Reviews of Kakuli Bushcamp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
66 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kakuli Bushcamp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"A real bush experience at Kakuli"
The camp staff were attentive and friendly and provided us with excellent and varied meals. The camp manager Glen obviously has a good eye for detail and has built a relaxed and efficient camp team. A highlight was one evening when rounding a remote bend in the river to come upon a sundowners bar laid out on the river bank with the camp staff in attendance, a white table cloth laid and candles lit." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
There was also a restricted view of the river from our tent. We asked to be moved on our second night and Glenn recommended tent no 2 which had a fine panoramic view of the river, and we had a much more comfortable night. There was a thatched building below the tents for a closer view of the wildlife with comfortable seating and some coffee table books to enjoy.
The high spot of our holiday was the guiding by Aubrey whom we found to be very informative with the knack of introducing and descriibing an animal, the flora and fauna of the bush in a simplistic way. He often illustrated his points with explicit actions. The walks beside the river were beautiful and the scenery was impressive. On our last morning Innocent from the kitchen joined us as our tea boy and it was he who spotted two lions which prompted Aubrey to lead us in their direction. Innocent was the only tea boy we met who used a kettle to boil the water for our tea.
We were impressed with Lovemore, who was such a courteous and helpful waiter, particularly on our second evening when he was watchful over us as we ate our dinner on our veranda with Ned the elephant nearby. The Brunch meals were delicious and we were impressed with the loaf in the shape of a crocodile! On the second evening one of us asked for cheese and biscuits in place of dessert and whilst we were on our night drive the chef made the biscuits." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
Aubrey is a great guide. In the that context should add on our first night at Kakuli (Sep 8, 2010) there was an incident when our safari vehicle, driven by Aubrey was (briefly) stuck in the sand while we wanted to get a better and closer viewer of a pride of lions. One of the other tourists in the vehicle (an English lady whose name I don't remember) became very agitated and in the following days requested a different guide (which she got) and said the Aubrey acted in an "unprofessional" manner during the incident.
I am concerned that she might have passed her opinion to the management at Norman Carr and that this might have a negative impact on Aubrey's situation. In particular, I want to say that my wife and I were present for the entire (brief) time while the vehicle was stuck and that during that entire time we can say with confidence that Aubrey acted in a 100% professional and appropriate manner. Not for a moment during that time did I feel unsafe or frightened. If you want more details from me about this, please feel free to contact me. On the other hand, if the hypersensitive lady never did register a complaint to you than do feel free to completely ignore these comments.
I have also sent an email to Norman Carr regarding this." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"The best sundowner ever!"
In Kakuli, with Aubrey, our guide, we had a nice morning walk, where we tracked, hearing her roaring, a lioness, and also two very nice night drives, where we are able to spot leopards, lions, hyenas, giraffes, porcupines, civets and many other animals. But the best thing was the sundowner of our last night in South Luangwa: Glen organized this at a lagoon, where we arrived just for the sunset, a wonderful african sunset in a fantastic location, where we had drinks and popcorn prepared directly on the fire! Definitely the best way to end our safari! Thanks Glen and all the staff!
But the Valley had for us a last surprise on the way from Kakuli to the airport, where I spotted a leopard hanging on a branch of a tree just on the road: a nice way to say goodbye to South Luangwa!" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
The MD of N Carr (Dave) paid a brief visit and we mentioned to him that we felt that the camps were super and that the food had improved enormously in quality in the last five years.
Our cabin was excellent but the Thatch (roof) came down so low that very shortly after arrival I walked into it and had to have various bits of elephant grass removed from my (bald) head by Ann." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"We loved Kakuli"
Like Kapani, the food was delicious and we were again astonished at how so much is achieved in this remote location. Our guides Aubrey and Laurence were superb, and delivered surprising and thrilling game trips: we will never forget being within a couple of metres from two lionesses hiding from us in the bushes!
We hadn't realised we would be able to do so much walking in the bush at this time of year: the balance between boating and walking was perfect. We simply love everything about Kakuli and its staff." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"Great location, over-protective."
Again camp safety arrangements OTT with (eg) staff over-reacting to risk from elephant not behaving in threatening manner (chasing with brooms does tend to elicit a charge) and escort back to room at night (we were not allowed out on our own) 'panicking' when we saw an elephant minding its own business, not on our route, quietly browsing, and hurrying back to find the scout.
Finally got our own guide in a sensible group size." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
Our guide Aubrey was again excellent. We went on a few walking safaris with him and they were the most intersting of all of the camps we stayed at. He had a good understanding of nature. I liked the fact that at both Norman Carr camps the same guide stayed with you. I also liked the fact that a park ranger came with us out in the bush on each excurision.
The camp is in a beautiful location and the central lodge or meeting area is idyllic. I also think we saw the best game here: pride of 12, leopard making a kill, python wrapped around a dead impala. Hippos were in abundance here and the tents provided great views of them. On the walkign safari we got close to zebra, an elpephant, a hippo, and also saw a lioness chase 2 impalas.
Another plus for this camp is that you are truly out in the bush and apart from the other jeep at the camp that is all we saw. You are in the park here and have easy access where as at Kapani you have to drive into the park and also share the game with lots of other camps. The food at Kapani was slighlty better but both offered great salads. But if one has never been on safari and wants electricity, perhaps this is not the place for them." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
"Lions at Kakuli"
Our guide, Aubrey, was fantastic. The way he brought everything together from the animals, birds, habitat, reasons behind animal behaviour, he made the walking safari just as exciting as the game drives by way of showing signs and tracks of the animals themselves.
A pride of lions (about 10 including a male) was sighted, all very full, sleepy and contented (a bit like us really!!). Thanks Aubrey.
Food was first class, yet again. Emanuel, one of the front of house staff, was brilliant, taught us one or two Zambian words, which greatly amused him and Michael.
We felt accommodation was good overall, but certainly not clean. Little disappointed on arrival to note that the toilet seat was totally split into two pieces and didnot appear to have been cleaned for a while. If a thorough cleaning had taken place the toilet seat would have been immediately noticed as broken. The hand basin again had not seen a good clean for quite a while, ground in dirt around taps and basin. Once we had alerted Robin to the broken toilet seat it was replaced quickly, but should never have been left in that state.
A perfect camp for exceptional bird sightings." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
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