*Camp currently closed*
OVERVIEW
Mapazi Camp is owned and run by Surefoot Safaris and specifically by Deb Tittle, a renowned safari guide. Deb qualified as a guide in the mid-1990s, and since then she has led over 2,500 walks in the South Luangwa! Already the camp has received superb reviews. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals and drinks, expertly guided walking safaris, local road transfers, and a laundry service. The camp is open from 1st July to 19th October 2019 (we’ll provide dates for subsequent years as we receive them).
ACCESS & LOCATION:
The camp can be accessed via air or road transfer from Mfuwe Airport. It’s situated in the quiet north-eastern region of the South Luangwa, on the beautiful banks of the Luangwa river!
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT MAPAZI CAMP:
There are just three walk-in tents, set out along the river banks. Each is Meru in style – an outer layer of canvas extends well over the inner layer to form a shady veranda. Set with a couple of classic safari chairs and a table, the veranda is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying your river views! Coming into the tent through its zipped entrance, you’ll find a double bed or twin beds, lighting, and storage space. The beds are wood framed and pleasantly sturdy, just the job for a good night’s sleep. There’s also an opening at the back, allowing fresh breezes to waft through. Washing facilities are housed separately in a small canvas structure a short distance from the tent, and they comprise flush toilet, washbasin, and shower with hot and cold running water. Each washroom has a river view too! Finally, there’s access to a comfy hammock, fantastic for relaxing in between your walking safaris.
The communal facilities at Mapazi Camp consist of lounging and dining areas, set up within an open-sided tent known as the Chitenje. It’s surrounded by the big boughs of an immense sausage tree, guaranteeing comfort and shade. In the lounge area, there’s well-cushioned wood-framed seating around a coffee table. The dining area has a table and safari chairs. Guests can also eat al fresco – morning coffee and a light breakfast are often enjoyed on the river banks at sunrise, while dining locations also include the banks of the river, close to a warming campfire!
ACTIVITIES AT MAPAZI CAMP:
Mapazi Camp is all about walking safaris!
- Deb tailors each walk according to her guests’ interests and abilities, making for truly bespoke experiences of the South Luangwa National Park.
- Morning walks set off early from camp, so you’ll enjoy sightings of wildlife at its most active. You’ll also enjoy a tea stop on the way, a chance to talk about what you’ve seen so far and what you’re hoping to see.
- After relaxing at camp, you’ll head off for the afternoon walk. This is shorter than the morning activity, but it includes marveling at the glorious light that bathes the South Luangwa just before sunset!
- Species you can expect to see in this part of the park include four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. There are smaller predators such as spotted hyena and wild dog too. The herbivore count also features the striking Thornicroft’s giraffe, as well as Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra.
- And bird numbers are very impressive, with over 400 types of feathery friend spotted at last count!
- One major highlight is the colorful carmine bee-eaters, who nest in the park’s sandy riverbanks from August/September until the New Year or so.
- Walking with Deb, you’ll also get to know the South Luangwa’s insects and plant life too.
For more information about staying at Mapazi, please get in touch with a member of our team.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.