Reviews of Kaingo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
222 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kaingo Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 62 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Kaingo Camp.
Lion
98% success
Leopard
98% success
Wild dog
53% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Mr & Mrs W
Toronto
"Hide Heaven"
3 nights Arrived 25 Aug 2012
"Great friendly camp with lots of activities to keep one occupied from dawn to after dusk. Really good service and comfortable accommodation. We particularly liked the private deck in front of our chalet where we sat and had lunch and watched the hippos, crocodiles and Bee Eaters. The staff could not have been more helpful. Food was very good and far too plentiful.
Lots of photographic opportunities, especially in the hides at mid-day where one could get close to hippos and towards the end of our stay, to Carmine Bee Eaters where we were the first occupants of the season.
The night game drives were particularly good as there was a driver and a spotter - an extra pair of trained eyes made a huge difference in spotting game. We were lucky to see a lioness and her two small cubs in the dark and then later that evening glimpses of a male and female leopard.
We could have stayed longer at Kaingo." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Zambia
Lots of photographic opportunities, especially in the hides at mid-day where one could get close to hippos and towards the end of our stay, to Carmine Bee Eaters where we were the first occupants of the season.
The night game drives were particularly good as there was a driver and a spotter - an extra pair of trained eyes made a huge difference in spotting game. We were lucky to see a lioness and her two small cubs in the dark and then later that evening glimpses of a male and female leopard.
We could have stayed longer at Kaingo." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr R & Ms Z
NL
"Kaingo Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 21 Aug 2012
"The location of Kaingo on the river (with your own terrace and lookout) and with the hides and a backcountry with lots of predators was exceptional. We saw 2 groups of lions, leopards and lots of hippos and crocs. The food was OK but not exceptional. The catering for a diabetic had lapses. A surprise brunch in the bush (where Derek Shenton was married) was a highlight."
See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
London
"Comfortable camp overlooking the Luangwa"
3 nights Arrived 3 Jul 2012
"Unusual camp in that the rooms are solid walled with mesh windows. They are very comfortable, our only gripes are lack of power and the time it takes for hot water to get to the taps, minor issues given where we were.
We particularly enjoyed the private deck overhanging the river edge on which lunch is served.
Game drives were very good with especially good sun-downers. Our only reservation is that they tend to put all the guests on one vehicle if possible, albeit only two abreast. That being said, we did see a successful lion hunt and plenty of other game.
Staff were very pleasant and the owners were about although we didn't see much of them.
One negative is the disclaimer we were asked to sign on arrival. It seemed to absolve the camp of any responsibility whatsoever for anything at all. We've seen nothing like this at any other camp, although they didn't mind us crossing out parts we particularly didn't agree with.
Food was very good and the hippo and elephant hides excellent spots for an hour or two at midday." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
We particularly enjoyed the private deck overhanging the river edge on which lunch is served.
Game drives were very good with especially good sun-downers. Our only reservation is that they tend to put all the guests on one vehicle if possible, albeit only two abreast. That being said, we did see a successful lion hunt and plenty of other game.
Staff were very pleasant and the owners were about although we didn't see much of them.
One negative is the disclaimer we were asked to sign on arrival. It seemed to absolve the camp of any responsibility whatsoever for anything at all. We've seen nothing like this at any other camp, although they didn't mind us crossing out parts we particularly didn't agree with.
Food was very good and the hippo and elephant hides excellent spots for an hour or two at midday." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Belfast
"Another excellent trip to Kaingo"
3 nights Arrived 2 Jul 2012
"When we last visited Kaingo in 2010 we vowed that if we were to return to Zambia, Kaingo would definitely be on our list of camps to revisit. I'm glad to say that we were not disappointed during our most recent stay.
Since our last visit the rooms have been considerably extended with new fixtures and fittings. The additional space and improved lighting was much appreciated. The camp is run on a very friendly and informal basis and the whole team went out of their way to make this second trip as memorable as the first. The food is of the highest standard and we were constantly amazed at the quality of food that was produced given the somewhat limited resources at the team's disposal. Sometimes three meals a day is almost too much, but that's not a criticism, just an observation.
The guiding was excellent with Patrick finding us a lion kill on our second night and Noelle tracking a leopard in daylight the following morning. There were many other sightings over the period we were at Kaingo, especially the elephant which decided that he liked a specific tree outside our room which delayed our lunch for some 45 mins!!. There are some things you can't legislate for, it is Africa after all !!
This is an excellent camp, with a truly dedicated team who go out of their way to try and meet your expectations.
We would go back tomorrow !!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Since our last visit the rooms have been considerably extended with new fixtures and fittings. The additional space and improved lighting was much appreciated. The camp is run on a very friendly and informal basis and the whole team went out of their way to make this second trip as memorable as the first. The food is of the highest standard and we were constantly amazed at the quality of food that was produced given the somewhat limited resources at the team's disposal. Sometimes three meals a day is almost too much, but that's not a criticism, just an observation.
The guiding was excellent with Patrick finding us a lion kill on our second night and Noelle tracking a leopard in daylight the following morning. There were many other sightings over the period we were at Kaingo, especially the elephant which decided that he liked a specific tree outside our room which delayed our lunch for some 45 mins!!. There are some things you can't legislate for, it is Africa after all !!
This is an excellent camp, with a truly dedicated team who go out of their way to try and meet your expectations.
We would go back tomorrow !!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms P
London
"Brilliant"
3 nights Arrived 14 Jun 2012
"I spent three nights at Kaingo, followed by another three at Mwamba. All round, it was undoubtedly the best safari experience I have had.
Kaingo's location, perched on the river Luangwa, is stunning - and, crucially, the camp is far away from the park's busy main gate so that you seldom come across another car (and if you do, it's likely to be from Mwamba). The newly-decorated rooms are airy, spacious and charmingly decorated, and the private deck, where lunch is served, is the perfect place to while away a couple of hours before the afternoon game drive. Toiletries, including mosquito repellent, are provided, and don't miss the lovely robes!
The food was superb - I believe Honore, the Congolese chef, is a new addition to the staff, and I was very impressed by the variety and the quality of the meals produced (much of the produce coming from Shenton's own vegetable garden in Mfuwe). Izzy, Rob and Derek Shenton all contributed to the warm, friendly service.
The game viewing, meanwhile, is superb: loads of leopard and lions, heaps of hippos and hyenas, as well as huge herds of buffalo and various antelope. What really stood out, though, was the standards of the guides (Patrick was mine at Kaingo, while Mayem gave me an impromptu game drive on the way from the airport), confirming Zambia's reputation for having some of the best in the business. I think I learnt more during my week there than in all my previous safari experiences combined. Also, do go for a walk and don't miss the wonderful hippo hide for an up-close-and-personal experiences.
Highly, highly recommended. I can't wait to go back." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
Kaingo's location, perched on the river Luangwa, is stunning - and, crucially, the camp is far away from the park's busy main gate so that you seldom come across another car (and if you do, it's likely to be from Mwamba). The newly-decorated rooms are airy, spacious and charmingly decorated, and the private deck, where lunch is served, is the perfect place to while away a couple of hours before the afternoon game drive. Toiletries, including mosquito repellent, are provided, and don't miss the lovely robes!
The food was superb - I believe Honore, the Congolese chef, is a new addition to the staff, and I was very impressed by the variety and the quality of the meals produced (much of the produce coming from Shenton's own vegetable garden in Mfuwe). Izzy, Rob and Derek Shenton all contributed to the warm, friendly service.
The game viewing, meanwhile, is superb: loads of leopard and lions, heaps of hippos and hyenas, as well as huge herds of buffalo and various antelope. What really stood out, though, was the standards of the guides (Patrick was mine at Kaingo, while Mayem gave me an impromptu game drive on the way from the airport), confirming Zambia's reputation for having some of the best in the business. I think I learnt more during my week there than in all my previous safari experiences combined. Also, do go for a walk and don't miss the wonderful hippo hide for an up-close-and-personal experiences.
Highly, highly recommended. I can't wait to go back." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Glos.
"Kaingo the friendly Camp"
7 nights Arrived 31 May 2012
"This was our fourth visit to Kaingo which really speaks for itself. Our old friendly guides were still there and some new ones. The standards remain high our only very minor sadness was that the cats had decided this would be their holiday as well!
Lunch being served on our own deck was new to us and a welcome addition until the monkeys had our lunch on our last day. Which would prove to be their only free lunch." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
Lunch being served on our own deck was new to us and a welcome addition until the monkeys had our lunch on our last day. Which would prove to be their only free lunch." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs W
Sevenoaks
"A perfect combination with Mwamba Bushcamp"
3 nights Arrived 20 Oct 2011
"We found this camp to be a superb complement to our stay at Mwamba. We walked between the two which we would highly recommend.
The location by the river gives a very different perspective on the area. The hippo, elephant and carmine bee-eater hides were a wonderful opportunity to take good photographs.
Guiding was very good - as in the sister camp - and again we got very close to the animals. So much so that we had elephants joining us for breakfast one morning !
The private deck is a great place to have a quiet lunch overlooking the river Luangua and watch the world go by.
We hope to come back one day !" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
The location by the river gives a very different perspective on the area. The hippo, elephant and carmine bee-eater hides were a wonderful opportunity to take good photographs.
Guiding was very good - as in the sister camp - and again we got very close to the animals. So much so that we had elephants joining us for breakfast one morning !
The private deck is a great place to have a quiet lunch overlooking the river Luangua and watch the world go by.
We hope to come back one day !" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs J
WMD
"Kaingo, wonderful expereance."
3 nights Arrived 17 Oct 2011
"Staff & organization of activities was very good, presantation of the camp as a whole was excellent, game viewing as good as any we have encountered, bonus was seeing two kills, the second a pride of Lions twenty strong from taking their siesta, identifying their quarry, the hunt and the kill.
Perhaps if there is one small critisism the vehecles were rather worn and after a period of time could become uncomfortabble." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Perhaps if there is one small critisism the vehecles were rather worn and after a period of time could become uncomfortabble." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The W Group
Berkshire
"Superb safari at Kaingo"
3 nights Arrived 12 Oct 2011
"This is where the game gets close and intimate. Closer than you even knew you wanted! The whole experience was superlative, and difficult to know where to start.
The day revolves around game drives and eating! One is guided by extremely knowledgeable trackers and guides. There is a heavy emphasis on seeing big cats with other game being encountered on the way.
The river setting is magnificent, and we lunched on our private deck to the sound and sight of hippo grunting, and elephant munching the vegetation below our deck! The camp is small which encourages everyone to socialise and share their experiences of the day. Clearly appeals to the photographic fraternity - the hippo hide provided a spectacular subject for photos.
Huts magnificently rustic if not entirely waterproof!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 8n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana
The day revolves around game drives and eating! One is guided by extremely knowledgeable trackers and guides. There is a heavy emphasis on seeing big cats with other game being encountered on the way.
The river setting is magnificent, and we lunched on our private deck to the sound and sight of hippo grunting, and elephant munching the vegetation below our deck! The camp is small which encourages everyone to socialise and share their experiences of the day. Clearly appeals to the photographic fraternity - the hippo hide provided a spectacular subject for photos.
Huts magnificently rustic if not entirely waterproof!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 8n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
the UK
"Wonderful laidback camp in South Luangwa"
1 night Arrived 25 Sep 2011
"See previous comments [Ed: see below]"
See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tafika
One of the best camps in Zambia, Tafika is naturally built, combining excellent service and food with top guiding skills for a superb wildlife experience.
Nkwali
On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.
Nsefu
One of the Luangwa's oldest camps, Nsefu is a great safari camp in a remote, beautiful and game-rich location with top-rate guiding.
Mwamba Bushcamp
Small, remote and owner-run, Mwamba offers first-class walking, 4WD safari drives and superb hides, with excellent guides and a real bush feel.
