Chamilandu
Chamilandu is an exclusive bush lodge overlooking the Luangwa River in the southern part of the South Luangwa National Park.
Chamilandu is a gorgeous little camp that offers a really exclusive and intimate bush experience. The camp has a stunning setting overlooking the Luangwa River, with the beautiful Chindeni Hills in the background, and with just three tree-house chalets the atmosphere is relaxed and exclusive. The team who look after you are proficient and caring, and whilst Chamilandu does not try to be ‘five star’ the levels of food and personal service are not far off. The accommodation is also very comfortable, with sophisticated interiors whilst also offering an adventurous feel due to the open-fronted nature of the tree-houses, and the open air bathrooms. The central areas have sandy floors which adds to the authentic bush ambience. The area close to Chamilandu is very good for game viewing, but will be most appreciated by visitors who are interested in birds as well as big game, and keen to walk as well as drive (there are better areas of the park to visit if your priority is purely big game photography and game drives). Chamilandu is a real gem, especially if you enjoy very small, exclusive camps.
Rooms
Chamilandu caters for just six guests in three chalets (one of which is a king bed and the other twin with two queen size beds) all of which face the river and are built off the ground on wooden stilts. Each chalet is open fronted (with shutters that can be put in place and closed in the evening) and comfortably furnished with a contemporary African design. The bedroom area has twin or king four poster bed with mosquito net and extended deck to the front of the room with chairs to sit and relax and enjoy the views. The en suite bathroom is also open fronted as well as open air with double shower, twin vanity and flush loo. Lighting in the evenings is provided by solar powered lanterns at the bedsides and in the bathroom, which adds to the safari ambience.
Central Areas
The central areas have sandy floors and are set under thatch on the cliff top overlooking the river. There is an open plan bar, lounge and dining area, as well as an outside camp fire area which can also be used for ‘al fresco’ dining.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – No
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – No
Habitat & Wildlife
The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most scenic and game-rich National Parks. Forming part of the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, the wide valley floor is about 1,000ft lower than the surrounding plateau and through the centre flows the Luangwa River which is fed by dozens of sand rivers during the rainy season, causing it to become a raging torrent. It frequently alters its course from season to season, causing many ox-bow lakes to form. These lakes are very important to the ecology of the valley and account for the high carrying capacity of the park.
Elephant, although slightly smaller than their southern African savannah counterparts, are plentiful, as are buffalo (in huge herds), kudu, waterbuck, puku, impala, bushbuck, warthog, and reedbuck. Thornicrofts giraffe (endemic to the region) are commonly seen and the Cookson’s wildebeest can be seen in the northern sector of the park. Along the river hippo can be seen in their hundreds, in the late dry season packed into ever decreasing water pools, whilst huge crocs laze on the many sand banks. However, the park is perhaps best known for its predator populations, in particular lion and leopard, the latter of which are seen regularly by day and at night. Wild dogs have made a good comeback in the park in recent years and are often sighted. Night drives can also be very productive, with nocturnal species such as civet, genet, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, African wild cat, spotted hyaena and porcupine regularly seen in addition to the many superb leopard sightings.
The birdlife of the Luangwa is equally exceptional, with over half of the total Zambia species (around 700) being recorded here. Commonly sighted species include crowned crane, carmine- and white-fronted bee-eaters (which nest in the banks of the river from late August onwards), Lilian’s lovebird, purple-crested turaco, paradise whydah, striped kingfisher and the impressive saddlebill storks. Pel’s fishing are also regularly seen.
Activities
Chamilandu was originally developed as a walking camp, and there is still a strong focus on walking with morning walks being offered each day. Afternoons are often set aside for relaxed afternoon game drives which extend into a night drive after sunset drinks. However, increasingly guests have required morning game drives and these days many guests focus more on driving then walking, so it is possible to stay at Chamilandu without walking at all! We suggest that Chamilandu is best suited to guests who wish to mix driving and walking.
Seasons
Chamilandu is open from June to October, though game viewing and walking conditions will be best from July onwards.
Chamilandu is not an obvious choice for families with children under 12 years old. However, for families with older teenage children who are adventurous, Chamilandu could be a really perfect family property, especially for a family of 6 who could take the whole camp exclusively.
The Bush Camp Company, operators of Chamilandu, financially support conservation in South Luangwa through a mandatory Luangwa Conservation & Community Fee that each guest is charged per night and which is shared between conservation and community projects.
They are supporters of three local wildlife organisations; Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. These organisations work to conserve their natural environment.
The Bushcamp Company supports Mfuwe Day School, Chiwawatala Primary School and Chilongozi Primary School. Through donations they have assisted in a range of areas from sponsoring pupils and initiating school feeding programmes to building of classrooms and giving access to clean water by drilling bore holes. They also operate an Education Fund which, through donations, ensures that required resources are given to specific pupils during their education.
