Takwela Camp – North Luangwa – Zambia

For those looking for the ultimate wilderness escape, Takwela Camp is for you. Strung out along the river bank at the confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa Rivers, this little camp packs a big punch! Only open from the 15th June until the 31st October, the height of the Zambia safari season, the lucky few that get to experience the wonders of Takwela are sure to come back again and again.

Zambia’s North Luangwa National Park is famous for its incredible walking safari. Until now the few camps present in the park have all centred around walking, Takwela Camp breaks this mould, offering guests the option of walking or 4×4 vehicle safaris allowing you to explore more of this amazing park than ever before.

Why not combine Takwela with a stay at the excellent Old Mondoro in the Lower Zambezi National Park and Royal Chundu near Victoria Falls for a complete Zambia safari itinerary.

Simplicity

Takwela offers just 4 reed and thatch chalets, built of local sustainable materials, using local skills. The chalets are rebuilt every year, and leave a very minimal environmental impact. Power to the camp is purely solar based. Each chalet offers an en-suite bathroom and a bedroom that offers uninterrupted views out to the river beyond.

The main “hub” (bar and dining area) of the camp carries on the simplicity of the rooms, with the focus always being the incredible view out to the river and beyond, this is after all why you are here, to experience Africa at her purest.

Takwela chalet exterior

Safaris

Takwela Camp offers exceptional game viewing opportunities. With only 2 other camps in the entire 4,636 square kilometres of the North Luangwa National Park, and some 50km of virtually private river frontage you will be truly spoilt. Lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, hippo and even wild dogs are almost common sights at Takwela.

Twice daily safaris are offered from the camp, early morning and in the late afternoon, coinciding with when the animals are at their most active. The morning excursions typically last around 4 hours with the afternoon excursions lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Takwela Camp walking safari

A little extra…

Zambia’s North Luangwa has long been know as a walking safari Mecca, and Takwela does not disappoint, offering guests the opportunity for daily walking safaris. However, in a first for North Luangwa, it also offers the option for all safaris to be vehicle based, in open 4×4 vehicles with highly experienced guides. The vehicle safaris give guests the option to explore a greater area of this remote park. Of course we recommend guests get the best of both and enjoy both vehicle and walking safaris.

Game drive Takwela lions

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Takwela Camp

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in rustic chalets

  • All meals

  • Selection of local drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

  • Twice daily walking safari with expert guides (limited 4×4 safaris are also included – usually pre and post the walking safaris)

  • Return airstrip transfers

  • Laundry

  • Statutory National Park Fees and VAT.

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from the Mwaleshi Airstrip

  • Select premium beverages and champagnes

  • Gratuities for camp staff and guides

  • Premium wines (need to be requested in advance)

Wildlife highlights:

  • Elephant

  • Lion

  • Leopard

  • Wild Dogs

  • Large herds of buffalo and pods of hippo

  • Huge flocks of carmine bee-eaters August-October

When to visit:

  • January – May: Camp Closed

  • June – July: Start of the winter months, sunny skies and warm days but cool nights.The bush is still largely green but turning drier. Low season rates apply.

  • August – October: Late dry season, temperatures warming up and extremely hot by October. This is the prime game viewing period, as the wildlife begins to congregate around remaining water sources. The Carmine bee-eaters are nesting in the river banks. Supply of rooms is low, make sure to book in advance for this time of year.

  • November – December: Usually marks the arrival of summer rains with higher temperatures. The bush starts turning green, migratory birds return and many animals give birth to their young.

  • Takwela Camp is in an area that experiences malaria – please consult your doctor regarding anti-malaria prophylactics.

Weather:

  • June – Average High 29ºC (85ºF) / Average Low 10ºC (50ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • August – Average High 31ºC (88ºF) / Average Low 12ºC (54ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • October – Average High 36ºC (95ºF) / Average Low 20ºC (68ºF) / Average days with rain 1