They call it the gateway to the Kafue National Park because it stands on the edge of this magnificent region of Zambia. In fact, you just have to cross the Kafue River and you’re in what’s regarded as Zambia’s finest national park.
Mukambi is open all year round, and compared with many of the other camps you’ll find deeper in the park, this is big and easy to get to, located just off the main road from the capital Lusaka.
Its location means many safari enthusiasts make this their first port of call on their Kafue adventure, seeing it as a chance to dip their toes into Zambian safaris before taking the plunge into the more remote and wildlife-rich areas of this beautiful country.
The buildings at Mukambi are made from a combination of stone, wood, concrete and thatch. There are 13 rooms here and a villa. 9 of the rooms (called chalets in most of the promo literature) have been around for a while and are showing their age – although there’s no questioning the comfort and convenience they provide as well as their value for money. There’s an ensuite bathroom, a double or 2 single beds and an outside terrace area. One of the units is double-size, so ideal for a family.
In recent years, a quartet of bigger safari style tents have joined the set-up here, each of these with a more contemporary open plan layout. They have a kingsize bed which can be configured as twins if you prefer, and the units make the most of their riverside location, featuring private decks with those all-important waterside views.
Topping the lot in terms of style and size is the Riverside Villa, it’s name telling you all you need to know about its location. Inside, there are 2 ensuite bedrooms plus a living room linked to a deck area. It’s favoured by families and small groups of friends.
It seems wherever there’s a place to stop and relax in Mukambi, there’s a view of the river to enjoy. That’s certainly the case in the multi-level central area of camp, which boasts a fair few viewing decks that’ll give you a different angle on the water. Keep an eye out for the local hippo that likes to sleep in the sun.
The restaurant is bigger than most to cater for the number of people who could be in camp at any one time. And after eating, guests tend to head for the lounge which has a bar and a roaring fire in the evenings. Earlier in the day, the infinity pool is a popular place to cool off.
Early risers will want to reserve their place aboard a 4x4 for the first safari of the day. There’s another leaving in the late afternoon which allows you to experience the national park after dark. Both expeditions last around 4 hours and are well worth your time.
You’ll likely be driven into the Chunga area where elephant and buffalo are known to roam. More recently, as conservation efforts begin to bear fruit, it’s become more common to see leopard and lion, cheetah and even wild dog too.
River cruises, birdwatching and walking safaris are also offered by the team in camp, and you can go fishing, although pros are advised to bring their own equipment, as only the basics are offered.
As the lodge’s owners have a close connection with the Mukambi Community School, you can also arrange a visit to the education establishment if that’s something that will be of interest to you.
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