Amanzi Camp
Amanzi Camp is a remote tented lodge set on the steep banks of the Zambezi’s Ngwenya channel, in the central/eastern Lower Zambezi National Park.
Amanzi Camp is a very exclusive and comfortable tented lodge which will appeal to those who enjoy small, quiet camps and a high level of comfort. The tented accommodation is really very spacious and luxurious, and very tastefully furnished. The camp has a beautiful location with an elevated position and lovely views, and it has a very relaxed feel. With its swimming pool overlooking the river it is certainly the kind of place where you can ‘slow down’ and spend time relaxing in camp. The camp is run efficiently, the food is good and the staff and guides are very friendly and competent, however Amanzi would not be our first suggestion if a key priority was to enjoy a hosted, social camp atmosphere as meals tend to be individually served (though they are flexible when guests decide to join together). The area around camp, mainly to the west, is very productive for game viewing and as with all camps in the Lower Zambezi, the range of activities on offer is fantastic.
Rooms
Amanzi accommodates a maximum of 8 guests in four spacious tents raised off the ground on wooden decks. Each tent is reached by a wooden walkway and overlooks the Ngwenya channel and a large island beyond. Two of the tents have been built closer together and are linked by an enclosed walkway (about 5 meters long) which means they can be combined to create a two bedroomed family unit. All four tents are spacious and very comfortably furnished with a private outdoor deck (with swing chairs and a table and chairs), 24 hour lighting and en suite plumbed facilities including a flush toilet, indoor plumbed shower and double vanity. There are ceiling and standing fans in the rooms, a small sitting area and a fridge.
Central Areas
The central bar, lounge and dining areas are cosy with wonderful views, and steps lead down to a swimming pool, sun deck and camp fire area. The camp is very smart but maintains an intimate bush atmosphere.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
The Lower Zambezi National Park follows the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi River and offers a wonderful mix of miombo, mopane and acacia woodland interspersed with open plains and thick riverine forest.
Along the river, hippo are everywhere, snorting away in their ‘pods’, whilst crocodiles bask in the shallows awaiting their next meal as animals come down to quench their thirst. Elephants are numerous too and can often be seen crossing channels in the Zambezi to reach islands where they can feed peacefully. Buffalo stir up the dust as they approach the river to drink, whilst kudu, eland, zebra, impala, bushbuck and waterbuck graze the sweet grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods. Lion and leopard are the main predators, with leopard incredibly successful in the park and seen very regularly. Wild dog roam through the area, whilst spotted hyaena and side-striped jackals are never far from the action. Night drives can reveal the nocturnal species such as honey badger, porcupine, genet, civet, aardvark and even pangolin. The birdlife is spectacular, with both waterfowl and woodland species in abundance. During the late dry season (late August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the rivers providing a colourful spectacle.
Activities
Amanzi offers game drives (by day and by night), guided walking safaris (limited and should be booked in advance), boat cruises, fishing and canoeing. Sightseeing down to the Mupata Gorge can be arranged.
Seasons
Amanzi is open between May and mid-November, though the best game viewing will usually be experienced between July and October.
Children of 12 years and above are accepted at Amanzi Camp, and their family unit is perfect for families provided the children are old enough to have their own tent. In general Amanzi will best suit families with older children who are active and keen to enjoy the variety of activities on offer.
Amanzi support Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), which, as the name suggests, works to conserve the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounding areas. Their support is both financial and logistical by backing up the anti-poaching teams. They deploy seven scouts on the Western boundaries of the park in conjunction with CLZ and The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) resulting in a drop in poaching in the area.
The camp itself was built using ecological building methods and designed around the trees. It is carbon neutral and working with BioCarbon Partners, a forest conservation company, they have purchased carbon credits from the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project, working to protect their natural habitat. Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project helps the Zambian farmers improve their livelihoods and protect forests whilst creating a safe haven for wildlife.
