Kutandala - North Luangwa

“I tell people that my life is forever changed because I have had this journey.” – Vicki and Duncan Burford, USA, 2005

Kutandala - simple and perfect

This is truly the definition of a "bushcamp" – set on the banks of the Mwaleshi in the North Luangwa National Park.  The owners, Rob and Guz – both Zambian raised - run the camp as their own home and live there with their three children for 6 months of the year. Rod has been guiding in the Luangwa Valley since 1989 when at 18 be became the youngest qualified walking guide in Zambia.  Born in Uganda, he moved with his family to Zambia when aged three. An avid all round naturalist, he has worked "off seasons" in many countries around the world.  Guz is a Ballymaloe trained chef with a reputation that is spreading far and wide.

For those who are interested in exploring the North Luangwa, we highly recommend this superb camp.   All the rooms are spread out along the banks of the Mwaleshi – with views of the river and anything that comes to drink.  The rooms are made of grass, reed, poles and thatch – beautifully executed.  The open bathrooms are again made of natural materials and have lovely and surprising details that are a delight to discover.  Dining is under a huge acacia and the library / sitting area is between spreading branches of a fallen mahogany, although it is still growing along the ground.

Walking is the focus of Kutandala but there are a couple of excursions by vehicle – one being to the mouth of the Mwaleshi where there is a huge pod of hippos. There is also the chance to walk up the escparpment to the Chipopoma Falls for a dip in clear water pools.

The transfer to Kutandala Camp in the North Luangwa is a 50 minute flights from Mfuwe by light aeroplane.