Introducing Lwenge River Camp: A Different Way to Experience the Kafue
- Tyrone McKeith
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 18
By now, you may have heard whispers about Lwenge River Camp, seen a few construction photos, or perhaps even received our latest rates and wondered:
"So, what's this new camp all about?"
It's a fair question.
After all, if you're already familiar with Musekese Camp and the wider Kafue National Park, what exactly does Lwenge bring to the table?
The answer is simple: the same exceptional wildlife area, experienced from an entirely different perspective.
A New Camp in a Familiar Wilderness
Opening on 15th August 2026, Lwenge River Camp is the newest addition to the Musekese Area.
While Musekese Camp is tucked away beside a peaceful lagoon, surrounded by woodland, Lwenge sits directly on the banks of the Kafue River itself.
Like Musekese Camp, Lwenge operates within the Musekese Area, a vast and remarkably wild corner of Kafue that is shared only between our two camps.
That means uncrowded game drives, exceptional guiding opportunities and the freedom to explore without the vehicle density that has become increasingly common elsewhere in Africa.
Whilst the river is undoubtedly a defining feature of Lwenge, guests will still enjoy the same outstanding game viewing that has made the Musekese area one of Zambia's most celebrated safari destinations. Lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant and countless other species continue to be the main attraction — the river simply provides another lens through which to experience them.
From camp, you'll look out across the water towards a large island (one of only a few within the Kafue River here) that attracts wildlife (and nesting Skimmers!) throughout the year. Directly in front of camp lies one of the area's most reliable elephant crossing points, where family groups regularly make their way from bank to bank.
Development in action
As construction progresses, it's been incredibly rewarding to see the camp taking shape. What started as sketches, ideas and plenty of discussion is rapidly becoming a reality, and we're excited to finally share a few glimpses of its development.
What Can Guests Expect?
Lwenge follows the same philosophy that has guided all of our camps over the years: comfortable accommodation, excellent guiding, thoughtful service and a genuine connection to the surrounding wilderness and conservation heritage that underscores this area.
Guests can expect five spacious safari chalets, welcoming communal areas and, perhaps most importantly on a hot Kafue afternoon, a swimming pool overlooking the river.
The thatched safari chalets are a good size, 11m x 6m with a veranda overlooking the river itself, nestled in the shade of the ebony and waterberry trees. Full power (solar), plugs for charging cameras, well-lit, fully plumbed water (hot and cold on demand showers) and even fans. The design was borrowed from our very successful Ntemwa-Busanga Camp rebuild guest rooms - as you can see here:
The emphasis remains firmly on the wildlife outside rather than extravagance inside. That said, there are certainly worse places to cool off while keeping an eye on the opposite bank for elephants!
Life on the River
One of the biggest differences between Lwenge and Musekese is the ease of access to the river itself.
Being situated directly on the Kafue opens up opportunities for water-based activities at a whim.
The river creates a wonderfully relaxed rhythm to the day and offers a refreshing contrast to traditional game drives and walking safaris.
Directly opposite camp lies a vast wilderness area that sees zero human activity! A vast tract of land, completely undeveloped. Depending on water levels and conditions, guests can explore this side of the river on foot, discovering a landscape that feels wonderfully remote even by Kafue standards.
Of course game drives are still available to their fullest extent too.
Front Row Seats to the Action
One feature we're particularly excited about is the Kamasot wildlife hide (available to guests of Musekese Camp and Lwenge River Camp).
Positioned to take advantage of the area's natural wildlife movements, it offers guests the chance to sit quietly and simply let the bush come to them.
Whether you're a photographer hoping for a different perspective, a birder enjoying a slower pace, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of watching wildlife undisturbed, the hide provides a wonderful alternative to being out on activity.
Sometimes the best sightings happen when you're doing absolutely nothing at all!
A Camp for Families
One feature we're particularly excited about is that Lwenge River Camp has no minimum age restriction.
For families travelling with younger children, that opens up opportunities that can be surprisingly difficult to find in the safari world and historically at our other camps (unless a full camp buy-out is taken).
Watching wildlife from within camp, enjoying a boat cruise together, a spot of fishing maybe, or simply spotting hippos from the riverbank and introducing young explorers to the wonders of the African bush — Lwenge has been designed to make those experiences accessible for families.
Of course, couples, photographers, special-interest groups (ladies groups, birders, Yoga retreats, etc.) and groups of friends will feel equally at home, but we're looking forward to welcoming a new generation of safari-goers too.
Perfect for Private Groups
Lwenge is particularly well suited to private groups.
Whether it's a family gathering, a celebration with friends, a photography group or a multi-generational adventure, the camp's layout and atmosphere lend themselves beautifully to shared experiences.
That said, the camp is by no means exclusively for private bookings. Couples and individual travellers seeking an intimate Kafue experience will find just as much to enjoy and as the T's and C's state - "individual bookings may be accepted only when no availability exists at Musekese Camp for the same dates".
Musekese Camp or Lwenge River Camp?
The truth is, it isn't really a competition. The creation of Lwenge was a strategic move to create an exclusive use region, all to ourselves at Classic Zambia Safaris.
Musekese Camp remains the heart of our operation in the Musekese Area and continues to offer one of Zambia's finest wilderness safari experiences.
Lwenge simply offers a different way to experience the same remarkable ecosystem. Both camps are charged at the same rates too.
Both camps benefit from exceptional wildlife, outstanding guiding and access to one of Africa's greatest wilderness areas.
Some guests will naturally be drawn more towards one than the other.
Many, we suspect, will struggle to choose.
Looking Ahead
With opening day on 15th August, excitement is building as the final pieces come together.
Lwenge River Camp represents something we've wanted to create for a long time: a camp that celebrates one of the most beautiful stretches of the Kafue River while complementing the experiences that guests already know and love within the Musekese Area.
We can't wait to welcome our first guests and share this special corner of Kafue with them.
Watch this space—we'll be sharing more updates as opening day approaches.
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