Fit, adventurous types keen to get out into the bush on foot.
Beside the Mwaleshi river in North Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Mwaleshi’s four comfortable thatched bungalows are built anew every season using natural materials. They have en-suite bathrooms with traditional safari bucket showers, flushing toilets, and brightly coloured African fabrics decorating the double beds. Lighting comes from solar-powered lanterns. The communal dining room is an open-sided thatched structure which includes a polished wooden bar and small library of books.
Light breakfasts are served before early morning walks, with a more substantial ‘brunch’ of salads, quiche, cold meats and breads when walkers return. Hearty suppers are often taken outside near the camp fire by the riverbank, and guests eat together as a group to share tales of their the day’s experiences.
The main activity at Mwaleshi is walking safaris, with experienced guides taking guests out into the surrounding bush for 2-6 hour walks, including a stop for refreshments en route. Lion, buffalo and wildebeest are plentiful here, but the real joy of a walking safari is getting to know smaller species of mammal, insects and birds. The camp can organize specialist birdwatching walks too.
If you’re feeling energetic during your afternoon siesta, challenge the staff to a game of volleyball in the river in front of camp, but be warned, they’re tough opponents!