I’m excited to share with you my third journey to Africa, this trip sponsored by The Bushcamp Company, a company full of highly rated luxury safaris that connects the animals and the land to their local community.
The call of Africa resonates deeply with me, this time in Zambia , a unique magic that always stirs my spirit. Having explored countless beautiful destinations, it’s this continent that truly reawakens my passion and creativity. As I embark on my third journey to Africa, the anticipation feels just as vivid as my initial visit in June of 2016. Each trip has profoundly shaped my artistic vision, and I’m eager to immerse myself in its captivating beauty once again.
Let the journey to Bushcamp begin!
One of the most thrilling parts of any safari is the search for the Big 5: the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and African Cape Buffalo. You might think these animals got their name because of their size, but the term actually originated with big-game hunters. They considered these five the most dangerous and difficult animals to hunt on foot. Today, thankfully, the “hunt” is with a camera, and seeing all five is a major goal for many visitors, like us. They represent the raw power and majesty of 6 wilderness areas and are a testament to successful conservation efforts. Scroll down below to see the 4 of the Big 5 and some other beautiful and rare animals along the way.
The Bushcamp Company Map
The Bushcamp Company was formed in 1999 when four camps the well established Kuyenda (Kukaya)and Chamilandu, and the younger Chindeni and Bilimungwe came together with the existing Mfuwe Lodge under one parent company.
Day 1 in Zambia ~ South Luangwe National Park
After a marathon 38-hour journey with Qatar Airways, departing from Houston with a stopover in Doha, I finally touched down in Lusaka, Zambia then made my way to Mfuwe Airport in Zambia by regional airline Proflight Zambia! Guides Suzyo and Noah greeted us, and what an introduction to the wild it was.
Landed at Mfuwe Airport in Zambia, Africa. It was a 50-minute ride to Mfuwe Lodge, located inside South Luangwa National Park. On the way, we saw antelope, baboons, elephants, impala, New Guinea fowl, and warthogs. At our lodge, we saw crocodiles and hippopotamuses right outside my chalet (a cabin to us).
After arriving around 1:30 PM, we checked into Mfuwe Lodge, owned by Bushcamp Company. We were briefed on the dos and don’ts, then had a delicious snack. It was more like lunch. We checked into our cabin, took a much-needed shower, and then went for a massage. Seriously, it was one of the best massages I have ever had.
Mfuwe Lodge
The Spa at Mfuwe Lodge
Sheree & Shauna having the best massage …. EVER!
Next, we changed clothes and headed off for our first game drive. There, we saw more elephants and some female lions. Shauna was so excited because it was her first time seeing lions on safari. I hope we see some male lions and leopards, which are very shy.
A pride of Lionesses
The Bushcamp Company logo is the Elephant located outside our lodge.
The Bushcamp Company has this awesome Elephant Collection of keyrings, and they’re more than just a souvenir. They’re a way for guests to directly support the company’s conservation and community projects.
Part of the money from the keyrings goes toward elephant conservation through their support of Conservation South Luangwa. The rest funds their Commit to Clean Water program, which drills boreholes to provide clean drinking water for the local community as well as inside the Luangwe National Park. It’s so cool to see how the company is making a real difference right here, and these keyrings are a tangible reminder that every single guest is helping to protect this incredible place and the people who live there.
I am so impressed by the stuff they have and how it all ties back to the local community.
Meet Andy, the founder of The Bushcamp Company, and his managing director, Amy. Together, they lead a team dedicated to providing a unique safari experience while supporting the local community.
Founder Andy Hogg (the company is still run from its headquarters at Mfuwe Lodge by Andy) – a Zambian who used to work at Save the Rhino Trust’s Chinzombo Lodge in Luangwa. Andy has created a travel experience that is even more special after you learn about how involved he is in humanitarian efforts throughout the region. Later in the blog, you will read about how Bushcamp funds clean water, provides 90% of its food to their employees and guests from the Bushcamp Farm, as well as supports the local school by providing meals and helping pay some tuition for the students.
Left to right ~ Shauna ~ Amy (camp director) ~ Sheree
We stopped by the Luangwa River for our sundowner. It was nothing less than spectacular. I indulged in assorted nuts and a local beer called Mosi, enjoying the great outdoors. After the sundowner, we continued on for a nighttime game drive, a first for me. Just awesome! Upon our return to Mfuwe Lodge, dinner was awaiting us. So, so good!
First game drive.
Winter Thorn Tree ~ My favorite
Left: Elephant , Right: Safe from bugs and mosquitos = good night sleep!
Day 2 in Zambia
BOOTY CALL
Left: Different kind of birds , Right: Impala
Cape Water Buffalo
So thankful that I slept well last night, I could have slept more, but we were up and out for breakfast and an early game drive at 6:30 AM.
We saw a White-spotted Back Vulture and a Crowned Eagle. We learned about the Sausage Tree fruit, Nile Cabbage, African Ebony Tree, Winter Thorn, Baobab, and Umbrella Thorn. We spotted a Bushbuck, Puku Antelope, Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, and both Black-headed and Grey Herons. We also saw Civets.
Gorgeous Crowned Eagle
Lunch at 11:30 AM on the veranda. We made our own pizza from scratch and had a nice salad. After a rest, we had another amazing massage, then headed out for our evening drive. Right out of the lodge, we came across five Cape Buffalo cooling off in a small pool of water.
We also saw a Bushy-tailed Mongoose, Genet, and White-tailed Mongoose. Back to the lodge for a nice glass of wine and dinner. We had tilapia with noodles, spring rolls, and ice cream for dessert.
Day 3 in Zambia
After breakfast, we packed up for our game drive to our first camp. We came upon a herd of elephants by a borehole. One of the elephants had a gland that was leaking, indicating he was either sick, very stressed, or upset.
They offered a song to welcome us.
Billimungwe Camp
Today, we stopped by Billimungwe Camp around 11:00 AM for lunch, and I just loved that they sang a song when we entered the Camp…. harmonizing was so good. In front of the camp, there was a Natal Mahogany Tree growing out of a termite mound; the camp itself was built from scratch in 2010.
For lunch, “Bon Appetit” (or as we joked, “baboon up a tree”) with a choice of the best and biggest African chicken or hamburgers. After enjoying our lunch, we toured their chalets before heading to Chendini Camp where we stayed for 2 nights. I might add that these smaller remote camps only have 2 or 3 Chalets and no internet. No internet for Shauna and me was tough to say the least. I was actually glad to be forced into phone detox.
We learned about the Mopane tree, which makes the best firewood due to its minimal smoke, and saw Vegetable Ivory Palms. We also spotted a Sharpe’s Grysbok, the smallest antelope, as well as monkeys and giraffes.
You will not believe the drama we saw on the way to Bilimungwe! There’s this beautiful female giraffe, and she was hanging out with an older giraffe. They seemed like a perfect pair, but then, out of nowhere, this young stud giraffe comes strutting onto the scene. He was confident, and you could tell he had his eyes set on the girl.
What happened next was just insane. She chose the young stud! She broke away from the older giraffe and literally ran off with the younger one. It was a wild, powerful reminder that even on the savanna, romance and competition are a part of the daily grind. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.
What a Giraffe drama.
Leopard is ready for the camera
We also spent time observing a troop of baboons, and their morning routine was just incredible. They all got up with the sun and sat together, facing the rising light as if in a peaceful, communal meditation. The most powerful part was watching them groom each other. While this helps them stay clean, it’s so much more than hygiene. Grooming is how they build and maintain relationships, reduce stress, and show affection. It’s a beautiful reminder that community and connection are everything.
Left: Baboon facing the sun ~ Right: Two baboons grooming
Day 4 in Zambia
We were greeted at Chindini Camp once again with a welcome song and harmonizing vocals. Our host, Scott, and hostess, Allison, were so charming and met our every need…… except internet….ha ha!
We had our camp briefing, then settled into our rooms. Can I just say, “awesome chalet”? Shauna and I took a good nap before tea, then headed out for our evening safari, sundowner, and night drive. We completed our list of big game we hoped to see. The leopard gave us a real treat!
For dinner, we enjoyed a lovely steak dinner with the managers of Chindeni Camp and other guests.
Chindeni Camp
Lovely bathtub ~ I can soak all day
Chindeni Camp began with a 5:30 AM wake-up call and a quick, light breakfast before we headed out on our morning game drive. We were immediately drawn to a troop of baboons, completely absorbed in their morning routine of grooming and warming themselves in the sun.
Our guide shared fascinating insights, like how an elephant’s tusks are genetic, with one often more used than the other as a tool. The Luangwa’s diverse birdlife was on full display as we spotted a great white egret, a gray heron, the iconic fish eagle, spur-winged geese, and the striking saddle-billed stork. We also learned about the ledwood tree and the park’s two distinct seasons, the cooler, dry winter and the warmer, wet spring and summer. The camp accommodations featured walls made of canvas, which could be zipped up at night for privacy and security. Mornings in camp were cold, while evenings were hot, necessitating the use of portable fans.
Later, we embarked on an hour-and-a-half walking safari, a truly immersive experience that connected us deeply with nature. Guided by Christopher, our scout, followed by Suzyo, Shauna, and another Bushcamp guide, we felt incredibly safe while learning things you’d never grasp from a jeep, like the subtle communication of impala tracks and scent.
A particularly memorable discovery involved giraffes. In the morning, the mother and baby are together, but at night, they don’t sleep together. The mother will step somewhere different, and the baby will stick somewhere different. Glands are not that well developed, so predators can’t smell the baby or can sniff it out, but if they’re spending the night together, there’s a tendency that the predator can see the baby giraffe because of the mother. The mother was checking for predators, and the mother probably would be able to run away, but leaving the babies vulnerable. So, sleeping in different places keeps the offspring much safer.
Left: Lion foot print , Right: Paperbark Thorn Tree
Left to Right: Giraffe ~ Impala Poop ~ Millipede
Animals have scents that they use to communicate, but these develop over time. As a result, when they’re young, scents are not well-developed and they don’t produce any odor, unlike adults. We also observed a white paperbark thorn tree, which produces its own thorns to deter animals, and saw a dead Millipede.
Back at Chindeni, our hosts, Allison and Scott, were wonderfully informative and hospitable. Lunch was a delicious spread of quesadillas, salad, and homemade tomato bread, followed by mango and papaya, all enjoyed with a relaxing glass of wine. After a much-needed nap, we were up for 4 PM tea and a sweet treat. Each day, consistently between 3 or 4 PM, tea and sweets, including cake, were served at every camp.
Ready for our evening game drive.
We were met at our vehicle every time with a cold, wet towel and fresh-squeezed juice of the day! It is those little extra touches that make The Bushcamp Company so special.
Christopher, our scout, Suzyo, our guide, and Shauna and I.
A surprise sundowner in the most beautiful place. Safe from the crocodiles with Christopher on the watch for us. Our hostess, Allison, with the help of her staff, set up chairs, lanterns, a bar, and a grill in a shallow place in the river. I rolled up my pants and removed my shoes, and walked into the sandy-bottomed river. Wow, was that heaven eating, drinking, and watching the most incredible sunset.
Sundowner in the river!
Day 5 in Zambia
After breakfast overlooking the lagoon, we were up and out, with our first sightings including an African Spoonbill, a Crowned Crane, and a Yellow-Billed Stork. At about 8:40 a.m., we had a remarkable experience watching a sub-adult leopard, about 8 months old and weaning from his mother, up close for approximately 20 minutes.
Lunch was a surprise picnic by the river, where Scott from Chendini Camp had set up a “make your own pizza” station. We had a wash-up station for handwashing and all the ingredients to roll out our own dough.
My pizza loaded with all the toppings, was lopsided, while Shauna’s was perfect. It was a beautiful meal in the wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. Our afternoon sightings included a Banded Mongoose and a Southern Brown Hornbill.
So much to take in…….
Kukaya Lodge
Sweetest hostess in Kukaya
I recently learned about this amazing initiative by The Bushcamp Company. They’re doing incredible work to support local schools in the Mfuwe area.
They’ve got a fantastic program where they provide a Meal-a-Day for thousands of students, which is so important because it helps them stay healthy and focused in class. They also drill boreholes to give the schools and villages access to clean, safe drinking water. This is a huge deal, as it means kids don’t have to walk for miles just to get water. At this time Bushcamp Company has built over 280 boreholes in surrounding villages and in the park for the animals during the dry season.
First hand experience in their Borehole.
The village children loved us!
But here’s the best part, they have a sponsorship program that follows students from primary school all the way through college. For students who do well on their exams they pay for their college education. Imagine giving these bright kids a chance to become teachers, nurses, and leaders in their communities. It’s a true game-changer and a great example of how businesses can make a real difference. Over 70% of the kids go on to college.
Meet one of the teachers and she tours us around the campus.
Hands Over Zambia is a little shop where the students sell their items that they make in their arts & crafts classes. Shauna bought a beaded giraffe, and I purchased a braided bracelet and some carved wood elephant earrings. Proceeds go into their school fund.
Our trip wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. Suzyo took us to visit the local souvenir shop. The shop, often called a “curio shop” here, is filled with beautiful things, but what’s really special is that so much of it is locally made. I saw a huge range of fabrics, home decor, and gifts from a place called Tribal Textiles, a local business that creates hand-painted fabrics right here in Mfuwe and incorporates recycled materials. It’s a great experience to see them creating the handmade batiks. I found a beautiful table runner with parrots that I am now enjoying at my Sanibel Beach house.
I also saw a bunch of other products, from honey and peanut butter to rice, all from an organization called COMACO (Community Markets for Conservation), which helps local farmers produce goods sustainably. It’s clear that this isn’t just about selling souvenirs, it’s about supporting the people and the wildlife of South Luangwa. It’s a fantastic way to take home a piece of this place while knowing your money is going to a great cause.
Delicious wraps for lunch at Kukaya Lodge~Sheree & Shauna enjoying a game drive
After a great lunch, we have a little break, it’s the perfect time to relax and recharge before the evening’s adventure. Then, we hop back in the vehicle for the afternoon game drive. The light is so beautiful at this time of day, and the animals are more active.
Sheree & Shauna at Sundowner
I always love a glass of wine before dinner……
Day 6 in Zambia
One of our many unforgettable experiences with Bushcamp Company in Zambia. Can you see the elephant in my back? We noticed that it’s a sick elephant hanging around our camp, and the Bushcamp Company called Dazzle for help. They treated the elephant and are now monitoring him.
I wanted to tell you all about why this is so important. Dazzle Africa works with Bushcamp partners to fund the first full-time wildlife vet in the South Luangwa Valley, Dr. Mwamba Sichande. His job is absolutely critical; he’s on the front lines, saving wildlife in South Luangwa National Park and the surrounding areas.
Whether it’s rescuing an animal caught in a snare or putting on wild dogs and lions for monitoring, Dr. Sichande’s work is a huge part of wildlife conservation here. He has already saved hundreds of animals, and Bushcamp is so proud to support him.
We came across this incredible group of elephants, a family of mamas and their little ones. I am completely in awe of their behavior. The mothers formed this protective triangle with their faces pointed outward, keeping the babies safe right in the middle. It’s their way of creating a living fortress to protect their most vulnerable family members.
And what’s even more amazing is that the babies aren’t just limited to their own mothers; they can nurse from any of the mamas in the group! It’s a beautiful example of their community spirit and how they all look out for each other. Moments like this really show you how wise and nurturing these magnificent animals are.
Talk about an unlikely neighborhood! I had to get a photo of this, it’s a perfect example of how wild things get here. On the one hand, you have a huge pod of hippos, just completely relaxed and chilling on a little island sand beach, stacked on top of each other and soaking up the sun. They look like they don’t have a care in the world.
And then, just a little way down the same beach, there’s a massive alligator! You’d think there would be a lot of tension, but they’re just coexisting, each doing their own thing. It’s wild to see how these powerful animals share the same space without any fuss. Seeing it firsthand really shows you how the ecosystem is so unique.
Every day here brings a new adventure! I wanted to share two of the very different but equally incredible sightings we’ve had.
First, there’s this beautiful bird, a Lilac-breasted Roller. It’s one of my favorites because it’s so vibrant and colorful. They say it has up to eight different colors in its feathers, and you can definitely see the mix of purples, blues, and pinks. It’s an amazing sight.
Then, there are the truly rare moments. We had an absolutely incredible sighting of a wild dog, also known as a painted wolf! They are critically endangered and so hard to spot, so seeing one out here was a major highlight of the trip. It was a powerful reminder of how special and fragile this ecosystem is. Getting to see both the common beauty and the rare wonders of the park in one day was a real treat.
This was such a beautiful moment on our last sundowner. So glad I was able to capture part of my video for you.
The highlight is always the “sundowner” stop. We find a spot with a view just like this one and take in the incredible sunset. It’s truly a magical moment. No one sundowner is the same. Finally, we head back to the lodge for a fantastic dinner. It’s the perfect ending to a perfect day here.
Day 7 in Zambia
What an incredible way to end our trip! As Shauna and I were getting ready to leave and heading to Kukaya Lodge for our last breakfast, we had a very special surprise. The founder of The Bushcamp Company, Andy, and the Mfuwe Lodge Manager/Director, Amy, stopped by just to visit with us and send us off. You guys, they were the absolute best hosts. It was so clear how much they genuinely wanted our experience to be as memorable as possible. And it was! Their personal touch and kindness made our trip truly unforgettable. It just shows you the passion that makes this place so special.
Our very last stop before heading to the airport was a visit to The Bushcamp Company Farm, located right by the Mfuwe Airport. As I mentioned before, the food here has been absolutely amazing, and now I know why! This incredible farm is where they grow 90% of the produce to feed all the guests and employees. Seeing it in person was so impressive fruit orchards, rows of fresh vegetables, and herbs, all grown to support their farm-to-table philosophy. It’s a testament to their commitment to sustainability and providing the highest quality experience, and it’s so inspiring to see.
With My Zambian Tour Guide, Suzyo
He wasn’t just a guide, he was a master storyteller, a passionate conservationist, and a true ambassador for his country. From the moment we started our safari, his knowledge of the South Luangwa National Park was absolutely incredible. He knew the intricate behavior of every animal, from the grand old elephants to the tiny, fascinating insects.
But what truly set Suzyo apart was his personal connection to the land and its people. He shared stories of his life, his family, and his deep-rooted passion for wildlife conservation. This personal touch and genuine love for his work made every moment special, and it felt less like a tour and more like an immersive journey with a friend. His expertise and passion not only kept us safe on foot and in the vehicle but also gave us a profound appreciation for the beauty and importance of Zambia’s wilderness.
Leaving The Bushcamp Company was definitely bittersweet. We made so many new friends here, and it was a whole week of connecting with this beautiful place, Zambia, in the most incredible way. From the breathtaking landscapes to the amazing animal sightings and the genuine hospitality of the staff, this has been the trip of a lifetime.
WATCH MY INSTAGRAM ZAMBIA, AFRICA TRIP REELS
FIRST REEL
SECOND REEL
THIRD REEL
If you’ve been following along and are feeling inspired to go on an adventure, you truly have to experience this for yourself. The Bushcamp Company made this entire trip so memorable. You can find out more and book your own safari by checking out the link below and inquire with them directly!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW!
TIPS
- Cheaper to book directly through the lodge.
- You can see 4 of the BIG 5 African animals without having to travel for miles and miles here in South Luangwa
- Time of year and Lodge are key.
- Create your own experience based on your desires.
- TIPPING – I like to take about 10 envelopes, and in each envelope I write a note and thank them for making my trip.
- These amounts are not set in stone.
- Housekeeping- $10 a day
- Tip To Guides- $20- $40 a day depending….
- Planning a trip to Africa, and you don’t know what to take, then read THIS POST or just shop my boutique below.
It’s not goodbye forever, but goodbye for now. I just have a feeling that I will be back in Africa someday.
Now that Shauna and I are home, we are preparing for our next adventure together end of September. Can you guess where we are headed? STAY TUNED!!
My Favorite Africa Boutique – TAP BELOW
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