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OVERVIEW:
We love this classic bushcamp in the South Luangwa! The location is good, the guides are great, and the atmosphere is really convivial.
Luwi Bushcamp is operated by Time + Tide, once known as Norman Carr Safaris. Time + Tide is a well-established team, and the company’s portfolio spans Zambia’s South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Liuwa Plain, as well as Madagascar’s Nosy Ankao. Luwi is one of the remotest camps in the South Luangwa, so it’s perfect for travellers hoping to base themselves well off the beaten track. The accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, all game-viewing activities, transfers between the camp and the local airfield, and a laundry service. The camp is open from 20th May to 31st October every year.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
The camp is accessed via 2 hours’ game drive transfer from Mfuwe Airport. It’s situated in the remote northern region of the South Luangwa National Park, on the tree-lined banks of the seasonal Luwi river.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT TIME + TIDE LUWI BUSH CAMP:
There are five thatched chalets, each consisting of a reed-and-thatch structure on a smooth concrete floor. All suites are set out along the riverbanks, in a grove of ebony trees. Entering a suite via a side door, you’ll find a spacious bedroom containing a double bed or twin beds, bedside stands and lighting, a luggage rack, and other storage furniture. Mosquito nets surround the bed/s, and the floors are adorned with locally made woven mats. Another door leads out to the open-air washroom, which contains a flush toilet, a washbasin, and a shower. From the bedroom, there’s access onto your private veranda, offering a couple of safari chairs, a fold-up table, and wonderful floodplains views!
The communal areas at Luwi are also set up in the shade of trees. The lounge, dining area, and bar occupy a modest lodge structure made out of reeds and thatch, positioned on timber decking. It’s open sided and has the feel of a classic mess tent, contributing to the outdoorsy and adventurous vibe here. The living area features a comfortable sofa, armchairs, and pouffes around explorer’s chests put to use as coffee and occasional tables, as well as a writing table and chair. Behind this space, there’s the camp’s bar, with a few barstools. There’s a large table where guests can eat together, but usually meals are enjoyed just outside the lodge or around the campfire. Bush breakfasts are available too, and the friendly staff can also arrange private dining. Finally, there’s a viewing hide, situated close to a permanent oxbow lagoon not far from the campsite. From here, guests have thrilling views of a resident hippo pod, in addition to lion, leopard, elephant, and other species, all coming to quench their thirst.
ACTIVITIES AT TIME + TIDE LUWI BUSH CAMP:
Luwi offers some classic safari activities:
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Expertly guided game drives
- The camp’s remote location makes for exclusive game drives, during which you’ll see very few other vehicles. In all, the South Luangwa National Park covers 9,500 square kilometres of sprawling plains, woodlands, and water sources, not least the River Luangwa and its lagoons. Vehicle safaris offer opportunities to venture farther afield to try to see some of the impressive range of predators and herbivores, not least four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo! Other highlights include spotted hyena, wild dog, Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s zebra, and antelopes. -
Night drives
- These usually continue on from afternoon drives, after a short sundowner break to enjoy the sunset over a drink and some snacks. Safarists interested in getting to know the nocturnal species of the South Luangwa will enjoy looking out for the likes of leopard, civet, bush-tailed mongoose, scrub hare, honey badger, and the prickly porcupine – all by spotlight. -
Walking safaris
- Led by some of the best guides in southern Africa and an armed scout, this activity is ideal for scrutinising the smaller lives of the park – the plants, insects, and birdlife. Just a few bird specials comprise great white pelican, Verreaux’s eagle owl, and the vibrant little southern carmine bee-eater. -
Sleep-outs under the stars
- Available at extra cost, this activity involves drifting off to sleep under the star-studded skies, with the sounds of the bush all around you. For more information about sleep-outs, or anything else to do with staying at Luwi, please contact a member of the YZ 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.
