MCHENJA

Mchenja is the local name for ebony, and the camp is tucked into a shady ebony grove beside the Luangwa River in the heart of South Luangwa National Park.

Its five safari rooms (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family safari room) are pure, natural elegance with grass walls, soft cushions and light-as-air curtains. Each has a feather-top bed, large picture windows and open air en-suite bathroom with a bath looking out onto the river.

At breakfast, listen to a chorus of birdsong and laughing hippos. Between safari activities, relax in the refreshing pool overlooking the Luangwa river.

Pull yourself away from camp to track big cats through the bush with hushed voices and beating hearts. Night drives are always rewarding, with the bush revealing a different nocturnal surprise every time. At the right time of year, this is one of the best camps in the park for seeing carmine bee-eaters.