Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp, Lower Zambezi

Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp is an authentic safari camp, gathered around an acacia tree-shaded Bedouin-style central tent. The Lower Zambezi, the park in which the camp is located, is dominated by the Zambezi River which channels game into a narrow floodplain, resulting in unparalleled viewing opportunities. Arriving at Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp by boat from the local airstrip is a thrill as there is usually plenty of game to see on the way, and travelling to camp becomes part of the Zambia holiday adventure.

The seven spacious tents are set on teak platforms made from commercially grown forests and all have spectacular views over the river. Each tent has its own lounge area and viewing deck. Carved wooden tables and woven chairs complement the four-poster beds and canvas walls - this is camping taken to its most luxurious heights.

game drives

The area was only declared a national park in the mid-80s and is still very wild with big populations of waterbuck and buffalo. The park is dominated by the river which, combined with a dramatic escarpment, channels the game into a narrow floodplain where the game viewing opportunities are sublime. Morning and evening game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles are spectacular with chances to see elephant, lion, wild dog and hippo. The park is also home to a population of honey badgers – these small predators are named for their addiction to honey but it is their courage that is their most noticeable characteristic. So fearsome is their reputation that even lions and leopards give honey badgers a wide berth when they see them jogging through the bush.

Motorised Boating

One of the most interesting ways of seeing the game at Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu is from the water. Sanctuary has specially designed flat-bottomed motorboats that take guests up close to the game in great comfort. Seeing a big bull elephant towering on the banks from the nearby safety of a motorboat or buffalo wading the river channels, looking for fresh grass on the islands is a thrilling sight. Enjoying refreshing sundowners, Kulefu coolers, while watching the sun set from the boat is the perfect opportunity to marvel at this untamed wild area and its beauty and diversity. A common sighting in the area are the elephants who often feed on the islands in and around camp, as well as occasional herds of zebra and kudu. Impala flit through the grasslands like rust flakes on a pine workbench, adding a little colour to the bush.

Canoeing

Another exhilarating experience is canoeing on the Lower Zambezi River where Sanctuary Retreats’ experienced guides lead canoe safaris through the reed beds, byways and channels through the woodlands that line the river for intimate encounters with hippos and waterbuck. Canoeing provides the perfect way to experience the bush from a different perspective. If guests get tired of paddling, motorboats can always tow their canoe back to camp while they enjoy a cocktail on the deck.

Walking Safaris

Walking in the Lower Zambezi bush is quiet, informative, exciting and also remarkably rewarding. Sanctuary’s highly trained English speaking guides love taking guests on walks through the park as it gives them an opportunity to really show off their expertise! The guides show visitors all the sights, smells and signs of the bush on exciting walks along the animal paths that surround the camp. Walking safaris are conducted by a professional guide and an armed National Parks scout. The lovely open woodlands and grasslands are perfect for stalking a bull elephant and watching him pluck seedpods from the Winterthorn, or sucking water from a weed-covered channel whilst hiding behind a tree stump is a thrilling experience.

Fishing Excursion

The Lower Zambezi is home to the savage tigerfish, the most sought after game fish in the world and only when one has experienced the thrill and fight of catching a tiger fish first hand can one understand why.. Sanctuary has all the fishing tackle guests could possibly need and the guides to show them how to use it. Expert anglers will need no convincing but if guests only go fishing once in their lifetime, this is the place to do it. Fishing trips for game fish such as catfish, bream or the renowned tigerfish is on a catch and release basis. Sanctuary’s Zambezi Kulefu Camp combines luxury, exclusivity and style in one of the world’s most secluded wilderness areas.

Rates include:

• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Park fees
• Laundry
• Emergency medical evacuation
  
• The following activities: Morning and evening game drives, Walking safaris, Canoeing, Fishing, Motorised boating, Sundowner cruise
  

Access to Sanctuary Zambezi Kulefu Camp is by light aircraft to Kulefu Airstrip followed by a 15-20 minute boat transfer. The transfer may take longer depending on game viewing opportunities en route. Should the rains start early in October, flights may have to land at the Jeki Airstrip or Royal Zambezi Airstrip. The transfer from Jeki is 1 hour 30 minutes with an option of a 30 minute game drive followed by a 1 hour boat transfer. The transfer from Royal Zambezi is a 20 minute road transfer followed by a 2 hour boat transfer. Please note the luggage restriction is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag.