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In a site hand-picked by one of Zambia's top guides, Jacob Shawa, this tiny camp packs a real punch. With just four tents overlooking the Luangwa River, you'll be completely immersed in wilderness – especially when you leave your tent flaps up! Shawa Camp works closely with the local community; many members were involved in its construction and now form part of the team. Expert guides will lead your explorations by game vehicle or on foot (this is the land of walking safaris, after all) and you'll have ample chance to see the South Luangwa's megafauna including incredible sightings of hippo and leopard.
From $760 person/night
The feeling of being totally in tune with nature at all times – and the views are utterly sublime.
The camp can be booked exclusively, which essentially means you'll have the pool, chefs and guides all to yourself.
Shawa Camp has an age limit of nine years old (and only children over 12 can join walking safaris), so young families will need to look elsewhere.
Tucked amongst the lush treeline on the eastern banks of the Luangwa River, the main camp enjoys fantastic views of passing wildlife (elephants are especially fond of this route). The dining area is open and breezy with pretty adornments, and hearty meals are served at a communal table. The camp is completely unfenced and the infinity pool and firepit sit at the edge of its invisible boundary. The main boma also has a fully-stocked bar where you can grab something chilled to sip on as you enjoy an armchair safari.
Shawa Camp has a trio of 'couples' tents and a spacious family tent, all raised on a wooden platform facing the riverfront and its pods of snorting hippo. The tents are all A-line and can open up entirely on three sides, perfectly framing the view. The interiors are simple with a double or twin bed configuration, but the star of the show is the sunken bathtub. The family tent is made up of two tents separate by a platform and each has its own bathroom.
Explore the great South Luangwa, either on a walking safari or in a game vehicle under the wing of one of the camp's expert guides. Shawa also offers the first silent safaris in the South Luangwa thanks to the solar-powered electric vehicles. The game viewing is excellent all year round and sightings include leopard, elephant and huge pods of hippo. You can also get involved in one of the many conservation initiatives supported by the camp. When you're not safari-ing, enjoy a dip in the pool.
Shawa Luangwa Camp is owned by Green Safaris which is committed to protecting Africa's pristine ecosystems, wildlife, and communities through sustainable tourism. Guests directly contribute to conservation efforts, empowering both wildlife and people. The Green Safaris Conservation Foundation supports various projects focusing on education, sustainability, conservation, and community development. Guests are invited to join hands in nurturing positive change, fostering a deeper connection with Africa's natural heritage.
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South Luangwa National Park has the deserved reputation as one of Africa's best game viewing destinations. A diverse mix of habitats and oxbow lagoons attract a variety of wildlife species. Encounter vast herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra and an assortment of antelope. However, it is the predators of South Luangwa that produce the most excitement with lion and leopard in abundance and wild dog present in the area.
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