Overview

Luwi Camp, nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, is close to a permanent hippo and croc filled lagoon. It is situated deep in the heart of the National Park, on the dynamic seasonal Luwi River after which it is named. The area is extremely remote with no other camps or people for many miles around.

Due to the remote location it’s the perfect camp for walking safaris. The wildlife in the area is prolific and memories of the experience of tracking big game on foot last a lifetime. Walks can be complemented by game drives and explorations upriver to discover the source of the Luwi or to find the elusive Roan antelope or reed buck, eland and hartebeest which are almost never see in other parts of the Park. 

The rooms, which are built each season using natural materials, blend into the bush and are simple yet extremely comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and “all day” hot showers. With the emphasis on the use of natural materials in its construction, this camp is one of the most traditional of all of the Luangwa safari camps but still offers high levels of comfort and service.

Daytime meals are served in the shade of the mahogany trees, and dinner is taken under the stars accompanied by the many sounds of the Zambian night.

There is a large hippo filled lagoon close by with a ‘hide’ for guests to watch the animals unnoticed high above the water. Walking safaris from camp usually finish here with sundowners, watching the sunset over a landscape unchanged for thousands of years. This permanent water source attracts wildlife from far and wide making the camp area constantly busy with animals.

The Luwi area is famous for its lions and the thrill of tracking them on foot is an experience not to be missed. Typically your day will start early around the camp fire when you will discuss the noises and animals heard through the night. Your morning walking safari is likely to take three to four hours returning you to camp in time for a hearty brunch. If you are transferring to Nsolo Bush Camp from Luwi then you will pack your bags in the morning and set off on foot finishing your safari at Nsolo where you will find a cool drink waiting, brunch on the table and your bags in your room. However, if you are remaining at Luwi, then you can relax in the afternoon, viewing the wildlife attracted by the lagoon, before a further safari later in the day.

Luwi was one of the South Luangwa National Park's first remote safari camps. Norman and Adrian sited the camp back in the 1980s and today this camp epitomizes the legacy of Norman Carr. The camp barely has an impact on the environment being built with natural materials and dismantled at the end of each season. Brian Mukumbuta is the guide / Camp Manager here and listening to his stories around the camp fire is a highlight of any Luangwa safari.