Wildlife Camps
01/11/2006
The Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society (WECSZ), through its various branches, operates four camps for the benefit of members – Chembe Bird Sanctuary on the Copperbelt, Chibala Camp in South Kafue National Park, Kafwala Camp in North Kafue National Park, and Wildlife Camp Mfuwe, South Luangwa National Park.
CHEMBE BIRD SANCTUARY – The Copperbelt
Location
The Chembe Bird Sanctuary is an area of Miombo woodland and grassland covering about 450 hectares, situated around a small lake, famous for its varied birdlife. It is about one hour out of Kitwe on the right side of the Kalulushi-Kasempa road and is well signposted.
The site and its history
In the 1950s it was decided to use the Chembe dambo as a reservoir to supplement the water supply to Chibuluma Mine. The Chati Furrow was dug from the Chati stream to fill the dambo, but a proposed balancing outflow channel was never constructed. This rainy season inflow has resulted in unusually high wet season water levels, but extensive mud flats are still exposed at low water in October-November.
The area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1973 and in 1982 was given the same protection as that accorded to a national park. Facilities include a camping/picnicking site. Charcoal for braais can be purchased from a warden.
Things to do
The area’s principal attraction is its birdlife. Birds are most active in the early morning and later afternoon, and occupy all the varied habitats. Some 301 of the 704 listed birds of Zambia have been reported at Chembe.
One regular visitor is the African Fish Eagle, giving the sanctuary its name of Chembe – which means fish eagle in the local language of Lamba. There are no large mammals in the sanctuary, but do look out for the Spotted-neck Otters.
The lake can also be circumnavigated on a 7 km track called ‘Chinkamba Drive’. On foot this takes some two hours. It is also possible by saloon car in the dry season. In the rains flooding and tall grass makes passage difficult.
Contacts and bookings
Booking is not required, but for information call Chanda Kasula on (097) 361136. Alternatively, information can be obtained through the society’s national office in Lusaka on (01) 251630 or wescz@zamnet.zm.
CHIBALA CAMP – South Kafue National Park
Location
The Chibala Camp (Chibala means rock hyrax in Ila and Tonga) is set on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, approximately four-and-a-half hours from Lusaka.
The camp is accessible from southern Zambia via the park through the road from Kalomo.
The Camp
The camp blends into a natural environment of wooded granite hills and has spectacular panoramic views over the lake. It can accommodate 12 people in three chalets and is ideal for families and groups. Each chalet has four single beds and en-suite shower and toilet facilities and its own verandah. An adjoining dining and lounge area is perfect for relaxation, allowing the spectacular view over the lake to be enjoyed to the fullest.
The camp is self-catering and thus requires guests to bring adequate food and drinks for their stay. Food can be stored, prepared and cooked in the kitchen, which also has refrigeration facilities.
Things to do
The camp is about 6km from the South Park gate, with immediate access to the Ngoma area with its dry forest, riverine loops and plains. The lakeshore offers an interesting range of lake and wetland birdlife habitats. Fishing and other water sports are possible on the lake, but bear in mind that it is part of the national park.
Contacts and bookings
Book directly through the society’s Itezhi-tezhi/Kalomo branch – Tony Middleton on 097 794036 or 890121@zm.celtelplus.com. Alternatively, book through the society’s national office in Lusaka on (01) 251630 or wescz@zamnet.zm.
KAFWALA CAMP – North Kafue National Park
Location
Kafwala Camp is built on the banks of the Kafue River, approximately 43km above the Hook Bridge (five hours from Lusaka), in the northern sector of the Kafue National Park. A 7km stretch of rapids and forested islands about 1km wide fronts the camp.
The Camp
The 12-bedded Kafwala Camp consists of two chalets (each with three single beds), joined by a breezeway with two beds. There are also two rondavels, one with twin beds and the other a double. The separate toilets, shower and a bathroom are shared. In addition, there is a dining sitenge, a lounge sitenge, a braai area, kitchen, pantry, storeroom and staff quarters.
The camp is self-catering, so one has to bring food, drink and personal effects (this includes torches and a first aid kit). It should also be noted that vehicle requirements such as fuel, puncture/vehicle repairs are not provided for. Aside from these aspects, everything else is there including a deep freezer, fridges, lamps, crockery/cutlery, bedding and mosquito nets.
Things to do
Around the camp the birdlife is abundant, while the north and south loop roads afford interesting game viewing. A pleasant but full day return trip further north gives access to the splendid Busanga Plains.
If you are a keen fisherman, remember to pack your fishing tackle as the cook does an excellent job of filleting and cooking fish. It is also possible for boats to be launched at a site close to the camp.
Mostly light tackle (including ‘fly’) is used for the Bream, Barbel and Pike that are there to be caught. It should, however, be remembered that fishing permits (as well as park entry permits) need to be bought at the main gate to the park.
Contacts and bookings
Book directly through the society’s Kabwe branch, kafwala@zamtel.zm, or Tim Ashworth on 097 771347, or ashworth@zamnet.zm. Alternatively, book through the society’s national office in Lusaka on (01) 251630 or wescz@zamnet.zm.

WILDLIFE CAMP MFUWE –South Luangwa National Park
Location
The Wildlife Camp is situated near Mfuwe in the southern section of the Luangwa Valley. “The Valley” is a splinter of the Great East African Rift Valley and runs south-westwards for over 600km from northern Zambia before joining the Zambezi River.
The Wildlife Camp is located in a large tract of society land just outside the South Luangwa National Park, but within 10 km of the main access bridge into it, and can be accessed on gravel roads from either Chipata or Petauke in about three hours.
The Camp
Situated in unspoilt Mopani woodland on the east bank of the Luangwa River, the camp has a variety of accommodation types from a campsite to self-catering and fully catered chalets.
The camp has been designed around a rustic theme but nevertheless provides most comforts. The self-catering option provides all the necessary kitchen utensils plus fridge, freezer and bedding.
There is also a cook to prepare meals if required, and a laundry service on request. The Wildlife Camp is operated under lease from the society by Lupande Safaris. Income from the camp helps to fund the society’s activities and provides benefits to children’s environmental education, and to the local community.
Things to do
The Wildlife Camp caters for all tastes, whether it be mammals, birds or just enjoying the wonderful African scenery. Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and cultural village visits, all accompanied by professional guides, are also available.
Contacts and bookings
Book directly through Lupande Safaris – Herman and Patsy Miles on (06) 246026 or wildlife@super-hub.com. Their website is www.wildlifecampzambia.com. Alternatively, book through the society’s Chipata branch on (06) 21382 or through the society’s national office in Lusaka on (01) 251630 or wescz@zamnet.zm.

We welcome comments from visitors to the camps, and accounts of stays, for possible inclusion in furture issues.

Date: q406