This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp
Mwamba Bushcamp

Reviews of Mwamba Bushcamp

Wildlife sightings and reviews

160 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Mwamba Bushcamp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jun-2018, 48 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Mwamba Bushcamp.
Lion

100% success

Leopard

96% success

Wild dog

49% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Buffalo

98% success

Zebra

98% success

Wildebeest

92% success

Spotted Hyena

91% success

Eland

32% success

Roan antelope

15% success

Sable antelope

3% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Showing 11-20 of 160
Duration
Arrival date
Mr & Mrs S
UK

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

3 nights Arrived 26 Sep 2023
"Mwamba remains dear to our hearts. It is best towards the end of the dry season when animals particularly appreciate the waterhole as an alternative to the main river. The hide allows for eye level photography as animal come in to drink.

As Zambia had had good rains this year, it was not quite as productive as in previous years but still well worth visiting. Love the drums calling us to meals.

We enjoyed the bird life as the migrants started to arrive, particularly the Southern Carmine Bee-eaters nesting.

Treated to another Wild Dog sighting on our last day, just yards from camp." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

10 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

7 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

8 sightings

Wild dog

10 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Mr & Mrs J
Chepstow

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

2 nights Arrived 21 Sep 2023
"Mwamba was a delight. A lovely, small camp with a very relaxed feel and excellent staff. A bull elephant nearly joined us at the dinner table" See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wild dog

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr A.
United Kingdom

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

3 nights Arrived 21 Sep 2023
"Great ambience at the camp.

Emma is the perfect host. She is extremely personable, so hard working and determined to do all she can to make the stay as good as possible. A total delight to meet." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

10 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

10 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

7 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wild dog

4 sightings

Wildebeest

10 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Ms D
Ireland

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

4 nights Arrived 18 Aug 2023
"Perfectly run bushcamp!

When looking at which camp to choose in South Luangwa, I loved Expert Africa's description "small, remote personal camp with its own hide" and it did not disappoint.

The tents are very comfortable - the gauzed skylights are a very nice touch. Warm welcome by Emma and the thoughtful team.

I was guided by pleasant and knowledgeable Yoram. The food is fresh (they have their own vegetable garden in Mfuwe) and delicious.

The game drives may have been a little quiet at times, but the quality of the sightings were very good (including Cookson's wildebeest, the female leopard "Chipeduza" killing a big male impala in broad day light, the cheeky elephant Dennis in camp and a pride of lions coming to drink at the water hole in front of the hide)." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

2 sightings

Lion

3 sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Tom & Lise
NC USA

"Mwamba Bushcamp and Star Bed - Leopards "

2 nights Arrived 22 Jul 2023
"Mwamba Bushcamp was comfortable and well appointed.

There was still moderate water available when we visited, so the last waterhole hide offered more bird watching than mammals, but the white fronted bee eaters were a pleasure to watch and photograph.

The area around Mwamba has three resident leopards who are more relaxed around jeeps and lounge or hunt with little regard for the jeeps offering exciting and frequent viewing. We were also able to observe lions from two different prides

The rooms are comfortable with hot water always available for showers. The roof has screened openings for unrivaled star gazing before sleep finally overtakes you.

We spent our second night at the Star Bed. A dinner was prepared for us at the Star Bed and was intimate and delicious. We felt very safe and very comfortable in the star bed and while the stars earn the name, it was th predawn light and sunrise which were the most memorable.

The following morning we elected to hike from the Star Bed to Kaingo. The early morning was rich with the whooping of wild dogs and our guide Elias was actually able to mimic their call and bring them to us for an exciting encounter when 3 wild dogs emerged from the brush, stood a moment and then trotted away.

The wild dogs were also trailed by two hyenas. The rest of the hike was rich with spore and tracks which our guide would identify and help us to learn to identify for ourselves." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wild dog

1 sighting

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr & Mrs C
Berwick

"Easy pickings for the lions"

5 nights Arrived 26 Oct 2022
"Mwamba feels very remote and a big plus is that it has its own hide overlooking a waterhole which draws animals and birds when water is scarce. It was certainly very dry generally, with the Luangwa river low and able to be crossed by many animals. Drives often involved being close to the river, which was very beautiful, especially early and late in the day. Travelling to Zambia at this time of year is always going to be hot and on one notable afternoon the thermometer hit 44C.

The parched earth had lots of cracks which led to the downfall of a buffalo from a herd stalked in a most impressive way for an hour by seven lionesses. It tripped and broke its leg with fatal consequences. Another area with just a little water in the mud claimed two further buffalo that got stuck and made for more easy pickings for the felines. In fact lions were plentiful though leopard sightings much more scarce. However we did see three Luangwa specialities Thornicoft giraffe, Crawshay's zebra and Cookson's wildebeest.

The camp was closing for the season just after we left and we felt there was a bit of "school's out", particularly in the room housekeeping. However the food here was exceptional in its deliciousness and variety. One highlight not involving animals was the star bed. We LOVED it. If you get the chance it is a must!" See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr D.
Bristol

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

3 nights Arrived 20 Oct 2022
"A high quality Bush Camp.

Rooms are slightly basic/rustic but still absolutely fine. The Hide is an absolute gem.

Great hospitality by the whole team and excellent food." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report

Buffalo

Multiple sightings

Elephant

Multiple sightings

Giraffe

Multiple sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

Multiple sightings

Lion

Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena

Multiple sightings

Wildebeest

Multiple sightings

Zebra

Multiple sightings

Mr & Mrs S
Aberdeen

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

5 nights Arrived 18 Oct 2022
"Mwamba Bush Camp is one of our favourite places. The location, the staff and its waterhole were all excellent. Again, nothing was too much trouble to ensure we had the best stay possible.

The accommodation was excellent. The overnight in the star bed, with a bush dinner, was one of the highlights of the trip.

Wildlife sightings were, again, excellent with mammals and birds taking advantage of the camp, its surrounds and "the last waterhole"." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

9 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

7 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

6 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

6 sightings

Wildebeest

10 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Mr & Mrs S
UK

"Love this bush camp"

4 nights Arrived 1 Oct 2022
"We love Mwamba. It is everything that a bush camp should be. Our four nights here were full of interest.

On the first night a male Leopard had stashed a Baboon kill in the tree opposite our chalet and the Hyenas were keen to share in the meal. The hide at the camp's waterhole was a great place to observe Red-billed Queleas, Blue Waxbills and Red-billed Firefinches hastily drinking before the resident Crocodile could snatch one of them.

We also witnessed Lions, a Leopard, Elephants and Impala coming to quench their thirst. Later the Lions killed a lone Elephant calf (the mother was nowhere to be seen for some reason). The Lions retained possession of the kill despite the Hyenas' presence. The Vultures had to be very patient for their turn.

Eventually the young male from the MK pride was chased away by two of the Hollywood pride males who had heard roaring and came to see off the upstart." See all these reviews: 21n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

1 sighting

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

4 sightings

Hippo

Multiple sightings

Leopard

7 sightings

Lion

10 sightings

Spotted Hyena

10 sightings

Wildebeest

10 sightings

Zebra

10 sightings

Mr & Ms S
Wimbledon

"Mwamba Bushcamp review"

3 nights Arrived 25 Sep 2022
"Although the number of guests is only a little lower than at Kaingo Camp, the feel is more intimate, the location more remote and there is just one manager, the relatively young, but willing Maddie hosting meals. Nonetheless helpful and friendly staff are on hand to serve at meals and together with the guides to serve at the open air bar and to accompany guests to and from the hide, with cooks and other staff behind the scenes.

The enclosed but largely open air bathroom facilities are part of the rustic atmosphere but slightly challenging for guests who are not couples - we managed nevertheless.

Our able guide James was very friendly as was everyone.

The hide is marvellous, being located in front of a lagoon, an opportunity to see and photo animals at very close quarters between drives or as an alternative. We saw buffalo, impala, warthogs and ellies drinking from the water’s edge and in the water.

Unsurprisingly there is a degree of overlap with Kaingo Camp in the terrain covered and animals viewed, particularly with information shared to enable viewing favourites such as leopards, lions and ellies, all of which were plentiful.

From Mwamba we particularly enjoyed visits to the very shallow at this time Pelican Lake with its storks, spoonbills and other water birds, and family groups of elephants drinking from and wading through the water, the younger calves with a little difficulty, and enjoying cooling mud baths." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report

Buffalo

5 sightings

Elephant

10 sightings

Giraffe

8 sightings

Hippo

10 sightings

Leopard

8 sightings

Lion

8 sightings

Spotted Hyena

6 sightings

Wildebeest

6 sightings

Zebra

8 sightings

Showing 11-20 of 160
99%
160 reviews of Mwamba Bushcamp by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
152
8
0
0
0
Filter by month

Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia

From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Other lodges in South Luangwa National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Tafika

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.


98% (340 reviews)
Nkwali

Nkwali

On the banks of the Luangwa River, with its own access to the national park, the intimate Nkwali is open year round.


97% (252 reviews)
Kaingo Camp

Kaingo Camp

Small and owner-run, the riverside Kaingo occupies a a quiet but excellent game area, with a series of wildlife hides and a focus on photography.


97% (221 reviews)
Nsefu

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.


98% (203 reviews)
Tena Tena

Tena Tena

One of the Luangwa's best camps, in a beautiful, remote bush location, Tena Tena is very small, exceedingly well-run and has top-rate guiding.


95% (160 reviews)
Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp

Chikoko Tree Camp is an excellent small, rustic bushcamp that concentrates on walking safaris, and is run by a top-quality operation.


99% (126 reviews)
Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp

Big Lagoon Camp is a great little rustic bushcamp built to high standards that focuses on excellent walking safaris, with the emphasis on top wildlife guides.


98% (101 reviews)
Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Camp

Luangwa River Lodge is a small and consciously stylish lodge in the Mfuwe area, overlooking the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park beyond – an area renowned for great game.


97% (82 reviews)
Flatdogs Camp

Flatdogs Camp

A relatively big safari camp, Flatdogs offers value for money with great guiding and good food in a comfortable, relaxed setting.


98% (78 reviews)
Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge

Kapani Lodge is now the main office base for Norman Carr Safaris, one of the Luangwa's oldest safari operations.


95% (78 reviews)
Mchenja Bushcamp

Mchenja Bushcamp

Set in a shady ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa, Mchenja is a smart tented bushcamp. It combines well with Kakuli and Nsolo – its sister camps with a focus on walking safaris.


98% (71 reviews)
Kakuli Bushcamp

Kakuli Bushcamp

Beside the Luangwa River, Kakuli is a comfortable tented bushcamp offering 4WD safaris and walking safaris – the best of which are camp-to-camp walks linking Kakuli with its nearby sister camps.


97% (66 reviews)
Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo Bushcamp

Nsolo is a small, comfortable bushcamp overlooking one or two pools in the usually dry Luwi riverbed. It concentrates on walking safaris in an interesting and diverse area, led by a knowledgeable guide.


97% (55 reviews)
Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta River Lodge

Kafunta is a laid-back, friendly and good-value lodge on the outskirts of South Luangwa National Park.


96% (45 reviews)
Luwi Bushcamp

Luwi Bushcamp

In a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi is a rustic bushcamp whose emphasis is on walking safaris with great guiding and a chance of seeing some rarely seen and elusive antelope.


93% (39 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris bush-camp

Robin Pope bush-camp

RPS bushcamping in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia


99% (30 reviews)
Lion Camp

Lion Camp

Lion Camp is an established and comfortable camp with a swimming pool, located near to the game-rich Lion Plain in the northern part of South Luangwa National Park.


95% (30 reviews)
Robin Pope Safaris Mobile Safari Camp

Robin Pope mobile

RPS mobile safari camps are at the heart of their set-itinerary walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park, which start and finish at a permanent camp.


98% (25 reviews)
Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge

Puku Ridge is a luxurious designer camp set in a stunning location, high on a hill overlooking a floodplain within South Luangwa. Explore from here on 4WD safaris and walks.


96% (23 reviews)
Kapamba Bushcamp

Kapamba Bushcamp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Kapamba is a small and very comfortable bushcamp offering good walks and game drives.


95% (20 reviews)
Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge

In a game-rich area close to the South Luangwa’s main Mfuwe Gate, Mfuwe Lodge is relatively large by park standards, but it’s stylish, modern and family friendly.


95% (19 reviews)
Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp

Kuyenda Bushcamp is a classic bushcamp with particularly delightful hosts and offers top-class walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.


99% (16 reviews)
Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House is a vast and very smart four-bedroom house specifically designed for families and small groups, and offering an exclusive and flexible safari experience.


100% (14 reviews)
Three Rivers Camp

Three Rivers Camp

In the remote far south of South Luangwa National Park, Three Rivers Lodge sits at the confluence of three of the valleys rivers.


95% (13 reviews)
Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp

Island Bushcamp is a good-value, rustic, walking-only camp, in arguably one of the most remote parts of the South Luangwa, well away from all other camps.


100% (13 reviews)
Bilimungwe Bushcamp

Bilimungwe Bushcamp

A smart bushcamp with four very spacious chalets, Bilimungwe offers interesting walking safaris in pretty riverine woodland, as well as day and night safari drives.


95% (13 reviews)
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

Opened in early June 2013, Chinzombo offers luxurious and stylish accommodation with very high levels of service and excellent guiding.


98% (13 reviews)
Chindeni

Chindeni

Chindeni Bushcamp is a very modern and minimalist camp, which is a far cry from your traditional bushcamp and unlike most of the other camps in South Luangwa.


97% (12 reviews)
Robin's House

Robin's House

With your own expert guide, private vehicle, chef and valet, the two-bedroom Robin's House offers an exclusive, flexible safari experience – and is open year round.


95% (11 reviews)
Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village

Kawaza Village – beside the South Luangwa National Park, offers guests the rare opportunity to appreciate local village life. Visit for a few hours or stay overnight.


95% (11 reviews)
Chamilandu Bushcamp

Chamilandu Bushcamp

A comfortable little bushcamp, Chamilandu has a picturesque setting by the Luangwa River, in an area with a range of habitats to explore on foot and by 4WD.


100% (6 reviews)
Mwamba Camp-out

Mwamba Camp-out

The Mwamba-Camp Out allows you to have an incredibly adventurous night in the bush, sleeping under mosquito nets with activities led by some of the best guides in Zambia.


92% (5 reviews)
Zungulila

Zungulila

Zungulila is a small, comfortable tented bushcamp with an emphasis on walking safaris, in the remote southern section of the South Luangwa.


93% (3 reviews)
Shawa Luangwa Camp

Shawa Luangwa

Opened in June 2021, Shawa Luangwa Camp is a small, intimate and rustic camp, with a good location in a remote section of the South Luangwa National Park.


93% (3 reviews)
Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

Luwi Riverbed Sleepout

For an adventurous night in South Luangwa National Park, come and sleep out in the bush, around a campfire, with an experienced guide and game scout.


100% (2 reviews)
Chichele Presidential Lodge

Chichele Lodge

Currently in the final stages of an extensive rebuild, Chichele Presidential Lodge stands high within the park, with superb views, and is due to reopen in early 2025.


100% (1 review)
Chikunto Safari Lodge

Chikunto

Chikunto Safari Lodge is a more traditional property in the South Luangwa National Park, sitting on a peninsula of land created by the meandering Luangwa River.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa