One thing is certain about Shenton Safaris’ camps, they provide a unique opportunity to view the exotic wildlife of Africa that feels like it should be once in a lifetime, and it keeps guests coming back time and again. Shenton Safaris’ camps are located in South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, which is a world-renowned wildlife haven, supporting large populations of elephants, hippopotamuses, giraffes, wildebeests, leopards, lions, and more. In fact, 95% of guests at Shenton Safaris’ camps have the privilege of seeing a leopard.
Shenton Safaris has two camps that house guests deep within the national park. At the Kaingo Camp, glamping chalets are situated right on the banks of the Luanwa River. Each chalet features a large, comfy bed and en suite bathroom, as well as an outdoor bathtub, perfect for relaxing under the stars. The chalets feature huge, fly-wired windows to ensure that even when guests are indoors, they will still be able to view the beautiful landscape and possibly even wildlife. Each Kaingo chalet also has a unique, individual deck built over the river, which serves as the perfect vantage point to view the daily elephant crossings. At Mwamba Safari Camp, which is the more rustic of the two camps, situated on the banks of the Mwamba River, guests can still enjoy many of the creature comforts of home. Each reed and thatch chalet has an open-air skylight with mosquito nets and a bed. The Mwamba chalets have their own open-air bathroom, with hot water bucket showers and flush toilets. Both of Shenton Safaris’ eco-friendly camps utilize solar power.
Each camp at Shenton has a communal area, known as a chitenge, which includes a bar and dining area for guests. Kaingo camp is renowned for its thousand year old, lead-wood bar. At Mwamba camp, the bar and dining area are in the shade of huge ebony trees. Mwamba camp also featured a beautiful sundowner spot perched upon the top of a large termite mound. The chitenges are where guests can convene for morning tea and for the three-course dinner prepared by local chefs nightly. Produce is grown on site or outsourced locally.
Each day at Shenton Safaris is packed full of wildlife-viewing activities. Shenton Safaris is well-known for their hides – man-made enclosures for viewing wildlife which serve to conceal the presence of humans. Shenton Safaris has four hides – the hippo hide, the elephant hide, the carmine bee-eater hide, and Mwamba’s last waterhole hide. These hides have been visited several times by National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Africa Geographic. BBC even used the hippo hide in the filming of the “Wild Africa” series; from this vantage point, they captured on film an enormous crocodile taking a buffalo.
For guests who really want to experience everything the South Luangwa National Park has to offer, overnight camp-outs are available. A Shenton Safaris guide escorts the guests on a day-long walking safari to the remote area north of Mwamba, far away from any human development. Here they will set up camp near a secluded waterhole. These camp-outs offer guests the opportunity to fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of far-away hyena and lion calls. Additionally, guests can choose to sleep in the elephant hide during their stay. The elephant hide overlooks the elephant highway, an area where, for centuries, elephants have assembled to wash and socialize, and is especially stunning during a full moon.
Walking safaris are also available, which allow guests to completely immerse themselves in the beauty of South Luangwa National Park. Walking safaris are lead by an experienced Shenton Safaris guide, who will direct guests through ebony forests and along various waterholes. Guides will also help to track the big cats that are native to this region, including ten individual leopards and the Mwamba pride which consists of thirty-six lions. Don’t worry, though! To ensure the safety of guests, an armed Zambia Wildlife Authority scout accompanies the party.
Another great option for wildlife viewing is on a game drive in one of Shenton Safari’s open-top, four-wheel drive vehicles. These custom vehicles are outfitted with comfortable, tall seats that have been modified to aid photographers in getting the perfect shot. Shenton Safaris maintains their own road system, which provides easy access to areas of the national park where wildlife is nearby.
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