D104, Luambe National Park Zambia
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Secluded in the heart of the Luangwa valley halfway between South and North Luangwa National Parks, Luambe Camp is the only accommodation in Luambe National Park and offers an experience of the Luangwa that is remeniscent of a by-gone era. Our four en-suite luxury safari tents are riverfront, offering spectacular views of the Luangwa River and its abundant wildlife from private decks.
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Free parking
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
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Business Centre with Internet Access
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Romantic
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Luambe Camp is located in the Luambe NP directly on the Luangwa river bank. The camp is for experienced safari tourists who haven´t focus to see the big five. Here you can find the special feeling of being more or less alone in the bush among with wild animals which live their natural lives in balance with nature. The animal are more skittish than in South Luangwa due to the fact that they are not so used to tourists and cars. This camp was recommended by our travel agency and we didn't regret booked our stay for 4 nights.
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Date of stay: October 2019
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A beautiful place to unwind. Especially if you (like me) love hippos and their "songs". The lodge is tastefully decorated and the crew loves to pamper their guests with surprises. The rides and hikes through the national park are always exciting and instructive. I would definitely want to return here on another vacation in Zambia.
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Date of stay: August 2019
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Room Tip: There are 4 really Beautiful tents
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Luambe Camp is the only camp located in the Luambe National Park in Zambia. It is approximately a 3.5-hour road transfer from Mfuwe airport. The drive is a bit tedious, but it is all worth it when you arrive at this brilliant camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Shortly after entering the park we were blessed with a Wild Dog spotting. This was to be a great indication of the experience we were about to receive. It must be noted however that game spotting can be tough as the animals are extremely shy after years of the park not being in use as a tourist destination. As if Wild Dogs on arrival was not enough I was truly awe-struck by the Lumabe Camp itself. All the tents have amazing views of the Luangwa River, which is packed with hippos. Even the bathroom view makes brushing your teeth a special experience. All 4 tents have hot water 24 hours a day, which is a rare luxury and was well appreciated. The camp offers a laundry service and charging facilities during daylight hours. There is no WiFi service, but this is not uncommon in Zambia and is a blessing as you get to disconnect and immerse yourself and the soul-soothing serenity of Luambe. GAME DRIVES Game drives are split into morning and afternoon sessions, which is pretty standard for safaris. On most mornings we had a stunning surprise breakfast at spots set up for us in very special locations. We were extremely lucky in our sightings with our first full day yielding a leopard kill, lion kill, elephants and various antelope and bird species. The next days drives yielded no cat or dog spottings, but elephants are abundant. We received many a mock charge which provided some great photos. Hopefully, the elephants learn to be more comfortable around game drive vehicles over time. Every afternoon drive ends with spectacular sundowners that provide the unforgettable African sunsets that highlight our safaris. FOOD In true Zambian style, the food was excellent with an impressive array of dishes that were beautifully prepared. All beverages were included in our package so after a large three-course meal every evening we lifted our glasses of wine and retired to our tent to listen to the hippo sounds till we fell asleep. Before departing for the afternoon game drive you receive a delicious tea. The tea includes some wonderful sweet treats that tide you over before returning to camp. This is now one of our top-rated camps and we would love to return after they have a few more seasons under their belts to see if the game becomes less shy over time.…
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Date of stay: August 2019
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Luambe is a very remote place. You will not meet other People on drives and walks. Not as many animals as in South Luangwa, but we had some very good Leopard sightings. Many Hippos. Excellent Food. And you really contribute to conservation. 4 h drive from Mfuw. Try to get a flight for one way at least.
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Date of stay: August 2019
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A wonderful place which is very unique. We were already 11 times in Africa and spend a night at the Luambe Camp on our way from the Southern Luangwa Park to the North. While the others parks are crowded you can enjoy this paradise in a very small group. The guides are real experts and the owner- Dr. Michael Riffel - has even a PhD in Zoology and his passion is to preserve this paradise.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Luambe is wild and remote Africa. Being the only camp in Luambe NP, this alone is very unique and special. The camp itself is basic but clean and comfortable with tasty home made food. This is not your pretentious overpriced camp with decoration around the food, it is all about friendly and helpful staff, good guiding, tasty home cooked food in what feels like a private concession as there are no other camps there. Wildlife is still slow but we did see an abundance of different bush babies which was cool, the most dense hippos population I have ever seen in Africa, a Hyena and and a male lion. Additionally birding was good, the scenery is breathtaking and we did see a diverse range of antelope. I am very excited for their new bush camp as this is in an incredible location. This place will only get better and better with exciting conservation plans in place.…
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
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This was our final camp after a wonderful time. we flew in on a small Cessna onto a recently made airstrip. Immediately we were surrounded by children who were fascinated by us and the plane as they have only just started to fly there. The children had come from everywhere! It is hard to describe Luambe camp as it is nothing like any other place. It sits on the banks of the Luangwa river (a tributary of the Zambezi) with hundreds of hippos, all keen to chat to you!! It has four tents and a staff of 12. No electricity (apart from one socket in your room) so obviously no wifi. At first I wondered what i had done booking it but oh, what a fantastic place. It had a camp on it years ago which became deserted. The animals took over and sadly poaching started. The new camp was built and this is it’s third season. The animals are still very people shy but getting better. There isn’t an abundance of animals ( I think Noah’s ark landed there!). The food was delicious and it all is cooked on a stone oven using firewood and a metal plate put in front to seal it. Cakes, biscuits, veg, meat everything is cooked there. The rooms are spacious overlooking the river with bathrooms with showers. The rooms are lit by solar lights which are a little too dim really. We did discuss this with Ernest the manager and they are looking into it. The main space was very dark once the sun went down and again that is being looked into. The camp fire was lovely and it is a very pleasant place to sit. If Derrick or John are not at the bar then you can help yourself! Ernest took Fran and I out for our game drives and I can honestly say I have never had such a knowledgable guide. He knew all the trees, flowers and animals and imparted the most amazing amount of information. The wildlife is very unusual. There aren’t vast numbers (apart from hippos). the animals are very gradually learning to accept the vehicles but are still quite nervous and one sees them in a truly natural state. There are wonderful birds too. It is truly a special place and like no other. Br prepared for an experience of a lifetime. Not luxurious in the usual sense of the word but the magic that is there is in the river, the people and the animals, the scenery and is an experience never to be forgotten. Thank you to all.…
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Room Tip: all stunning
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JEAN-CHRISTOPHE D wrote a review Nov 2018
Rhode-Saint-Genese, Belgium18 contributions16 helpful votes
We visited Luambe after the advice of our TA. No regrets and even better. While game can be a bit shy due to park history, the great asset is the exclusive immersion you will benefit. Only 4 tents and 2 vehicles for the whole area! The river view is second to none with hundreds of hippos just below the small cliff where tents are perched. A small ponton has been set on the river allowing eye level photo of the hippos yawning and fighting. Luambe also has 2 superbe carmine bee eater colonies. One can be accessed from the top of the river bank, the other is accessed by its base providing many different angles for nesting and flying birds pictures. The night life is amazing: we saw incredible amounts of bushbabies! Finally tents are in perfect conditions, staff is of great care, cuisine is top notch. Guiding was also great with plenty of respect for animals. Best example is when we found 3 1 month old lion cubs and our guide Ernest stayed far enough to make lioness relax. I know other places in Luangwa where driving would have been closer. Overall congratulations and all the best. the camp has been restarted only 2 years ago and its very nice owner is totally committed to get Luambe reborn.…
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
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if you are looking for remote and beautiful this is the place! The tents here are HUGE and brilliant thought out, with extender cords and extra plug points huge fluffy towels and a MASSIVE bed! My tent overlooked a hippo pod which was great to watch during the day (there is also a floating platform you can head down to to be closer to the action). The guides here are incredible, really knowledgeable and very funny! Although the game is a little skittish still we still had some great sightings and some hilarious mock elephant charges! Zikomo Luambe
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
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Room Tip: pick a tent with a river view
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This park was off the tracks beaten by tourists for years, and as a result of that it became an area of heavy poaching. These people are now working very hard to reverse that and everything is recovering spectacularly. Coming here you help them in this journey, and in return you get a unique experience in an almost untouched area away from the crowds. The Luambe Camp is, at the moment, literally the only option to stay in the park, so you have the wildlife all to yourself. The camp is built on the riverbank, and a large population of hippos is literally in front of it. Overnight we had one hippo roaming around our tent, and in the morning we were woken up by their amazing array of sounds. The camp also provides a floating platform where you can seat and enjoy a coffee and the view on the river, with the most curious hippos coming very close. The tents offer the essential amenities, and are spacious and comfortable, with a big master bed. The food at the camp is very good, the service as well, and the guide is very competent and informative. Take advantage of him and go for a walking safari, you would have the opportunity to focus on details that you necessarily neglect when driving, and enjoy an emotional walk in the bushes. The animals in general are more skittish than in other parks, in part due to the poaching they experienced, in part due to the fact that they are not so used to tourists and cars; but after a number of safaris, observing an elephant telling you that you are annoying him is a new and very fascinating experience. The park is growing in popularity, so it is probably the last chance for safari lovers for a secluded experience.…
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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LOCATION
ZambiaEastern ProvinceLuambe National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Luambe Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Luambe Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Luambe Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Luambe Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Luambe Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.