Boasting one of the most picturesque locations of any bush camp in the Luangwa, Mchenja is set high on the banks of the river in a shady grove of mchenja (ebony) trees from which the camp takes its name. This northern section of the park is awash with animals and daily game drives offer wonderful sightings, from the baboons swinging in the trees to the predators stalking across the plains. A stylish tented haven, Mchenja perfectly balances a little bit of luxury with a true wilderness experience.
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Spaced out along an elevated stretch of river bank, Mchenja’s 5 chalets look out to the lawn and river beyond. Mosquito-netted windows in the octagonal tents allow a welcome breeze to pass through and all come complete with king size beds, comfortable armchairs and wrought iron wardrobes. Elegant roll top baths are the ultimate luxury, but if that doesn’t take your fancy, shower with a view in the open-air bathrooms.
The riverside location is simply beautiful and an afternoon in camp, watching the hippos in the river and the birds in the mchenja trees overhead is hard to beat.
If you’re keen to try an authentic Zambian walking safari but don’t want to forgo game drives, this is the place to visit as both are on offer most days.
Although very stylish, Mchenja is still a rustic bush camp and the facilities aren’t uber fancy; there are no fans or fridges in the rooms here – but there is a small swimming pool in the lounge.
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their properties. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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Mchenja Bush Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Zambia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Zambia trips featuring Mchenja Bush Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Zambia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Mchenja Bush Camp start from around $880, or US$880, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
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