Rating: Deluxe
Mchenja Bush Camp is a seasonal camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. It is named after the ebony ('mchenja' in the local dialect) trees that surrounf it. Five stylishly-designed walk in safari tents overlook the river and nestle under a grove of ancient ebony trees - Mchenja means ebony tree. Each tent has an en-suite shower and inside bath.
There is a main area is under thatch and houses the bar and lounge, although most meals are enjoyed under the canopy of the magnificent trees outside. The camp has a plunge pool, alongside the bar and lounge areas, where guests can relax.
Game drives and walking safaris are offered. The latter are not strenuous, generally lasting between 3 and 5 hours and are led by a fully qualified guide.
Open: Mchenja Bush Camp is open from mid-May till early November each year. It is owned and run by Norman Carr Safaris (NCS).
Location: The camp is in South Luangwa National Park, situated on the banks of the Luangwa River, about a 2 hour game-viewing drive from Mfuwe airport.
Rooms: There are 5 tents, octagonal in shape, all with en-suite bathrooms with shower, hand basin and flush toilet all open to the air and including a full size bathtub overlooking the river.
Activities: There is a choice of game drives, including night drives, and walking safaris at Mchenja. This is a good area for bird watching, too, with species including the colourful carmine bee eaters. A stay at Mchenja combines well with other NCS properties.
Facilities: There’s a chitenje (communal area) has been constructed around old ebony trees, with plenty of sofas and chairs, a library of reference books, dining area and a bar. Outside there’s a deck and a plunge pool.
Dining: Meals are eaten communally, with breakfast by the river, brunch usually eaten in the chitemje and dinner out in the open within sight of the river. Private meals can be arranged on request.
Children: Children aged 12 years and over are welcome, though there are no special activities for children. The camp is unfenced so children need to be kept under supervision at all times.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is no Wi-Fi internet access or mobile coverage. Mchenja Bush Camp is in radio contact with the other NCS camps and the main lodge, Kapani.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful and beguiling South Luangwa Valley with daily walking and 4x4 safaris.
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0"A wonderful location and accommodation. Guiding and management here were first-class."