Time + Tide Kakuli Camp

Kakuli Camp  is one of Norman Carr Safaris’ remote seasonal bush camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. The camp is situated on a raised ridge at the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers and has spectacular views over the surrounding area. The Kakuli area is excellent for predators, especially lions and leopards. With a nearby colony of carmine bee-eaters, this is also the best camp for seeing these iconic birds as they move in magenta swirls across the sky. The minimum age is generally eight years although children under eight years of age may be accepted by prior arrangement. Please note children must be 12 years of age to participate in walking and boating safaris.

Accommodation & Facilities
Kakuli has four reed-walled rooms under thatched roofs and one two bedroom family room. Each has one roll-up canvas wall and a private open air en-suite bathroom made from natural materials. The bar and dining “chitenje” is constructed of reed and thatch, which forms the central point of the camp and has a deck extending over the grazing lawn to the front. There is also a ground level hide overlooking the lagoon at the front of camp which offers excellent, up-close, wildlife viewing. The family suite has two separate bedrooms with an interconnecting door so parents can easily reach their children while still maintaining some privacy.  A third single bed can be added to the second bedroom, allowing a maximum of five occupants in the family suite – two adults and three children. The two en-suite bathrooms are entirely separate, each with its own shower, vanity and toilet.

Eating & Sleeping
The chefs are happy to prepare any foods that children enjoy (e.g. pizza, hamburgers, chicken strips, etc.) and will discuss children’s dietary preferences with parents on arrival.  Specific dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice. If the family has a private guide and vehicle (which is automatic for families of five, but needs to be booked and is at an extra cost for less than five), they have the flexibility to come back to camp early to accommodate the needs of the children.  Should parents staying at the family suite wish to dine later, the camp can provide a listening/guard service whereby a member of staff or guard will sit on the veranda of the room, or inside if preferred, with radio and torch until parents come back from dinner.

Wildlife & Activities
During a stay at Kakuli Camp guests can choose from day and night drives in open safari vehicle, as well as guided bush walks. A walking safari offers families the chance to discover the bush up close and personal, experiencing it as the early explorers did (minimum age 12, and at the guide’s discretion). Game in the area is excellent with lion, buffalo and elephant regularly sighted. Guests also have a good chance of seeing leopard. In the green season (January to April) the activities are all by boat as the rives are full and game drives  not possible.  Kakuli Camp combines well with the other three Norman Carr bush camps in South Luangwa as part of a walking safari itinerary.

Specifically for children…
All the guides are child friendly and enjoy inspiring the next generation of world travellers and conservationists.
There are several activities that are tailored for children including:
• Children 12 years + can accompany parents on bush walks. Younger children are taken on child orientated ‘poo’ walks where kids can learn about all the fun and weird parts of nature.
• Sleepout Under the Stars – fall asleep under a canopy of a million twinkling stars, listening to the sounds of the night-time bush. A cosy tent, bush loo, culinary team and night watchman ensure that this experience is as comfortable as it is memorable. (Minimum age 8 years, at the guide’s discretion, and needs to be pre-booked).
• Visit to the Yosefe School in Mfuwe.
• Boating during the Secret Season between November and May.  Minimum age 12 years.