Reviews of Chamilandu Bushcamp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
6 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chamilandu Bushcamp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Chamilandu Bushcamp review"
The staff is wonderful - a well oiled machine, many of whom have been working at Chami for over ten years. During my twelve visits I have seen elephants come through camp, and pesky baboons scavenge ebony fruits from the tree by chalet #1. Many mornings I have seen leopard tracks under my chalet deck or at the morning breakfast area." See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
"Chamilandu Bushcamp review"
"Good game in nice green area"
Rooms were very spacious and airy but not rustic. Did not really have the bush camp feel about it.
Sadly it did not have a river frontage as the river has changed course but the waterhole hide made a lovely venue for midday viewing. Area very different to the north. Felt quite remote. Good game.
Food excellent particularly the stir fry!" See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"Return to Chamilandu!"
Akim and his staff gave us a warm welcome and it says something about the camp that at least two of the staff (Doc and George the chef) were here last time we came. Indeed, I believe they have been at Chamilandu for over 20 years!
James guided us on some lovely walks each morning, accompanied by rangers xxxxx or xxxxx and Mulenga carrying the supplies. James deserves special mention as arguably being the most knowledgeable guide we have ever spent time with. This, together with his good humour and sympathetic approach to the wildlife made the walks and drives an absolute pleasure. The only flaw that James has is that he supports the wrong rugby playing nation!!
The food was delicious, the accommodation fantastic and the water hole at the camp is well worth spending siesta time at - too much going on to waste time napping!
However, it may not be a bad idea to try to provide some sort of cover for the bathroom area of the 'chalet' we stayed in, as a night time visit to the loo risked being spattered by baboons also 'visiting the loo'!
Our highlight was probably our last evening drive, where we watched a pride of 9 lions, including a large male, at the start of a hunt. We didn't stay to watch the almost inevitable kill (unlike lots of people, this is not our top priority) but it was a really special time. Add to that the fact that we had seen 5 other lions earlier in the day, including two small cubs, and it wasn't a bad last day at all.
Will we be back for a 3rd time? Well we certainly would not hesitate to visit again if the finances support it!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Chamilandu Bushcamp"
The transfer to Chamilandu was rather hectic and uncomfortable, partly due to the speed at which we travelled and partly the tsetses which seemed suddenly to have emerged. The driver Byron seemed unable to gauge the level of bush experience of his passengers which was bit irritating at times. However, he was very cheery and delivered us safely to Chamilandu where we were warmly welcomed by Zilla.
This was another very comfortable, small bush camp with the luxury of constant hot water, friendly, helpful staff and delicious food. The situation on the river bank is beautiful and makes for interesting wildlife viewing on both banks. A special mention goes to Doc who served our meals, including a private dinner on our deck one night. Our guide Gilbert was again very experienced and knowledgeable and went out of his way to provide extra information. He was also good company. David, our scout was a valuable addition to our excursions.
On balance the abundance of wildlife was not as good as around Mwamba, but we did have an excellent leopard sightling - two females up a tree with an impala kill. We had a great walk over to Chindeni, another bushcamp, with two other guests whe were transferring there. Again we were made very welcome, given use of a room to refresh ourselves and served an excellent brunch.
Chamilandu has a nearby hide overlooking a lagoon where we sent a fruitful siesta photographing a very playful troop of baboons including an albino baby. The downside in this area was the huge number of tstese flies. The weather warmed up as we arrived in this part of the park and they were out in force. Despite this we very much enjoyed our time here." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"A fantastic camp to finish our holiday"
Fannuel was a great guide and took time to explain things. Plenty of animals and birds to enjoy.
Coming back the last night with a brei down at the hide was very special" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
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