Chamilandu Bushcamp
- South Luangwa National Park, ZambiaChamilandu Bushcamp is located on the edge of the Luangwa River beneath a soaring ebony grove.
touch the soul of africa
Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands, Toka Leya Camp is splendidly situated in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Twelve spacious en-suite safari-style tents (including three family tents) with expansive decks soak up the dramatic views and active wildlife. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area, limiting our footprint on this pristine area.
The camp’s generous dining, lounge and bar areas offer scenic relaxation and are complemented by an infinity pool, a sundeck for sumptuous meals and a convivial fire pit for night-time gatherings. The novel pizza oven is a great hit with all our guests, especially the younger ones!
While Toka Leya’s location on the banks of the Zambezi River and proximity to Victoria Falls ensures a variety of exciting activities – including water- and land-based safaris and adventure pursuits – rest and relaxation is also a well-defined pastime here.
The Wellness Centre is a haven of tranquillity with a variety of spa treatments, such as massages, facials and nail care, while the gym and its panoramic deck is the ideal spot to practice inspired yoga or pilates.
A World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the most expansive curtain of water in the world. View its roaring waters, spectacular spray and a small rainforest that clings to the Falls’ edge, with a variety of mammals and birds. *A tour on the Zambian side is included in your stay; the view from the Zimbabwean side is at extra cost.
Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer sightings of general game species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino. There is also rich birdlife, including sought-after species such as half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco.
Whether a relaxing sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, there are scenic views and exciting wildlife to be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious boat. There's always an abundance of hippo and crocodile, as well as a few other surprises along the way.
Cultural visits to one of the nearby villages are respectful and insightful ways of learning about and interacting with the people and culture of this part of Zambia. The visit includes seeing one of the schools, a homestead and the village store. Guest donations have assisted with projects that focus on schooling and income-generating activities, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism in the area.
Tracking rhino at Toka Leya is an exciting way of getting up close and personal with these Endangered animals. Department of National Parks and Wildlife (previously ZAWA) scouts monitor the rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied by the scout. *Subject to availability of a ZAWA Scout and on request
Toka Leya’s back-of-house tour enables guests to gain an understanding of the camp’s eco-friendly initiatives. Energy saving is explained as well as how waste water is reused in the camp nursery which was established to rehabilitate the area. The camp’s worm farm not only assists in the degradation of organic waste but is the perfect fertiliser for the indigenous trees in the nursery – which are then planted in areas where they once grew.
Visit the local museum, markets and shops to get a glimpse of historic and modern Livingstone town. Guests may also visit the local village and school to learn about the people and culture of this part of Zambia.
Other activities on offer in the area include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, canoeing, jet boating and white water rafting.*These activities are at extra cost.
The Zambezi River hosts several varieties of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch. Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months (October - December). *Please note that a nominal park fee is applicable.
The Busanga Plains are famed for its productive prides of lion. Other predators seen here include wild dog and cheetah which are drawn to the prolific plains game of the area. Puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest are just some of these, while a special treat is the resident herd of roan antelope. As the floodplains dry out more and more game is attracted from the surrounding woodlands and it is then that zebra numbers increase and sable venture out onto the plains. Hippo are also abundant and often found in large pods in the channels. For those interested in birding, the park boasts 491 species, including as the endemic Chaplin's barbet.
