Shenton Safaris - Kaingo Camp | The Safari Awards

The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Shenton Safaris - Kaingo Camp

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Shenton Safaris - Kaingo Camp

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South Luangwa Park

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All you need to know

Intro

Kaingo Camp is one of the last owner-run safari camps in South Luangwa, set within the park, on the banks of the beautiful Luangwa river and in the best game viewing area.

Kaingo camp ia the creation of the Shenton family, which has a proud history of three generations of wildlife conservation in Southern Africa. Derek Shenton and his wife Jules own and operate the camps.

Derek has developed Kaingo into a camp well known for exceptional game-viewing in a beautiful, yet relaxed atmosphere. In spite of numerous opportunities to expand we have kept our operation intimate, Kaingo with 6 rooms to ensure our guests have an exclusive and unique wildlife experience second to none.

Fresh supplies for the camp are grown at the Kaingo plot near the Mfuwe airport. Guests to Kaingo are guaranteed a highly natural and personalized experience.

Highlights

Kaingo Camp is world-renowned for the unparalleled network of photographic hides designed by Derek Shenton, and for the quality of the guiding. It is perfect for keen photographers and wildlife lovers.

The photographic hides of Derek’s own design are a special feature of Shenton Safaris. These hides are guaranteed to get you close enough to the wildlife to take a whole host of stunning photos – in complete safety. We offer the following photographic hides:

  • Hippo hide
  • Elephant hide
  • Carmine bee-eater hide
  • A mobile hide
Need To Know

South Luangwa NP

Experts have dubbed South Luangwa one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, and not without reason. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa.

From our camps you will see abundant antelope, large lion prides, numerous leopards and impressive herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and hippo.

Close to 400 bird species and 60 different mammals have been recorded throughout the year; seasonal highlights include the spectacular carmine bee-eater colony, celebrated fishing parties and amazing quelea displays

Getting Here

Johannesburg, Dubai, Amsterdam and Nairobi are the most commonly used international hubs to Lusaka (South African Airways, Emirates KLM, Kenyan Airways).  

Domestic flights to Mfuwe (the domestic airport you fly to in order to visit us) are scheduled to line up with the international arrivals/departure. Luggage weight restrictions apply.

Transfers to and from Mfuwe airport are included in the rate. The drive to camp takes approximately 2 hours 40 min – most of which is game-viewing through some very pretty areas of the park.

Climate – Health - Clothes

Our camps are open during the “dry” season, from May to October.  The season is very short, and the game viewing is exceptional throughout. The weather is temperate during the early part of the season, cooler in July and hot in September and October.

We recommend layered casual clothing, in muted colours along with sturdy shoes. A complimentary laundry service is offered daily.

Zambia is a malarial area, although we are more than 15 km away from nearest villages which constitute the reservoir of malaria. Consult your doctor for the best prophylaxis.

 

Safaris

Shenton Safaris offer three game-viewing activities per day, adding a midday trip to one of the photographic hides.

Game Drives

Game drives normally last approximately three and a half hours and are offered morning and afternoon (as it normally extends into an evening drive). A third activity is run at midday each day, usually to visit a hide, a lagoon or ebony forest.

Bush Walks

Walking safaris were pioneered in South Luangwa national park and for many guests provide the ultimate safari experience. The terrain in the park is ideal for walking due to the constantly changing habitat. A typical walking safari lasts 3.5 hours, but is not strenuous as the ground is even and generally flat. 

Wildlife

Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile and Wild dog can be seen in the area around Kaingo Camp. Many types of antelopes frequent the area with two endemic species: Thornicroft Giraffe and Cookson's Wildebeest.

The area is brimming with exceptional bird-life, supported by a great variety of habitats.At Kaingo Camp, watch elephants crossing the river, hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun, or the endless birdlife. There are Bushbuck and Vervet Monkeys around camp and the local Elephant matriarch brings her family to feed and forage. 

Quick Facts

Average Stay

8 nights, split between Kaingo Camp and Mwamba Bush Camp

Average Price

Low Season (May/June) - US$835.00

Shoulder Season (July) - US$905.00

High Season (August - October) - US$980.00

In terms of what is included, everything is included - from the second you set foot down at Mfuwe International Airport to the second you arrive back there is not a single thing more to pay: all accommodation, all meals, full bar, THREE game viewing activities daily (most camps only offer two), and a daily laundry service and transfers. The rates also include the current South Luangwa National Park fees and the Luangwa Valley Community and Conservation Fund levy ($90 per person per night), as well as the VAT.

Single Supplement is an additional $290 per night added to the nightly rate.

 

Child Policy

Kaingo welcomes children 10 years and upwards. To be as flexible as possible we will consider children that are travelling under the age of 10 on a case by case basis.

Accommodation

Accommodation comprises of five chalets and one deluxe chalet, each with an outside bath and a private deck over the river.  All the rooms have en-suite facilities, are well ventilated, mosquito-proofed and silently lit by solar power.  These brick and thatch chalets are set discretely apart, each with a view over the Luangwa River. 

The large centrally located open-sided sitting room includes a dining area, library and Kaingo’s renowned thousand-year-old lead-wood bar.

 

 

Season

May 20th to October 31st

Best Safari Property Location

Mwamba ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

27-03-2025 @ 5:47pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

The whole team is so knowledgeable

27-03-2025 @ 5:47pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

The original walking safari lodge

27-03-2025 @ 5:47pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Fresh and delicious!

27-03-2025 @ 5:47pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Hearty, fresh and amazing variety!

ED from United Kingdom
27-03-2025 @ 12:32pm
Best Safari Experience

With Sly showing us the way, and the comforts of Kaingo, our trip to Kaingo in Zambia is our top! The sights and people are top notch.

V from United States
25-03-2025 @ 3:38pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Sly is the best safari guide we've had in our 10 safari's throughout Africa.

V from United States
25-03-2025 @ 3:38pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Chef Katherine created outstanding meal experiences!

V from United States
25-03-2025 @ 3:38pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Sylvester and Yorum are my favorites, but all of their guides are first rate.

GE from United States
25-03-2025 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Chef Catherine's food is amazing!

GE from United States
25-03-2025 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Property Location

This area is the best I've seen in Africa for predators

GE from United States
25-03-2025 @ 12:59pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Top class for many years !

MM
19-04-2024 @ 4:28pm
Best Safari Property Location

Such a great location within the park.

04-04-2024 @ 1:23pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Such experienced fantastic guides!

04-04-2024 @ 1:23pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Catherine's food is the best!

04-04-2024 @ 1:23pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Felt safe at all times

V
01-04-2024 @ 8:22pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Very healthy! Fresh salads!

V
01-04-2024 @ 8:19pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Patrick is the ultimate guide!

01-04-2024 @ 7:35am
Best Safari Cuisine

Catherine's food is the best out in any lodge or camp

01-04-2024 @ 7:35am
Best Safari Experience

We travel widely throughout southern Africa and we always save Shenton's until our last experience .... It is still genuinely wild.

06-03-2024 @ 12:59am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Always had an amazing safari, knowlegable and passionate guides especially Patrick

VC from South Africa
28-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Safari Experience

wonderful experence from the the start to the end of a safari

VC from South Africa
28-02-2024 @ 2:36pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Shenton Kaingo

V
26-02-2024 @ 11:21am
Best Value Safari Property

Shenton Kaingo

V
26-02-2024 @ 11:21am
Best Safari Experience

Obviously for me so memorable as I last visited a few years ago but still vividly recall so many stunning experiences during my time at Kaingo. Staff are exceptional.

VB
26-02-2024 @ 4:57am
Best Safari Property Location

Magical. Can't say more.

VB
26-02-2024 @ 4:57am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Guide was patient, knowledgeable and always happy to sit and wait for that perfect shot.

VB
26-02-2024 @ 4:57am
Best Walking Safari Experience

Felt completely safe when Ranger and Guide quietly directed our group around a pride of lions enjoying their morning rest.

VB
26-02-2024 @ 4:57am
Best Safari Cuisine

Chef and her team obviously care about quality ingredients and careful preparation of food which was so delicious, varied and healthy

VB
26-02-2024 @ 4:57am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Always expert knowledge and entertaining and kind.

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Value Safari Property

Return customer, allways worth every bit.

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Always high quality and fantastic variety of food, expertly prepared. Katherine can’t be topped.

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

Amazing wildlife seen and information given.

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Safari Property Location

Amazing on the river and deep into the park!

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Safari Experience

Overall, the best safari experience again and again, I will always go back!

25-02-2024 @ 5:10pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

22-02-2024 @ 8:53pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing food, well done Catherine & the team ????

22-02-2024 @ 4:18pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Simply The Best

22-02-2024 @ 4:17pm
Best Value Safari Property

Fabulous location

22-02-2024 @ 4:17pm
Best Safari Experience

SO many beautiful leopards spotted ... AMAZING days!

22-02-2024 @ 12:43pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

LOVE all the guides ... saw so many BEAUTIFUL amimals!

22-02-2024 @ 12:43pm
Best Safari Cuisine

D E L I C I O U S

22-02-2024 @ 12:43pm
Best Value Safari Property

Absolutely STUNNING property!

22-02-2024 @ 12:43pm
Best Safari Experience

a fantastic area with great viewing

V
22-02-2024 @ 9:27am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Excellent all round guides, very professional and helpful

V
22-02-2024 @ 9:27am
Best Safari Cuisine

M

22-02-2024 @ 8:53am
Best Safari Experience

Tranquil and full of wildlife. We saw everything and with no other vehicles around

22-02-2024 @ 8:48am
Best Safari Property Location

Amazing location, remote, beautiful and private

22-02-2024 @ 8:48am
Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing food and perfectly presented, particularly given the logistical challenges of the bush

22-02-2024 @ 8:48am
Best Value Safari Property

I must admit having stayed at many upmarket camps in Botswana Kaingo tops them all by a mile!

V
22-02-2024 @ 6:46am
Best Value Safari Property

wonderful experience

21-02-2024 @ 9:45pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Amazing treats at all meals with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Hard to believe they can produce such meals out in the bush.

V
21-02-2024 @ 9:41pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We have had a number of different guides, each one extremely knowledgeable, excited to share, and extremely attentive to their guests' needs and expectations.

V
21-02-2024 @ 9:41pm
Best Safari Property Location

The location of King along the banks of the river is amazing. The private decks on the river are a special place to observe the life on the river.

V
21-02-2024 @ 9:41pm
Best Safari Experience

King and Mwamba are our favorite safari lodges. There aren't words to describe the experiences, the game viewing and the incredible staff. A perfect place, a perfect experience.

V
21-02-2024 @ 9:41pm
Best Safari Experience

Viewing the spectacular nesting of the Carmine bee-eaters close up at the hide on the river

21-02-2024 @ 8:40pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Catherine is a first class chef, preparing and presenting an innovative variety of dishes with flare and humour

21-02-2024 @ 8:40pm
Best Safari Experience

Second to none, above others....

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Safari Property Location

Sited beside the reiver was phenomenal

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, sensitive to the needs of the group

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Walking Safari Experience

The lion hairball sighting was fantastic

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property

Very responsible and conservative with resources

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Value Safari Property

The location has no equal.

21-02-2024 @ 8:31pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Superb food in a relaxed environment.

21-02-2024 @ 5:49pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Robert is The Best - experienced and intuitive in sharing his passion and deep knowledge of the animals and their behavior.

21-02-2024 @ 5:49pm
Best Safari Experience

We were thrilled by unique sightings each day. The Carmine Bee Eaters as viewed up-close from the photography hide were incredible!

21-02-2024 @ 5:49pm
Best Safari Property Location

Diverse and rich game drive experience guaranteed! Gorgeous perspective over the river with views of the hippo and elephants at all hours of the day and night!

21-02-2024 @ 5:49pm
Best Safari Experience

Been several times. love the entire package of lodge, guides and location

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:46pm
Best Safari Property Location

Excellent variety of wildlife, very prolific for leopards.

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:46pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Knowledgeable guides skilled at accommodating guests preferences, very good with photographers.

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:46pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Lovely food, possibility of choice of dining locations

V
21-02-2024 @ 5:46pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Wonderful for photography

PB from United States
21-02-2024 @ 5:12pm
Best Safari Property Location

This is the best location out of 8 countries we have visited and mote than 40 locations covering 13 months of travel. As Australians trained as guides ourselves we are qualified to comment

20-02-2024 @ 5:24am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Wonderful with Shenton Safari’s. Great team!

20-02-2024 @ 12:05am
Best Safari Property Location

Inside the park! No driving an hour every day just to get to the park

V
19-02-2024 @ 8:12pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

We watched as another safari truck almost drive over the lions in the tall grass while following us! Yoram is the BEST and had located them based on the movement of the grass.

V
19-02-2024 @ 8:12pm
Best Safari Experience

Hospitality and sightings hit it out of the park! Food presentation was incredible. Cheers to Chef Kat and her team!

19-02-2024 @ 2:58pm
Best Safari Guiding Team

Excellent wild dog tracking, even when they were quiet. Great teamwork!

19-02-2024 @ 2:58pm
Best Safari Property Location

Gorgeous views of the river with hippos and Crocs! Every accommodation has its own veranda.

19-02-2024 @ 2:58pm
Best Safari Cuisine

Chef Catherine's creations are imaginative and delicious

GE from United States
19-02-2024 @ 2:10pm
Best Safari Experience

The absolute abundance of wildlife

ED from United Kingdom
19-02-2024 @ 9:55am
Best Safari Property Location

Game viewing location is the best in the Luangwa

ED from United Kingdom
19-02-2024 @ 9:55am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Amazing guides!

ED from United Kingdom
19-02-2024 @ 9:55am
Best Safari Cuisine

Best food ever had on safari

ED from United Kingdom
19-02-2024 @ 9:55am
Best Safari Property Location

Remote, game-rich location away from the crowds

AH from Zambia
19-02-2024 @ 9:07am
Best Safari Guiding Team

Fabulous guides - Patrick in particular

AH from Zambia
19-02-2024 @ 9:07am
Best Safari Cuisine

Catherine's food is remarkable - light, fresh and healthy. Not your typical heavy, game-rich fare you normally get in game lodges. Most of the fresh produce is grown in-house, including free-range egg

AH from Zambia
19-02-2024 @ 9:07am
Best Value Safari Property

The best safari experience

AH from Zambia
19-02-2024 @ 9:07am
Best Safari Guiding Team

the whole staff is excellent,but Patrick Niobvu is the best,in any sense!!

LS
24-03-2021 @ 7:05am
Additional Comments

An outstanding team providing a truly unique experience.

MR from Netherlands
20-03-2021 @ 8:37am

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