Shenton Safaris has announced that its flagship Kaingo Camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park will undergo extensive renovations following the close of the 2026 safari season.
Located on the banks of the Luangwa River, Kaingo has long been regarded as one of South Luangwa’s leading safari camps. Open between May and October, the camp is particularly well known for its exceptional guiding and outstanding leopard sightings. The property features just six chalets overlooking the river and offers guests access to walking safaris, day and night game drives, and Shenton Safaris’ famous network of wildlife hides.
The refurbishment will see all guest accommodation comprehensively rebuilt and reimagined ahead of the camp’s reopening in 2027.
The redesign will focus on creating more spacious suites, refined safari living and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, while retaining the authenticity and character that have made Kaingo such a favourite among safari enthusiasts.
The announcement follows the successful refurbishment of Mwamba Bush Camp, completed last year and praised by both guests and trade partners.
While details of the final design have yet to be released, guests can expect an elevated level of comfort combined with the quiet luxury and personalised hospitality for which Shenton Safaris is renowned.
For regular visitors to South Luangwa, the redevelopment represents an exciting new chapter for one of Zambia’s most iconic safari camps.
Q&A: Kaingo Camp and the Future of South Luangwa
Who runs Kaingo Camp?
Kaingo Camp and Mwamba Bush Camp are part of the Shenton Safaris portfolio. Shenton Safaris is one of Zambia’s most respected safari operators and a pioneer of photographic wildlife viewing in South Luangwa National Park. Founded by guide and conservationist Phil Shenton, the company is known for its small camps, exceptional guiding team and innovative wildlife hides, which allow guests to observe animals at eye level without disturbance.
How does Kaingo Camp differ from Mwamba Bush Camp?
Although both camps are operated by Shenton Safaris and share the same guiding team and wildlife-rich location, they offer different experiences.
Kaingo Camp is the larger and more luxurious of the two properties, situated on the banks of the Luangwa River with permanent suites and river views. It is ideal for first-time visitors to South Luangwa or those seeking a longer, more comfortable safari stay.
Mwamba Bush Camp is smaller, more intimate and seasonal. Located away from the river in a quieter area of the park, it offers a classic bush camp atmosphere and appeals particularly to safari enthusiasts, photographers and returning visitors looking for a more immersive wilderness experience.
How would I incorporate Kaingo into a Zambia safari?
Kaingo works particularly well as part of a wider Zambian safari itinerary. Most visitors fly into Lusaka before connecting by light aircraft to South Luangwa National Park.
A typical safari might include 3–4 nights at Kaingo Camp, combined with:
- Additional nights at sister property Mwamba Bush Camp, offering a more intimate and seasonal bush camp experience within the same wildlife-rich area; or
- A stay at another camp elsewhere in South Luangwa to experience a different habitat and guiding area; or
- 3–4 nights in Lower Zambezi National Park, combining South Luangwa’s walking safaris and predator sightings with the river-based activities for which the Lower Zambezi is famous.
Travellers with more time could also combine South Luangwa with North Luangwa, Kafue National Park or Liuwa Plain National Park for a deeper exploration of Zambia’s diverse wilderness areas.
Many visitors choose to begin or end their safari with a stay at Victoria Falls. On the Zambian side, there are some really lovely riverside lodges, while activities include scenic flights, sunset cruises, white-water rafting and visits to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Why is South Luangwa so special?
South Luangwa is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. The park supports healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog and numerous endemic species. It is also considered the birthplace of the walking safari, with guided bush walks pioneered here during the 1950s and 1960s.
When is the best time to visit?
Most camps are operational from May through to November with the landscape changing with the seasons. The optimum time tends to be July-September. Wildlife sightings remain excellent in October, but it’s getting hotter all the time. May and June are early in the season and therefore sightings can be a little more unpredictable as the landscape transitions after the long summer rains.
Why is the refurbishment important?
Kaingo has long been considered one of Zambia’s classic safari camps. The redevelopment represents an investment not only in guest comfort but also in the long-term future of one of South Luangwa’s most celebrated properties. By combining upgraded accommodation with the guiding expertise and authentic atmosphere for which Shenton Safaris is known, the new Kaingo aims to remain at the forefront of Zambia’s safari offering for years to come.
Image: Shenton Safaris, Kaingo Camp
