another specialist in the walking safari department, located in the southern sector of South Luangwa National Park, close to Kapamba river, Zungulila Bush Camp is a small and excellent camp offering a superb ground-level bush experience.
Overview
Situated on a ridge, the camp is a largely pole, canvas and thatch build consisting of a mess area and 4 sleeping tents. A little higher than the rest of Zungulila Bush Camp, overlooking a natural spring, with views of the plains and the river beyond, the mess tent includes a lounge and dining area, while outside, along and down from the dining area, there is a fire pit and an outdoor dining platform. Hemmingwayesque in style, the lounge is characterised by an eclectic mix of leather chairs, storage chests, studded white pouffes, zebra skins, a small Africana library, a drinks cabinet and rosewood stools.
Food & service
Dominated by its table, the dining room is slightly plainer, although the leather and stainless steel director chairs and Persian carpets reflect Zungulila’s abiding bohemian theme. Offering an African and European home-cooked cuisine, the food is delicious, served in or outside. With enough warning, special diets are easily catered for.
Rooms
Of the 4 sleeping tents, 2 are situated to the west, close to the spring, while the other 2 are set on the ridge, to the east, with views of the plains. Raised on concrete platforms and protected by thatched roofs, each tent includes a twin or double four poster bed, a verandah, a seating area, micro-plunge pool and separate bathroom – which features a flush toilet, sink and outdoor washing and showering facilities. Marked by Persian carpets, a vanity mirror, drawers, a large storage unit and plenty of room within which to change, the tents are large and perfectly comfortable.
Activities
Activities at Zungulila Bush Camp are all about the guided walks, which take place twice a day, are led by a guide and an armed ranger, and may – depending on the day’s itinerary – include a bush picnic.
Impact
Conservation
Zungulila Bush Camp works both with the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) & North Luangwa Conservation Project (NLCP) to ensure that conservation efforts continue in the area. Individual educational and conservation programmes in the community are also run as part of a more sustained push for the preservation of the South Luangwa National Park.
To ensure the long term future of these essential projects the camp has introduced to their rates a donation of $10 per person per night to the ‘Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund’. The funds from this are then split evenly between conservation and community projects.
Community
The camp provides help to two local schools; Chiwawatala Basic School in Mfuwe and Chilongozi School in a remote area close to the camp. Since support began, the progress of the schools has been remarkable. With generous donations it has allowed for the sponsorship of pupils, teachers’ salaries to be covered, the construction of classrooms and staff houses, and provided the necessary means for the school children to have outings into the park on wildlife drives.