CHINDENI

Chindeni: Our View

Recognised as one of the Luangwa’s most luxurious bushcamps, complete with writing desks and solid wooden furniture, Chindeni caters for a client who wants a secure lodge, but one that also has a sense of adventure. In our view it lacks that sense of wild adventure that the Luangwa’s bushcamps are so famous. Subsequently we prefer the other Bushcamp camps. However for clients wanting a more secure camp than many of the bushcamps can provide, Chindeni is a good option.

The truth is that we have not seen the refurbished Chindeni and so are sitting on the fence with regards to our paw grading. Our issue is simply that the lodge appears to have lost its adventurous bush camp feel. However, when combined with other simpler bushcamp camps, this would be a great option for a luxurious start to the trip.

Chindeni: The Detail

Chindeni Camp, only six kilometres from Bilimungwe Trails Camp, is sited above a permanent oxbow lagoon, with a striking view of the nearby Nchendeni Hills.

The accommodation here is in large walk-in tents, each with wooden four-poster beds and en-suite bathroom facilities. Private verandas overlook the water and make a great spot for watching crossing elephants, sunbathing crocodiles and thirsty antelope. The central lounge and dining area is the focus of camp life with meals, sundowners and afternoon relaxation all taking place on its multi-tier decking. Walking safaris, day and night drives and scenic sundowners are all included in a stay.

Chindeni is a beautiful and simple tented bushcamp in the South Luangwa that blends perfectly with its surroundings. Resting on the edge of an oxbow lagoon and in the forefront of the Nchendeni Hills the camp is a short transfer by road from Mfuwe airport and 6 kms or an early morning walk from its sister camp, Bilimungwe.

Each of Chindeni’s four en-suite tents has its own raised veranda, the perfect viewing point for the huge variety of animals that frequent the lagoon’s waters all through the day. This is the ideal spot for the adventurous game viewer as well the less active who might want to relax from the comfort of their own room.

Wooden decking runs throughout the camp between the tents, the bar and the dining area. A lagoon side retreat provides guests with a spectacular vista of the lagoon for sundowners or an open air dining experience. Rooms are all kitted out with the modern luxuries you would expect, such as two double beds, hot water, shower and double vanities.

The camp is open from 1st June to 31 October and operates game drives both during the day and at night. Walking safaris are lead by a top Luangwa Valley guide and usually in the morning before an afternoon game drive. The exquisite setting of Chendeni next to the still waters of the lagoon and in amongst the evergreen forest with hills in the distance make it the perfect retreat for all types of safari lovers.