Kalamu Walking Trails usually starts with a night at Kalamu Lagoon Camp then walkers are driven to the start point of the trail and follow the line of a river bed for a night at Chinengwe Riverbed Camp then walk the next day to Kalamu Star Beds Camp. These camps are in the private Luamfwa Concession to the far south of South Luangwa National Park.
Kalamu Star-bed Camp is situated in the Luamfwa Concession in the southern sector of the South Luangwa National Park. This unique camp comprises beds under mosquito nets set on three timber platforms raised three metres above the ground. The camp's dining area is set up on the banks of the Luangwa River, with meals served around the fire. Chinengwe Riverbed Camp gives guests the chance to really experience the wilds of Zambia, sleeping under the stars on the open sandy river bed and enjoying the immersion with nature.
On foot you can get up close to all kinds of wildlife and really feel and smell the real Africa. See the little things as well as big mammals, follow tracks in the sand, watch insects at work, learn about the plants and trees, look at the star filled night sky with no light pollution.
The highest concentration of wildlife is around the Luangwa River, with its rich vegetation. Along with large herds of elephant and buffalo, the area includes the Park's dominant antelope species of impala and puku, with other antelope seen including the common waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, kudu, grysbok, oribi, reedbuck, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, sable and roan. Unique species such as Thornicroft's giraffe and Cookson's wildebeest can also be seen. There are also hippo and crocodile, and the main predators are lion, leopard, spotted hyaena and wild dog.
The walking trails camps have no electricity or charging facilities (this has to be done at Kalamu Lagoon Camp), water is imported in from Kalamu Lagoon and hot shower water is heated using a solar powered geyser. Lanterns light the camps at night. Both camps have a fully stocked bar and small selection of wines.
Kalamu Star Bed Camp has 3 'rooms' each with its own bathroom under the platform and the Chinengwe Riverbed Camp and 3 mobile tents with attached ensuite facilities with bucket shower and canvas wash basin to which warm water is delivered.
No laundry facilities are available in these walking trails camps but soap powder is provide should you wish to wash small items.
Photographs courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
