Overlooking the Luangwa River deep within the South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo’s relaxed, personal and friendly atmosphere offers guests fantastic game-viewing opportunities within an area of incredible beauty and varied terrain.
Built and run by Derek Shenton, son of Barry Shenton – former ranger in Luangwa and warden of Kafue National Park – Kaingo has many attributes from the Shenton family ranging from the camp’s stylish design and practical layout to the local farm produce. The large centrally located open-sided sitting room includes a dining area, library and Kaingo’s renowned thousand year old lead-wood bar.
Nestled discretely apart on the banks of the river, Kaingo’s chalets were designed with the sole purpose of transporting you safely into the world of the Luangwa without a single distraction. Large fly-wired windows provide stunning views of the river; and the complete absence of generator noise (the camp uses solar power) means that nothing but the sounds of the bush can be heard. In addition to the indoor en suite bathroom, each chalet has an outdoor bathtub with shady views of a pod of hippos.
A special feature of Kaingo are the unique individual decks built out over the river in front of each chalet. From this relaxing vantage point you can view game coming down to drink, basking hippos, aquatic birds, crocodiles fishing, and daily elephant crossings.
The varied terrain around camp includes the picturesque Fish Eagle lagoon, one of the largest ebony forests in the Park, and the spectacular Lion Plain (the biggest plain in the valley; a hugely productive grassland that teems with wildlife) bordered by the meandering Luangwa and Mwamba Rivers.
The area is ideal walking safari country (under the watchful escort of an armed scout and guide). A network of carefully planned low impact roads provides excellent coverage of this game-rich terrain. Game-drives and walks from Kaingo provide exciting photographic opportunities for guests; the action often starting just outside camp.
