Time + Tide Mchenja

Mchenja sits on a wide bend of the Luangwa River inside South Luangwa National Park, in a grove of ebony trees — mchenja is the local word for ebony. Five octagonal tented suites string along the riverbank, each with views across the water. Inside, a clawfoot bath and floor-to-ceiling windows face the river; outside, a private shower and verandah complete the tent. One of the five is configured as a family suite. The central lounge — the chitenje — is built around a fallen ebony trunk, and dinner moves outside to the riverbank when conditions allow.

The camp runs game drives in open four-by-four vehicles, night drives as an extension of the afternoon drive, guided walking safaris, and sleep-outs under the night sky. A game-viewing hide is also available on site. Walking safaris here follow a method Norman Carr developed in the Luangwa Valley in the 1950s — tracking on foot rather than from a vehicle. The surrounding area holds lions, leopards, and large elephant herds that cross the river in sight of camp; hippos are audible from the tents. A permanent lagoon lies close to the ebony grove.

The camp is reached by air; a complimentary airport transfer connects arriving guests to the camp from the local airstrip.