Kaingo Camp
South Luangwa National Park · Zambia
Six chalets and the finest photographic hides - the Shentons' flagship camp in the Luangwa valley where the walking safari was born.
Enquire about this LodgeKaingo means leopard in the local language - a name earned when a resident female leopard took up residence in one of the chalets. Built in 1992, it remains owner-run by Derek and Jules Shenton to this day. The exclusive Photography hides are special interest.
Deep in the Heart of South Luangwa
Kaingo sits on the banks of the Luangwa River in the game-richest stretch of one of Africa's finest parks - reached by a two-and-a-half-hour game-drive transfer from Mfuwe Airport that doubles as your first safari.
The Shentons cut roughly 120 kilometres of private loop roads through their 80-square-kilometre operating area each season, and game drives carry never more than four guests - so every sighting is unhurried, and usually yours alone.
The Luangwa, from the camp's star-bed.
A Closer Look at Kaingo Camp
Brick-and-thatch chalets under ebony trees, outdoor baths above a hippo pod, and hides built for the perfect frame.
Eye level with the river, inside the special hide.
The Famous Shenton Hides
Kaingo's network of photographic hides is unmatched - the Hippo Hide at water level, the Elephant Hide at a river crossing, the Carmine Bee-eater Hide against a wall of colour, and seasonal hides at waterholes and lagoons.
Paired with some of South Luangwa's best photographic guides, they put you at eye level with the valley's wildlife - which is why serious photographers return here year after year. Walking safaris, night drives and star-bed sleep-outs complete the days.
Resident Wildlife of Kaingo Camp
South Luangwa holds one of Africa's densest leopard populations - and the river in front of camp is never quiet.
Chalets & First House
Six solar-powered brick-and-thatch chalets along the river - five classic, and one private family house at the quiet end of camp.
Riverside Chalet
Rustic and deeply personal - African textiles, Jules Shenton's photography on the walls, skylights above the bed, and a freestanding outdoor bath tucked under the trees on your private deck.
- Private deck overlooking the hippo pod
- Freestanding outdoor bath
- Wood-fired hot showers, solar power and safe
First House
The camp's largest and most private unit, set apart at the end of camp - a master suite with an adjoining lounge that sleeps up to three children, plus open-air showers and a deck bath with river views.
- Private guide, vehicle and butler service
- Private dining on the veranda
- Sleeps a family, with a separate washroom
A Day at Kaingo Camp
Into the Hides or the Bush
An early game drive in a custom-built open vehicle, walking safari with your ranger and an armed scout; or a session in one of the camp's photographic hides - after a light breakfast.
Rest by the River
Brunch and quiet hours back at camp - an armchair on your private deck, a resident hippo pod for company, or the shaded lounge under the ebony trees.
Afternoon Game Drives
Afternoon tea followed by a guided game drive tracking the wildlife of the valley.
Sundowners, Then the Dark
Drinks at the termite-mound sunset point, dinner by the campfire, and a night drive or hide session to find what the valley does after dark.
Before You Go
Fly to Mfuwe, arrive on a game drive
The transfer from Mfuwe Airport runs about two hours forty minutes through the park itself - sightings begin before you've unpacked.
The dry season, June-October
Wildlife concentrates along the river as the valley dries; late season brings the carmine bee-eater colonies to the banks.
Genuinely all-inclusive
All meals, drinks, laundry, airport transfers and three daily activities - game drives, walks and hide sessions.
A night on the exclusive Star Bed
A private treehouse platform above the Luangwa - dinner by the fire, then sleep beneath a mosquito net and the African sky.
Continue Your Zambia Journey
Other camps worth pairing with Kaingo, all within reach of the same valley.
Mwamba Bush Camp
The Shentons' intimate sister camp - four rustic chalets, the same legendary hides, and a quieter corner of the same valley.
View Camp →
Mfuwe Lodge
Bushcamp's legendary property at the main gateway to South Luangwa National Park, where wild elephants crosses the reception.
View Camp →Begin Your South Luangwa Journey
We arrange every detail - flights to Mfuwe, the right chalet, and hide sessions timed to the season's best light.
Enquire About Kaingo Camp