What is Wildlife Camp?

Wildlife Camp is a safari-camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. We provide our guests with an affordable front-row seat to one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

Why stay at the Wildlife Camp?

At Wildlife Camp we offer a much-needed niche for everyone who is enthusiastic about wildlife, the Luangwa valley and Zambia! At the camp we have rustic en-suite chalets, a secluded en-suite tented camp, a Bushcamp for overnight walking safaris and a stunning campsite, all situated on the banks of the Luangwa River in the Luangwa Valley. This valley forms the south-western extension of Africa’s extraordinary Great Rift Valley. The camp and its staff always aim to play second fiddle to Mother Nature and her wonderful spectacles, which is very often on display right in front of the restaurant and chalets.

Wildlife Camp is situated on land owned by Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ). We operate under their auspices and proudly donate a considerable portion of funds generated by your stay with us to the WECSZ – roughly 60% of all the accommodation and camping fees, which in return supports the wildlife and people of the Luangwa Valley and Zambia.

Who are we?

Since 1992 Wildlife Camp has built up its well-earned reputation as one of the best camps to visit in the South Luangwa Valley!

Wildlife Camp is the home of Herman Miles, who is the managing director of the camp. Herman, South African born but Zambian bred, has been working in the Southern African bush for more than thirty years. His repertoire of countries worked in includes Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and off course Zambia. He knows the animals and the plants of the Luangwa Valley like the back of his hand and is a respected name in South Luangwa when it comes to guiding and conservation. Herman is also an Honorary Wildlife Police Officer and works closely with the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). He is, though, happiest in the workshop making sure that the Land Rovers are running smoothly for your next night-safari. His kids, Byron & Tara, like riding their bikes all through camp during their school holidays and is usually followed by the two dogs, Sam & Boo and a gang of tame banded mongooses.

Wildlife Camp is managed by a well established team, each with his and her own special talents. Hands-on management has always been Wildlife Camp’s trademark and this style is displayed on our website. All the photos here, except two, was either taken by current management with their amateur photography skills, previous managers or borrowed from the great guests whom we have had over the years.

Retha Schönfeldt is in charge of reservations, communications and accounts and often finds her way through the kitchen as well. She also coordinates all the interesting activities that guests can experience here at Wildlife Camp. If there is one person who can make driving a large khaki Land Rover with its roof cut off for safari purposes look good, then it is Retha. Her work has taken her from the glitz of Dubai to the wilderness of Zambia.

Dora Troehler, senior manager, has been the face and voice of Wildlife Camp for three years now. She has a marathon worth of years experience in the hospitality industry. She creates scrumptious three course dinners while she warns guests about nearing elephants and she keeps the staff on their toes while making sure that guests receive a warm welcome back after their safari-drives. At Wildlife Camp we can speak eight languages, – additional to English – four of these (German, French, Spanish and Italian) thanks to Dora.

When Conrad Cooke is not busy taking care of the camp’s marketing, public relations and staff, he does all the other things that still needs to be done around camp on a daily basis, like managing the two bars and the campsite and organizing the Bushcamp’s logistics. His trade has taken him to Asia, but he has now returned to the Africa where he was born and which he loves.

Besides our management, Wildlife Camp has a team of highly qualified Zambian guides. Billy the laugher, the ever-friendly Joseph and Sue, the wunderkind. We also employee around 40 other staff from barmen to housekeepers to night-watchmen and bricklayers, all here to make sure that your African-expedition produces many splendid stories.

Our Camp 

Wildlife Camp is divided into four main parts, all with its own unique atmosphere and views.

The Lodge: Our nine chalets offer a classic combination of the rustic but comfortable and affordable. Each chalet is en-suite and offers guests a tranquil setting alongside the Luangwa River and lagoon areas. Our main bar and restaurant caters for all tastes and is conveniently located in the centre of our camp.

The Tented Camp: Besides our chalets we offer the classic combination of rustic, comfortable and affordable in a real “Out of Africa” tented camp. It is located beyond our campsite with magnificent views over the Luangwa River. It is perfectly set up for groups of up to 10, but also for the independent traveller with its own entertainment and barbeque area and a self catering kitchen. We have five tents all located under thatched roofs. Each tent has a small veranda, two beds and an open air shower and toilet. Hippo noises, bright red sunsets and transport to and from the restaurant in the main camp are complimentary.

The Campsite: The campsite is complete with grassy areas, shady trees, ablution blocks with hot showers, thatched shelters, power points and a sparkling swimming pool. Our “Warthogs” pub at the campsite offers ice cold beers, local and imported, and of course, the best sunset-views in the Valley.

The Bush Camp: The Wildlife Bush Camp offers guests a chance to experience an exclusive overnight walking safari, complete with bucket showers and meals cooked on an open fire. (These are only available at certain times of the year).

We offer a variety of packages from full board (including accommodation, all meals and two game activities per day), Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, self catering or accommodation only.

If you are looking for a comfortable relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to touch nature with your bare hands, this is the ideal place for you to stay.

Activities

• Walking safaris  In addition to the National Park walking safaris (June – October), we offer walks on the camp’s side of the river which is situated in a Game Management Area on Wildlife Society land. As such this area is treated as a National Park and wild animals are as common as in the park.

•  Driving Safaris  Our morning drives allow you to enjoy the full beauty of Luangwa in the early sunlight and the cool temperatures before the day heats up. Our night drive lets you enjoy the late afternoon light, a ‘sundowners’ drink and then continue to search by spotlight for nocturnal animals.

•  Wildlife Bush Camp  Our bush camp is located on the peninsula of the Game Management Area. A tented camp which offers our guests a chance to experience an overnight walking safari - complete with bucket showers and meals cooked on an open fire by our experienced chefs. Our knowledgeable and qualified Zambian guides escort you on this magical overnight trip and show you the wonders of nature. Your retreat for the night is in safari style tents, but only after an amazing sunset and hearty dinner.

•  Village & Tribal Textiles Tours  Our various village tours offer you a truly authentic Zambian experience, where you can see how people live in the ‘real Africa’. Overnight options are available in the Kawaza Village. Tour the workshop of Tribal Textiles, meet the team of artists and painters and watch as they produce beautiful hand painted textiles. After the tour, you can visit their shop where you can purchase some of the products from the collection.