Island Bush Camp

Island Bush Camp sits on the bank of the Luangwa River in the far southern reaches of South Luangwa National Park, roughly three and a half hours by road from Mfuwe Airport. It is one of three camps owned and run by Ron and Anke Cowan of Kafunta Safaris, and it is the most remote of the three — no other camps or vehicles in the immediate area.

Five chalets stand on stilts above the ground, built from reed with open sides so the river is visible from the bed and from the private verandah beyond. Each chalet has a bucket shower, running water at a sink, and a flushing toilet. There is no generator; the camp runs on solar power, with charging available in the main area. Cotton linen, mosquito nets, and a laundry service are standard.

Bush walks are the primary activity, going out morning and afternoon with a guide. Walks cover smaller animals, birds, and flora as a matter of course, but elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, and wild dog are all seen in this part of the park. A vehicle is based at camp for game drives and brings guests back from the sundowner on a night drive. A photographic hide set just outside camp is positioned over a small pond where elephants come to drink and wallow.

Dining happens under a grass roof or in the open on the riverbank. Three Rivers Camp, another Kafunta property, is close enough to reach on foot, making a walking safari between the two camps possible. Island Bush Camp is seasonal.