Kutandala Camp
North Luangwa National Park
When we think of true wilderness, it’s easy to imagine landscapes unmarked by human hands, where wildlife roams freely and nature’s rhythms are the only clock. North Luangwa National Park in Zambia is precisely that—a rare, untouched corner of the world that embodies the spirit of untamed Africa. Covering 1,790 square miles, North Luangwa became a national park in 1972. This remote sanctuary boasts the highest density of elephants in Zambia, along with robust populations of buffalo and lion. But it hasn’t always been the thriving wilderness it is today. In the 1980s and 90s, the park suffered from underfunding and poor management, leading to severe poaching that decimated its once-abundant populations of elephant and rhino. Thankfully, the tide began to turn in 1986 with the involvement of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). Since then, North Luangwa has become one of Africa’s best-protected parks, home to thriving wildlife populations and offering meaningful benefits to the local communities around it. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance to recover. Despite its remarkable recovery, North Luangwa has remained…
largely undeveloped, preserving its raw, untouched beauty. It’s a place where you won't find the bustling safari circuits of more commercialized parks—just pure, wild Africa. With only two camps in the entire park, Kutandala Camp is the first new development here in decades, offering a truly exclusive experience.
Set along the perennial Mwaleshi River, in the heart of the park, Kutandala is surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the escarpment and mountains. This interior area of the park is central to the rhino reintroduction project, and today, it’s the only place in Zambia where black rhinos roam freely. It’s a thrill to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat, and with the presence of lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo, North Luangwa has become the only park in Zambia where you can encounter the Big Five.
North Luangwa is part of the legendary Luangwa Valley, where walking safaris were pioneered by conservationist Norman Carr. Walking safaris remain the crown jewel of this region, allowing visitors to explore on foot and feel the pulse of the wilderness up close. At Kutandala, we’ll continue this time-honored tradition, but we’re adding a twist—taking full advantage of our unique location.
With just five tents, the camp offers an intimate atmosphere that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. Cool and agreeably spacious, the tents come with en-suite bathrooms, complete with flushing toilet and bucket shower. Indeed, the balance between comfort, authenticity, and simplicity is achieved masterfully, so you’ll feel as if you are on a proper safari while not enduring undue hardship. Electricity for lighting, for charging of camera batteries, and for the chilling of drinks is provided by an ingenious solar power setup.
In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to find places truly off the beaten path, North Luangwa stands out. At this one-of-a-kind experience at Kutandala Camp, you can witness the magic of Zambia’s last undeveloped big game wilderness. Discover a place where adventure still feels raw, nature remains wild, and the safari experience is as authentic as it gets.
AT A GLANCE
- 5 tents
- En-suite bathroom with bucket showers
- Early morning and afternoon game drives
- Walking safaris with armed guides
- All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities, laundry
- Solar power with charging facilities in main area
