Kaingo Camp

Chalets

Kaingo Camp has five chalets set along the banks of the Luangwa River, each one spaced out to allow for a good level of privacy.

The chalets are built from brick and thatch and are spacious and comfortable, with large sliding doors opening out onto the river. Fly-screened windows allow for airflow while keeping the rooms practical, and each chalet is centred around a king-size bed with views straight onto the Luangwa.

Bathrooms are en-suite with an indoor shower, and each chalet also has an outdoor bathtub positioned to overlook the river.

A key feature here is the private deck in front of each room, set right on the river’s edge. From here it is common to see hippos, elephants and other wildlife coming down to drink throughout the day.

There is also a veranda area which can be used for private dining if preferred.

The First House

The First House is Kaingo’s Deluxe Suite, set further away from the main area and offering a higher level of privacy and space.

The suite is larger than the standard chalets and includes a main bedroom with en-suite indoor shower and toilet, as well as a separate lounge area with additional bathroom facilities. The layout provides a comfortable setup for guests wanting more room to relax.

Outside, there is a large private deck overlooking the Luangwa River, along with an outdoor bathtub and shower, all positioned to take advantage of the setting.

Stays at The First House are fully inclusive and run on a private basis, with a dedicated guide and vehicle, as well as butler service and the option for private dining.

It works particularly well for couples looking for a more private stay, but can also suit families wanting additional space while remaining within the Kaingo camp environment.

Elephant Hide Starbed

The Elephant Hide Star Bed at Kaingo Camp offers a unique sleep-out experience, designed for guests wanting a closer connection to the bush.

Set on an elevated platform overlooking the Luangwa River, the Star Bed is positioned to take in both the river and surrounding wildlife activity. The setup includes a king-size bed under a mosquito net, along with basic facilities such as a wash basin and a nearby bush toilet. Lighting is kept minimal, using lanterns, to maintain the overall atmosphere.

The experience is operated as an add-on for guests staying at Kaingo Camp and is located a short drive from the main lodge. Guests are escorted to and from the platform by a guide, typically after dinner, with collection the following morning.

An armed scout remains nearby throughout the night for safety.

This camp was built in ’93 and has changed little since, the rooms are brick and thatch set amid dense vegetation on a high part of the riverbank. The area behind camp is most interesting, it comprises of several ebony groves with channels running through them, in the wetter months these channels connect the main Luangwa with the Mwamba river and are wonderful to explore by boat but in the drier months, when Kaingo is open, they are home to numerous buck and a good number of leopard.

Derek Shenton has built several hides which have become a feature of this camp, it all started with a wonderful Hippo hide cut into the river bank up-stream of camp, guests can sit in here for an hour or so and be right up close and personal with the large pod of hippo that live on that bend in the river. This hide has recently been complimented by an elephant hide and also one close to a carmine colony which is a true spectacle in September and October when these brightly coloured birds are nesting.

The camp opens on the 20th of May and closes at the end of October, it sleeps 12 guests in 6 chalets and the transfer time from Mfuwe Airport is about 2 hours but this is often extended as the drive from the main gate of the National Park to Kaingo Camp is one of the best game-drives on offer in the Luangwa.

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