Rated the most luxurious bush camp in South Luangwa by people in the know, Mchenja certainly packs all the ingredients you’ll look for if you’re seeking a memorable safari experience.
The location is beautiful, an ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River (mchenja is the local word for ebony by the way.) The activities on offer are top drawer, particularly the walking safaris. And the camp is small and intimate, with the team determined to look after your every need and accommodation that offers a combination of amazing views and unquestionable comfort (including a Victorian bathtub).
To top it all, it’s a camp that’s solar powered, reducing its impact on the local environment. And if you want to share your safari experience with your child/children, youngsters of any age are welcome to stay here. Although it’s worth knowing there’s no Wi-Fi or phone signal in camp. None whatsoever.
There are just 5 safari rooms at Mchenja, one of which is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom family room.
Large windows are cut into the grass walls which support a thatched roof. Your bed can be a kingsize or twins as you prefer. Your ensuite bathroom is open air, although it has high thatched walls so you can shower or recline in the Victorian style tub in style and privacy and still see the river.
Star of the show here is a fallen mchenja tree around which the main camp is arranged. With only 5 tents, each sleeping a maximum of 2 guests, this is a camp that never gets overcrowded. So you’ll have no problem finding a seat in the lounge or library, and you won’t have to wait long to give the camp team your order from the menu in the dining room or the drinks list in the bar. Breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners are served, and the team are flexible about where you enjoy them, with tables both inside and outside.
A plunge pool is a refreshing addition to the main camp, and at the end of each day, the camp fire area is a major draw for guests wanting to feel the warmth of the flickering flames and share details of their adventures with fellow camp mates.
Morning, afternoon and night safari drives are offered here, each a chance to track and photograph big cats – chiefly leopard and lion - as well as buffalo and elephant that are often seen in large herds in this part of the world.
Bird watchers might like to know that this is one of the top places in the area to see carmine bee-eaters at specific times of year, with wildlife hides dotted about camp making spotting them and other wildlife easier and less intrusive.
The walking safaris offered in the reserve are ranked among the best in Africa, and you can trek from here to a sister camp if that’s on your itinerary. For an extra fee, you can also book a sleep out under the stars.
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
